News Summary
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Newberry and Saluda counties until 5:15 PM, with possible wind gusts up to 50 mph. Residents are advised to take shelter and be cautious of hazardous conditions caused by the storm, including the risk of lightning strikes and hydroplaning on wet roads. The National Weather Service is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
Newberry, SC
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Newberry and Saluda counties, which is in effect until 5:15 PM. The warning was announced at 4:38 PM, with the potential for wind gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour.
Doppler radar has detected a strong thunderstorm currently situated over Newberry, moving west at a speed of 15 miles per hour. Residents in the area are urged to exercise caution as the gusty winds associated with the storm could down tree limbs and displace unsecured objects. Affected locations include Newberry, Prosperity, Newberry College, Newberry County Airport, Silverstreet, Stoney Hill, Newberry County Detention Center, Scurry Airport, Bush River Fire Station, Hickory Grove, Mid-Carolina High School, and the Belfast Wildlife Management Area. The warning also encompasses a stretch of Interstate 26, specifically between mile markers 68 and 80.
The NWS has advised anyone outdoors to seek immediate shelter inside a building to protect themselves from the severe weather conditions. Thunderstorms can be particularly dangerous, with approximately 25 million lightning strikes recorded annually in the United States, mostly during the summer months. These lightning strikes lead to around 20 fatalities each year, underscoring the risks associated with storms.
Safety Recommendations
As thunderstorms approach, the likelihood of lightning strikes increases, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. To ensure safety during such events, individuals are encouraged to:
- Find shelter inside a sturdy building.
- If no indoor space is available, use specific safety measures to protect against storm hazards.
In addition to lightning dangers, severe thunderstorms can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Hydroplaning, which is the sliding of vehicles on wet roads due to the accumulation of water, is a particular concern during heavy rain. This loss of traction can be caused by standing water in front of tires, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Driving Safety Advice
Drivers are reminded to practice caution during rainstorms by:
- Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Reducing speed to adapt to changing road conditions.
- Being particularly aware of large vehicles that may create additional risks.
Visibility can decrease considerably during heavy rain, so motorists are advised to use headlights and remain vigilant about slick road conditions, especially during the first 30 minutes of rainfall when roads are most slippery.
Continued Monitoring
The NWS is actively monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates and safety advisories as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take precautions to ensure their safety during this severe weather event.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Weather Updates
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- The State: Weather News
- Google Search: Weather Alerts
- MLive: Quarter-Sized Hail Alerts
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WLTX: Severe Weather Forecast
- Google News: Thunderstorm Safety
- MLive: Pea Sized Hail Alerts
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.
