Thunderstorms Expected to Hit Central Orangeburg with Strong Winds and Lightning Risk

Thunderstorms Roar Through Central Orangeburg!

Hey there, Orangeburg! Hold onto your hats and grab your umbrellas because we’ve got strong thunderstorms heading your way! According to the latest report from the National Weather Service, a thunderstorm is currently brewing over Blackville—right near Denmark—and it’s moving east at a speedy 45 mph. This alert is set for Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, along with Barnwell and Bamberg counties. So, if you’re out and about, make sure you stay safe!

What’s on the Weather Menu?

As of 11:53 a.m., we’re advised to keep our eyes peeled for sky-high wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph! Yikes! The NWS is warning that these gusty winds can down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying. If you haven’t secured your lawn chairs or garden decor, now might be the perfect time to wrestle them into safety!

Where to Brace for Impact

The locations feeling the brunt of this storm include:

• Barnwell
• Bamberg
• Denmark
• Blackville
• Barnwell State Park
• Hilda
• Cordova
• Cope
• Bamberg County Airport
• Edisto

If you’re in any of these areas, it’s a smart move to seek shelter indoors until the storm passes. The advisory is in effect until 12:15 p.m., so hopefully, it will roll through quickly with minimal fuss!

Don’t Forget about Lightning!

Now, here’s a shocking fact to chew on—every year in the United States, there are about 25 million lightning strikes! The majority of these occur during our hot summer months, and unfortunately, they can lead to around 20 fatalities annually. Those numbers might sound daunting, but understanding storms can help us prepare better!

As the storm approaches, the chance of a lightning strike increases and peaks when the storm is right above you. Once it starts to move away, your chances of getting zapped go down considerably.

Stay Safe During a Thunderstorm!

So, what’s your game plan if you’re caught outdoors with a thunderstorm rolling in? Here are a few tips to keep you safe:

• Seek Shelter: The best option is to get inside a building as quickly as you can.
• Stay Away from Trees: They might be tall and mighty, but during storms, they can fall or attract lightning.
• Avoid Water: If you’re swimming, fishing, or just hanging out near water, get out! It’s not safe during a thunderstorm.
• Listen to the Weather Alerts: Stay updated with real-time alerts on any changes in the storm’s behavior.

What Is Hydroplaning?

Speaking of staying safe on the road—if it’s raining hard and the roads are slick, you might hear the term “hydroplaning.” This is what happens when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. Essentially, when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your vehicle’s weight can push it out of the way, your car can rise up and glide on a thin layer of water. It’s a bit scary, and if it happens, here’s what you should know:

• Stay Calm: Don’t panic! Take a breath.
• Do Not Slam on the Brakes: Gently ease off the gas and steer straight.
• Let the Car Slow Down: As your vehicle slows, you’ll regain traction.

So, whether you’re hunkering down at home or bravely venturing out, stay safe, Orangeburg! Keep an eye on the skies, and remember—this storm shall pass!