Inclement Weather Warning Issued for Central South Carolina

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Dark storm clouds with lightning over Central South Carolina

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Inclement Weather Warning Issued for Central South Carolina

Good morning, Orangeburg! It looks like we’re in for some wild weather today. The National Weather Service (NWS) has just issued an updated weather alert warning residents of strong thunderstorms sweeping through the area until around 10:15 a.m. It’s best to stay aware, especially if you’re in Central Orangeburg or nearby counties like Richland and Sumter.

What to Expect

As of 9:32 a.m., Doppler radar shows intense thunderstorms streaking across a line from near St. Matthews to Lodge, with the storm moving east at a zippy 50 mph. So, if you’re outside, it could be a good time to seek shelter indoors. Winds could be gusting up to 50 mph, which can definitely cause some chaos like knocking down tree limbs and tossing around unsecured items.

The areas impacted by this alert include not just Orangeburg, but also places like Manning, Brookdale, St. Matthews, and Holly Hill. If you’re on the road, you’ll want to stay alert on major highways, including Interstate 26 between mile markers 145 and 169 and Interstate 95 between mile markers 85 and 124.

Stay Safe!

For those who are out and about, you should take this storm seriously. A Tornado Watch is also in effect until 1 p.m. for central South Carolina, meaning that conditions are favorable for tornado activity. So what should you do? Here’s a quick rundown of suggestions to keep you and your loved ones safe during these thunderstorms:

If you can get indoors, do so!
If you cannot find shelter, stay away from windows and seek low ground.
Listen for updates from weather authorities for the latest information.

Caution on the Roads

If you’re driving, be especially careful. Heavy rain can cause a condition known as hydroplaning, where your car glides uncontrollably on the wet surface. This happens when water builds up in front of your tires faster than the vehicle can push it out of the way. When this occurs, the vehicle rises up on a thin layer of water, causing you to lose control temporarily. The main causes of hydroplaning are:

Driving too fast for the wet conditions.
Under-inflated tires.
Tread wear on your tires.

If you ever find yourself hydroplaning, the best course of action is to remain calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Sudden movements could lead to a loss of control.

The Power of Nature

As we brace for our local thunderstorms, it’s worth noting that thousands of lightning strikes happen across the country each year. In fact, the U.S. sees about 25 million lightning strikes annually! Most of these occur during the summer months, contributing to an average of 20 fatalities each year. Remember that the closer a storm gets, the higher the risk of lightning; this risk decreases as the storm moves away.

Stay Informed

Whether you’re curled up at home or out running errands, make sure you stay updated about the conditions. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep those weather notifications handy, and keep an eye on your surroundings. Hopefully, this storm will pass without causing much trouble!

Alright, Orangeburg, let’s stay safe out there. If you have any storm stories or tips you’d like to share, feel free to reach out—let’s keep the community informed and safe!