Strong Thunderstorms Headed for Newberry and Fairfield Counties
Hey there, Newberry! If you’ve been outside this afternoon, you might have noticed the weather taking a turn for the dramatic. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, SC, just dropped a warning at 6:53 p.m. about some strong thunderstorms moving through our area, so it’s time to batten down the hatches!
What to Expect
These thunderstorms are packing a punch with marble-sized hail (about half an inch) and wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph. Isn’t that wild? The powerful storms are stretching a line from places like Blackstock to Blair, and they’re currently moving south at a brisk 10 mph.
The radar shows some serious activity in our neck of the woods. The specific locations affected include Newberry, Winnsboro, VC Summer Nuclear Station, Whitmire, Prosperity, and many more areas, so it’s best to pay attention if you live nearby! Some notable roads affected include:
- Interstate 26: Between mile markers 62 and 87
- Interstate 77: Between mile markers 42 and 48
This thunderstorm watch continues until 7:45 p.m., so keep those umbrellas handy! The NWS even suggests that if you’re outdoors, it might be a good idea to find shelter inside a building. After all, gusty winds could easily knock down tree limbs or send unsecured outdoor items flying.
Keep an Eye on the Sky
It’s pretty fascinating but also a tad scary to know that around 25 million lightning strikes happen across the United States each year, with most occurring in the summer. Did you know that these strikes lead to about 20 fatalities annually? That’s why your safety is super important during this kind of weather.
Be Prepared
If you find yourself outdoors and can’t get inside to safety, make sure to implement some precautions. Avoid being the tallest object around, stay clear of trees, and definitely don’t seek shelter under an awning—or anything that might blow away. If you’re driving, keep an eye out for water on the roads, as it can lead to hydroplaning.
What exactly is hydroplaning? It’s when a vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on a wet road due to water buildup in front of the tires. This creates a slippery layer of water and makes it harder for your tires to grip the road, which can be a scary experience!
Stay Safe!
So, what’s the takeaway here? With weather like this in the forecast, it’s crucial to stay informed! Monitor the conditions, heed local weather warnings, and keep your loved ones in the loop. Adapting your evening plans might be in order, and that’s perfectly okay!
It seems like a breezy evening ahead, but staying safe and dry should definitely be the priority. Let’s weather this storm together, Newberry! And don’t forget, if things get a little too intense, your best bet is to hunker down and ride it out safely indoors.
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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