News Summary
Newberry County has issued a severe thunderstorm alert with potential tornado activity as residents are advised to seek shelter. Wind gusts could reach 75 mph, causing risks such as downed trees and power lines. The National Weather Service has warned residents to prepare for intense lightning and high winds before the storms pass, with emergency services on alert for damages. Safety measures have been recommended, alongside continued advisories in some neighboring counties.
Newberry County Faces Severe Thunderstorm Alerts and Possible Tornadoes
Newberry County is under a severe thunderstorm alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday evening at 6:59 p.m. The alert will remain in effect until 7:30 p.m. Residents should prepare for potential wind gusts up to 75 mph, posing risks of falling trees and downed power lines.
Current conditions indicate that a powerful thunderstorm, identified by Doppler radar, is located near Whitmire, approximately 16 miles north of Newberry. This storm is moving eastward at 20 mph, prompting specific warnings for the Whitmire area and along Interstate 26 near mile marker 62. In anticipation of these severe weather conditions, the NWS advises residents to seek shelter indoors, especially those who are outdoors during the alert.
Lightning and Wind Hazards
The imminent thunderstorm could lead to significant lightning activity along with the risk of high winds. During thunderstorms, about 25 million lightning strikes are recorded annually in the United States, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities each year. The probability of lightning strikes increases as the storm approaches and peaks when it is overhead. Residents are encouraged to take cover indoors and remain safe until the storm passes.
Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 mph, with forecasts predicting that stronger gusts between 60 to 75 mph may occur in certain areas, which can lead to extensive wind damage. Emergency services are on alert for reports of downed trees and power lines as a result of these winds.
Current Weather Warnings and Advisories
While some counties, including Fairfield, Lancaster, Lexington, and Richland, have had their tornado watch canceled, others still remain under watch until 1 p.m. Counties such as Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg, and Sumter are still under advisories for possible tornado activity. Previous tornado warnings were issued for Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland counties but have since been lifted.
Even after the thunderstorms pass, strong winds ranging from 30 to 45 mph are anticipated to continue throughout the evening. Specific areas identified as having a high risk for the strongest wind gusts include Lee, Sumter, eastern Calhoun, Clarendon, and eastern Orangeburg counties.
Preemptive Safety Measures
Due to the high risk of severe weather, residents in Newberry County and nearby areas are advised to charge all electronic devices in preparation for potential power outages and to secure outdoor items that may become projectiles in strong winds. Additionally, a statewide burn ban has been enacted due to elevated fire dangers resulting from dry conditions.
The strong winds across the Midlands already resulted in numerous power outages, affecting thousands of residents. Emergency services and power crews are actively working to restore service and manage hazardous conditions caused by the severe weather.
Context on Severe Weather
Severe thunderstorms can lead to dangerous conditions for communities, including lightning strikes, strong winds, and potential tornadoes. Newberry County law enforcement officials have reported widespread damage from recent storms and are coordinating emergency response efforts to address the impact of these severe weather events.
As severe weather continues to pose a threat in Newberry and surrounding counties, staying informed and prepared is critical for the safety of all residents.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- WLTX: Severe Weather Forecast
- Google Search: Weather Safety Tips
- ABC Columbia: Power Outages Reported
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- The Weather Channel: Today’s Weather
- Google News: South Carolina Weather
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.
