Thunderstorms Roll Through Laurens County
If you’re in Laurens County, South Carolina today, you might have noticed some rumbling thunder and dark clouds forming overhead. At 4:49 p.m. this Thursday, an alert came out from the National Weather Service (NWS) announcing that strong thunderstorms are rolling into the area, and folks should be aware of what to expect up until 5:15 p.m. Get ready for some pea-sized hail (around 0.25 inches) and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph – definitely not a day for outdoor activities!
What’s Happening?
The NWS reported that their Doppler radar tracked a robust thunderstorm about 11 miles northwest of Newberry, near Joanna, and this storm is moving east at a swift pace of 15 mph. Not surprisingly, they’ve issued this alert specifically for the towns of Joanna, Clinton, and Kinards, so if you live in or near those areas, make sure you keep an eye on the skies.
According to the NWS, “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” so ensure you’ve tucked away any lightweight garden furniture or decorations. Even if it’s just the kids’ toys in the yard, it’s a good idea to bring them inside to avoid potential damage.
And let’s not forget about the rain! This storm is expected to bring torrential rainfall that can lead to localized flooding. If you’re thinking about heading out on the roads, it’s best to steer clear of flooded areas. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways,” the alert advises, and that’s definitely sound advice. Safety should always come first!
Lightning Strikes – A Serious Concern
What’s really interesting, though, is how lightning often goes hand in hand with thunderstorms. Did you know that lightning hits the United States around 25 million times each year? That’s an average of 20 fatalities annually during the summer months. The chance of lightning really ramps up as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead, and then gradually decreases as the storm passes. Staying indoors during such storms is crucial!
Staying Safe
When it comes to staying safe during a thunderstorm, here are some practical tips: If you’re stuck outdoors without a building nearby, look for nearby structures like bus stops or large trees to help shield you, although staying away from trees is usually recommended due to the risk of lightning.
Understanding Hydroplaning
Now, if you must drive during the storm and the roads get slick, it’s essential to be aware of hydroplaning. This is when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads, which can be pretty scary! Think of it like this: when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it aside, the pressure causes your car to rise on a thin layer of water between the tires and the ground. That’s when you lose control.
Hydroplaning is most commonly linked to three primary factors: the amount of water on the road, tire tread depth, and speed. If you ever find yourself hydroplaning, remember to stay calm, ease off the gas, and steer in the direction you want to go. Don’t slam on the brakes! Keeping your cool really helps in these tense situations.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to get anxious during a storm, but it’s all about being prepared and knowing what to do. Make sure to keep an eye on the skies, stay connected to weather updates, and prioritize your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Thunderstorms can be intense, but with the right precautions, you can ride them out safely!
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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