Strong Thunderstorm Alert in Aiken and Surrounding Areas
This morning in Aiken, residents were met with the unsettling news of a strong thunderstorm warning delivered by the National Weather Service. Issued at 6:26 a.m., the alert remains active until 7:15 a.m., bringing some serious weather action our way!
What’s Happening?
According to Doppler radar, a powerful thunderstorm was spotted near Belvedere, making its way northeast at a whopping 55 mph. As this storm rolls through, residents should brace for wind gusts that could hit up to 50 mph. Not to alarm anyone, but gusty winds mean that tree limbs could easily become projectiles, and unsecured items might just become airborne too!
Who’s in the Line of Fire?
This weather warning isn’t just a localized issue. Several areas are feeling the storm’s effects, including:
- Aiken
- North Augusta
- Batesburg-Leesville
- Augusta
- Clearwater
- Belvedere
- Martinez
- Johnston
- Ridge Spring
- Glendale
- South Augusta
- Edgefield County Airport
- Midtown
- Summerville
- Daniel Field
- Augusta National Golf Club
- USC Aiken
- Aiken Municipal Airport
- Gloverville
- Graniteville
Drivers, you’ll want to pay attention too! The storm could impact major roadways, specifically:
- Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 198 and 201
- Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 50
- Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 3 and 15
- Interstate 520 in South Carolina between mile markers 16 and 23
Staying Safe During the Storm
For those of you who are outdoors, the National Weather Service suggests finding shelter in a building if you can. Remember, lightning is no joke. In fact, it strikes the U.S. about 25 million times a year, mostly during the summer months. On average, lightning kills about 20 people each year. Crazy, right?
As the storm approaches, the chance of lightning will ramp up, peaking while the storm is overhead. It starts to diminish once the storm has moved away. So if you hear thunder or see dark clouds forming, it’s a good idea to head inside!
Hydroplaning: What to Watch For
We know storms can lead to slippery roads, and that brings us to an important topic: hydroplaning. This is when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet surfaces. It happens when the water in front of your tires builds up more quickly than your car can push it away, causing you to ride on top of the water. Here are a few key points about hydroplaning to keep in mind:
- Slow down. Reducing your speed can help maintain traction.
- Avoid sudden movements. Steering and braking suddenly can lead to loss of control.
- Stay calm. If you feel your car sliding, try not to panic—ease off the gas and steer gently.
As Aiken and its surrounding regions prepare to weather the storm, let’s all stay vigilant and safe. Keep an eye on the skies, use caution on the roads, and don’t forget to check in on friends and neighbors!
Conclusion
Stay tuned for updates and take care out there, Aiken! Let’s hope this storm passes quickly so we can get back to sunny and delightful weather.
