Storm Alert in Orangeburg: Thunderstorms Bringing Strong Winds!
Hey there, Orangeburg! It looks like Mother Nature has decided to bring us a little excitement today. The National Weather Service has issued a strong thunderstorm alert for our area, particularly affecting Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, as well as Barnwell and Bamberg counties. So if you’ve got plans outdoors, you might want to reconsider.
What to Expect
The NWS alert, timed at 11:53 a.m. for a little while longer until 12:15 p.m., warns that we could see wind gusts of up to 50 mph today. Yikes! That’s not just a light breeze, folks. Just a minute before the alert, at about 11:52 a.m., Doppler radar picked up a strong thunderstorm over Blackville and near Denmark, pushing eastward at a brisk pace of about 45 mph. So if you live in areas like Denmark, Blackville, or around the Barnwell State Park, you need to stay alert!
Stay Safe Out There!
Now, let’s get serious for a moment. With gusty winds like these, there’s a chance that the storm could knock down tree limbs or blow around anything that isn’t secured. The list of potential impact zones includes not just the towns you’ve already heard about, but also areas like Hilda, Cordova, and Bamberg County Airport.
The NWS reminds everyone, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.” That’s solid advice! And if for some reason you can’t find shelter, there are a few things you should know.
Understanding Hydroplaning
You might have heard about hydroplaning but not really know what it is! Well, hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. It happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your vehicle’s weight can push it away. As a result, your tires lift off the roadway and slide along a slippery layer of water. Talk about scary!
Your Thunderstorm Safety Checklist
With all this rain and wind, it’s essential to be well-prepared! Here are some quick tips to keep in mind during thunderstorms:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If you’re driving, slow down and remain aware of road conditions. Avoid sudden movements that may cause loss of control.
- Stay away from tall objects, like trees and power lines, as they can fall during storms.
- If lightning is present, don’t take shelter under trees.
- Unplug appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
The Watched Longest
Just for a little perspective, did you know that around 25 million lightning strikes hit the United States every year? Most of these strikes occur during the summer months, and sadly, they result in approximately 20 fatalities every year. Remember, the probability of a lightning strike increases as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when the storm is above you and tapering off as it moves away.
Final Thoughts
So, folks, let’s stay safe out there! Be weather-aware, keep your loved ones informed, and remember to take precautions during today’s storm. Keep an eye on the skies and, as always, stay tuned for more updates as they come! We’ll all get through this together!
