Thunderstorm Warning in Columbia, SC

Thunderstorm Warning in Columbia, SC

Good morning, Columbia! If you’ve stepped outside today, you might have felt that shift in the air. Well, that’s not your imagination—the National Weather Service has issued a weather alert this morning, and it’s time to pay attention! At precisely 7:18 a.m., they warned us about strong thunderstorms that are making their way through our area. This alert will be in effect until 8:15 a.m., so let’s break down what you need to know.

What’s Happening?

The NWS reports that Doppler radar has been tracking some intense thunderstorms stretching from about 8 miles east of Lake Greenwood State Park all the way to 7 miles southwest of Ninety Six Historic Site. The storms are racing east at a brisk speed of 55 mph, which means they’ll be upon us quickly! Residents can expect wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. That’s strong enough to cause a bit of chaos, so stay prepared!

Where Is It Impacting?

Those of us living in and around the areas of Newberry, Saluda, and Prosperity are in the direct path of these storms. Other affected locations include Newberry County Airport, Dreher Island State Park, and Little Mountain, along with several roads like US-176 and SC-34 Crossroads. It’s important to know that Interstate 26 between mile markers 66 and 89 is also in the impact zone—so if you need to travel, consider waiting it out!

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Now, let’s talk safety. The NWS advises anyone outdoors to seek shelter inside a sturdy building if you haven’t done so already. Remember, thunderstorms often come hand-in-hand with lightning, which strikes about 25 million times a year in the U.S. alone. Each year, approximately 20 people fall victim to these strikes, usually during summer storms.

If getting indoors is an option, that’s your best move! But if you find yourself caught out in the open, stay low to the ground and avoid tall structures like trees.

Driving Concerns: Hydroplaning

With the storms comes rain—and that means there’s a higher chance of hydroplaning. For those unfamiliar, hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle starts sliding on wet roads. It happens when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your weight can push it away. The key here is to stay calm. The top three causes are speed, tire tread depth, and water depth. If your car starts to hydroplane, you’ll want to gently take your foot off the gas and steer straight until your car regains traction.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Be sure to stay safe and stay informed about the storm’s progress. If you’re not under the weather but know someone who might be affected, share this information with them! It’s always better to be prepared and keep our loved ones safe.

Let’s hope these thunderstorms pass quickly and we can get back to enjoying our beautiful Columbia skies. Stay safe out there!