News Summary
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes have raised safety alerts in the CSRA, particularly in Barnwell County. The National Weather Service issued warnings for high winds and localized flooding, advising residents to seek shelter. Reports confirmed at least three tornadoes struck the area, causing significant damage but fortunately no injuries. Residents are urged to stay informed about storm safety protocols.
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Alerts Cause Concern in the CSRA
In the lovely city of Barnwell, a series of severe thunderstorms rolled through, prompting safety alerts and assessments for possible damages. On Wednesday evening, just as the clock was striking 7:37 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm alert for Barnwell County. This alert remained active until 8:15 p.m. and warned residents to be on high alert due to wind gusts that could reach up to a lively 50 mph.
By 7:36 p.m., weather experts were tracking a particularly feisty thunderstorm located near Martin, which was just 9 miles southwest of Barnwell, making its way north at a slow pace of 5 mph. As one might expect from such storms, there was a real concern about the impact of gusty winds that could easily knock down tree limbs and send any unsecured objects flying. Residents in areas like Barnwell, Snelling, Kline, and even the Barnwell County Airport were advised to take precautions.
In a friendly reminder, the NWS urged everyone to find shelter inside buildings if they were outdoors when the storm approached. Thunderstorms can bring more than just a downpour; they significantly increase the chances of lightning strikes. In fact, it’s worth noting that the average in the U.S. is around 25 million lightning strikes each year, leading to approximately 20 fatalities annually due to these unexpected electrical phenomena.
Helpful Tips for Thunderstorm Safety
As thunderstorms roll in, the risk of lightning spikes dramatically, hitting its peak when the storm is directly overhead. It’s crucial to stay informed about safety protocols during these storms. For those driving, keep in mind the dangers of hydroplaning — this happens when vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads, which can lead to dangerous situations.
Just before this alert on Wednesday, another one was issued on Tuesday at 1:33 a.m. for strong thunderstorms affecting Barnwell County, staying in effect until 2:15 a.m.. This storm was reported over Sardis, located about 10 miles south of Plant Vogtle, moving east at a brisk 50 mph. The torrential rainfall from this storm raised alarms for potential localized flooding, prompting yet another warning from the NWS to avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Other areas impacted during these stormy times included Plant Vogtle, Sardis, Alexander, Kline, and Girard. Earlier on Tuesday at 10:35 a.m., a strong thunderstorm alert was also issued for Southeastern Orangeburg and Clarendon County, effective until 11 a.m.. Weather trackers noted strong thunderstorms rapidly moving northeast from near Holly Hill to Ridgeville at a speed of 50 mph.
Recent Tornado Reports
The Burke County tornadoes took parallel paths, stretching 4.35 miles and 3.08 miles in length, respectively, and measuring between 70 and 100 yards wide. Meanwhile, the Barnwell County tornado hit near Snelling at 7:27 a.m., registering peak winds of 80 mph and lasting just two minutes. Radar alerts triggered five tornado warnings across the CSRA early on Sunday, with a tornado also reported in Chapin, South Carolina, which was rated EF-1 with peak winds around 90 mph.
The impact was felt significantly in Paulding County, Georgia, where 14 homes reported damage due to trees falling from the EF-1 tornado. Damage reports included destruction to a Texaco station’s canopy along with various residential properties. The good news? Despite the substantial damage, no injuries were reported in Mitchell County from this tornado.
While severe weather can often be daunting, having the proper information and understanding safety recommendations can make all the difference. Prepare, stay alert, and always prioritize safety during thunderstorms and tornado warnings!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Weather Updates
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Weather Safety Protocols
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Weather Coverage
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- WRDW: Barnwell Meeting Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornadoes
- WFXG: Aiken County Curfew
- Google News: CSRA Severe Weather
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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