Thunderstorm Alert: McCormick and Edgefield Counties Prepare

News Summary

Residents of McCormick and Edgefield counties are on alert for a severe thunderstorm watch issued by the National Weather Service this evening. Expect gusty winds up to 50 mph and potential pea-sized hail. The storm is moving quickly, prompting local safety advisories to seek shelter as conditions worsen. With lightning being a hidden danger, it’s essential to stay indoors and maintain emergency supplies ready until the storm passes.

Thunderstorm Alert: McCormick and Edgefield Counties Brace for Rough Weather!

As the clock ticks closer to evening, McCormick and Edgefield counties find themselves on high alert due to a severe thunderstorm watch announced by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, SC. The alert was issued on Sunday at 6:22 p.m. and is expected to continue until 7:15 p.m., giving locals some time to prepare for what’s coming!

What’s Happening?

The forecast predicts powerful thunderstorms that could bring about some unwelcome surprises. Residents can expect gusty winds reaching up to 50 mph, which may be strong enough to cause damage. You might want to keep an eye out for pea-sized hail, measuring about 0.25 inches, as it could make a sudden appearance!

Just before the alert was issued, strong thunderstorms were being tracked on Doppler radar near Crawfordville, moving northeast at a brisk pace of 40 mph. This means that the storm is not lingering around; it’s on the move! If you live in or around the following areas, it’s time to take action:

• Bordeaux
• Broad River Campground
• Parksville
• Modoc
• Scott’s Landing
• Edgefield
• Knox Scout Reservation
• Double Branches
• Curry Hill
• Cleora
• Chennault
• Modoc Boat Ramp
• Plum Branch
• Bussey Point Campground
• New Hope
• Long Cane Creek Picnic Area
• Edgefield Federal Correction Institution
• Elijah Clark State Park
• Hickory Knob State Resort Park
• Lick Fork Campground

Stay Safe, Everyone!

With conditions like these, it’s wise to plan ahead. The NWS strongly advises that anyone outdoors seeks shelter indoors at the first sign of a storm. If you’re hanging out on or near Lake Strom Thurmond, it’s time to dry off and get inside a building or your car. The weather can turn dangerous quickly, and you certainly don’t want to be caught out in the open.

Did you know that striking lightning can travel up to 10 miles from a thunderstorm? Just because you’re not seeing flashes right above you doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. If you can hear thunder, you’re already within striking distance!

Lightning—the Hidden Danger

Speaking of lightning, it claims the lives of roughly 20 people a year in the U.S. during the summer months, making it a serious concern. Each year, there are approximately 25 million lightning strikes in the country, with the risk peaking as a storm approaches. Remember, the safest place to be is indoors, especially when the storm is overhead. The good news is that as storms drift away, the risk of lightning decreases too!

So, keep this in mind: the best way to ride out a thunderstorm is to stay indoors, keep away from windows, and make sure to have your emergency supplies close by. Dust off that flashlight, and find those storm snacks you’ve been saving. With the storm expected to pass by 7:15 p.m., it sounds like a cozy evening can still await you after the weather clears!

Stay safe, McCormick and Edgefield folks! Stay updated, stay sheltered, and let’s hope for a stunning sunset to wrap up the night!

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Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Hilton Head on Monday
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in Lowcountry, SC
Severe Thunderstorms Expected to Hit Hilton Head
Severe Weather Warning for Columbia
Severe Weather Hits Michigan: Thunderstorms and Ice Damage
Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Columbia and Lexington Counties

Additional Resources

• WJBF News: Tornado Warning Issued
• Google Search: Tornado Warnings Columbia Edgefield McCormick
• News 4 JAX: Weather Authority Alert Day
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
• WFXG: Strong to Severe Storms Move Across CSRA
• Google News: Severe Thunderstorms
• News 4 JAX: Stormy Sunday to End the Weekend
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Alerts News