Severe Thunderstorms Hit Laurens County
As the clock struck 7:01 p.m. on a Friday evening, the folks in Laurens County were alerted to the brewing storm nearby. The National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg SC issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning, with the noisy weather making its way across the skies until 7:30 p.m. A little heads-up like this can truly make a difference when Mother Nature decides to show off!
What to Expect from the Storm
This storm isn’t your average rain shower; it’s packing a punch with nickel-sized hail—that’s about 0.88 inches—and winds that are gusting up to an astonishing 60 mph. To put this in perspective, that’s comparable to a strong tropical storm! The NWS noted, “At 7:01 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 15 miles northwest of Newberry, or 4 miles northeast of Joanna, moving east at 10 mph.” It’s crucial to stay informed, as severe weather can escalate in a matter of minutes.
What Could Happen?
The warnings indicated some precautions as well, reminding everyone to brace for possible damage to trees and power lines. This means if you’re out and about, it’s a good idea to take cover and keep an eye on the sky, as lightning could also be part of the mix. Did you know that lightning hits the United States around 25 million times each year? Most of those strikes happen during the summer months and the odds are that around 20 lives are lost due to these strikes annually, according to the NWS. Just a reminder to always prioritize safety.
Staying Safe During a Thunderstorm
The NWS provided some very practical advice on how to keep safe during a thunderstorm. When the storm is nearing, the most important rule is to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your building if possible. Storms can be unpredictable, so here are some tips to keep in mind:
- If you can’t get indoors, try to find a vehicle and stay inside with the windows closed.
- Stay away from trees, as they can easily be struck by lightning or fall during high winds.
- If you are caught in the open, avoid holding metal objects and stay low to the ground if necessary.
The Dangers of Hydroplaning
It’s also important to keep in mind the potential dangers if you’re driving during the storm. Have you ever heard of hydroplaning? This happens when water accumulates in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can displace it, causing your car to lose traction. In weather conditions like thunderstorms, hydroplaning becomes a real concern. Here are some tips if you find yourself in that slippery situation:
- Don’t panic! Ease off the gas pedal and avoid sudden movements.
- Don’t steer sharply; rather, gently steer in the direction you want to go.
- Keep your vehicle in a lower gear if possible and avoid heavy braking.
Stay Prepared!
As the severe thunderstorm warning looms until 7:30 p.m., it’s a great time for everyone in Laurens County to hunker down, stay informed, and keep safety at the forefront of their plans. With weather like this, it pays to be prepared and to know what to do when the skies turn dark. Don’t take your safety lightly—stay safe out there!
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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