Columbia Residents Alerted for Thunderstorms
This morning, residents of Columbia woke up to a weather alert that quickly grabbed their attention. At precisely 7:18 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning about strong thunderstorms expected to roll through the area until 8:15 a.m. These storms aren’t just typical rain showers; they come with wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph!
Strong Thunderstorms on the Move
According to the NWS, Doppler radar tracked “strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles east of Lake Greenwood State Park to 7 miles southwest of Ninety Six Historic Site.” These thunderstorms are moving eastward at a brisk pace of 55 mph. Residents in the affected areas, which include Newberry, Saluda, Prosperity, Newberry College, and various locations around Newberry County, were advised to take precautions.
Potential Risks and Safety Measures
With gusty winds potentially knocking down tree limbs and blowing around any unsecured items, those living in the affected regions should be cautious. The alert covers a broad area including major thoroughfares like Interstate 26 (between mile markers 66 and 89). If you’re outdoors, the NWS strongly suggests finding shelter inside a building until the storm passes.
A Reminder About Lightning Safety
As thunderstorms roll in, lightning can be a serious concern. Did you know that lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year? In fact, thunderstorms in the summer increase the chance of lightning dramatically. On average, around 20 people die from lightning strikes yearly. So, if you can hear the thunder, it’s best to take shelter as the chance of lightning is greatest when the storm is overhead, and it lessens as it moves away.
How to Stay Safe During a Thunderstorm
While it’s always a good idea to seek shelter indoors, sometimes that may not be an option. If you can’t find a safe space, consider the following tips:
- ***Stay in your car*** if you are caught outside. It’s safer than standing under trees that could be struck by lightning.
- ***Avoid water.*** Stay away from puddles, pools, or rivers as water conducts electricity.
- ***Stay low.*** If necessary, crouch down to minimize your profile against the ground.
Understanding Hydroplaning
In addition to the thunderstorms, it’s important to remember driving safety during heavy rain. Have you ever heard of hydroplaning? It’s what happens when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. When water accumulates in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it out of the way, you may find yourself gliding on a thin layer of water, making it difficult to maintain control.
Preventing Hydroplaning
To prevent hydroplaning, remember these key factors:
- ***Tire treads.*** Keep your tires in good condition; they help channel water away from your vehicle.
- ***Speed.*** Reducing your speed in wet conditions can significantly decrease the chances of hydroplaning.
- ***Avoid sudden movements.*** Sudden turns or breaks can cause you to lose grip during a slip.
Stay Informed and Safe!
As we navigate through this weather, let’s stay safe and informed. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the road, keeping an eye on the weather can make all the difference. Keep those windows shut, secure any loose items, and stay tuned for updates. The storm warnings are set to be in effect only until 8:15 a.m., so let’s hang tight until things pass and, as always, take care out there!
