Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Newberry County

Good morning, Newberry residents! Early risers may have noticed a dramatic change in the weather as a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for our area. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, SC, sent out an alert at 6:21 a.m. today, warning us of strong thunderstorms lasting until 7 a.m. This means we can expect some wild weather to roll through our lovely town shortly!

What’s Happening?

As reported, a strong thunderstorm was tracked by Doppler radar near Clinton, which is about 9 miles southeast of Laurens. The storm is moving east at a brisk speed of 45 mph. Here’s the kicker: wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph! That’s enough to blow around unsecured items and even knock down tree limbs, so it’s wise to be cautious.

Areas that could be affected include Newberry, the Newberry County Detention Center, and Maybington Fire Station, among others. It’s also worth noting that this alert impacts traffic on major routes like US-176, SC-34 Crossroads, and even stretches of Interstate 26 between mile markers 62 and 76.

Safety First!

If you’re reading this from your cozy home, you’re in luck since you’re likely already sheltering safely indoors. But if you’re out and about, the NWS suggests you find a solid structure to wait out the storm. Remember, lightning is a real concern during thunderstorms, with roughly 25 million strikes occurring across the United States annually. So, if you see storm clouds forming, consider it a hint to find cover!

In case you’re wondering just how dangerous lightning can be, it claims about 20 lives each year. Lightning risk peaks when the storm is directly overhead and diminishes once it moves away. So, if you feel that rumble of thunder, it is not the time to be outside! Look for a building and stay safe.

What if You Can’t Get Inside?

Sometimes life is unpredictable, and you might find yourself stranded outside. If that’s the case, here are some quick tips to help you stay safe:

• Avoid standing under trees or in open areas. They may look tempting for shelter but can be a lightning magnet!
• Stay low! If you can’t find a building, crouch down low—keeping your feet close together and staying as small as possible can minimize risk.
• Steer clear of anything metal, like bicycles, fences, or even equipment. Metals can attract lightning.

Watch Out for Hydroplaning

With heavy rain often accompanying these thunderstorms, some drivers might encounter another hazard: hydroplaning. This occurs when your vehicle starts to slide on wet roads due to a buildup of water in front of your tires. Essentially, your tires can’t push the water out of the way quickly enough, causing your vehicle to lift on a thin layer of water. Momentarily losing control is certainly not something anyone wants!

To prevent hydroplaning:

• Reduce your speed when driving in rainy conditions.
• Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread.
• Avoid sudden movements—slow, steady steering is key!

Stay Safe, Newberry!

It’s certainly a wild morning in Newberry, but with some prudent precautions, we can all stay safe as this storm passes. Stay tuned for real-time updates on the weather conditions and look after your neighbors. Together, we’ll weather this storm!