Thunderstorm Alert in Columbia, SC: Hold Onto Your Hats!
Hey there, folks in Columbia! Are you feeling that wind pick up? You’re not imagining things! Our friends at the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a thunderstorm alert this morning at 7:18 a.m., warning us to brace ourselves for some intense weather until 8:15 a.m.
What’s Going On?
According to the NWS, Doppler radar has been tracking strong thunderstorms that are making their way through our area. The storms are forming a line stretching from 8 miles east of Lake Greenwood State Park all the way to about 7 miles southwest of Ninety Six Historic Site. Talk about a storm system moving at 55 mph!
So, why should you take this seriously? Because these thunderstorms are bringing along some strong wind gusts—up to a whopping 50 mph! That might not sound like much on a sunny day, but it could easily knock down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying!
Where Are the Storms Hitting?
This alert doesn’t just cover a small corner of the city. It affects a number of locations including:
- Newberry
- Saluda
- Prosperity
- Newberry College
- Newberry County Airport
- Dreher Island State Park
- Lake Greenwood
- Little Mountain
- Pomaria
- Silverstreet
- Peak
- Good Hope
- Hollywood Elementary School
Don’t forget—I-26 is also included in this alert, particularly between mile markers 66 and 89. So if you had plans to hit the road, it might be a good idea to reconsider until it clears up.
What Should You Do?
If you’re outdoors when the storm hits, the NWS advises you to seek shelter indoors. That might mean ducking into a nearby building or even your car—just stay safe! If that’s not possible, just remember that things can get intense quickly.
Stay Safe with Lightning Awareness
Speaking of being safe, did you know that the U.S. gets struck by lightning about 25 million times a year? Yikes! Most of these strikes occur during the summer. On average, about 20 people lose their lives to lightning each year. The danger increases as thunder starts rolling in, peaks when the storm is right overhead, and gradually decreases once the storm passes. So, if you see dark clouds, you might want to hurry indoors!
Know About Hydroplaning
And while we’re on the subject of storms—be mindful of the roads! If you’re driving and start to feel those tires slipping, you might be hydroplaning. This happens when water builds up faster than your tires can push it away, resulting in loss of control. Here are the top three factors contributing to hydroplaning:
- Rainfall
- Speed
- Tire condition
If you do find yourself hydroplaning, remain calm, avoid slamming on the brakes, and gently steer into the direction you want to go. With the high winds and heavy rain, it’s always better to play it safe on the road.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, Columbia! Stay cautious, keep an eye on the weather, and don’t let a little storm rain on your parade—stay safe out there!
