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An updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Wilmington NC on Saturday at 3:37 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4 p.m. for Williamsburg County.
The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
“At 3:37 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Manning to near Salters. Movement was east at 20 mph,” according to the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Kingstree, Salters, Trio, Gourdin, Lane, Greeleyville and Williamsburg Regional Hospital.
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The NWS adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for northeastern South Carolina.”
This alert is in effect until 4 p.m.
How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:
- To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.
- If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
- Once inside, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
- If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
- When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
- Keep a distance from water, wet articles, and metal objects. While water and metal do not draw lightning, they are proficient conductors of electricity.
Rainy weather driving tips
- Turn on your headlights – Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
- While driving – Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
- Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
- Do not follow large vehicles closely – Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
- Steer clear of flooded areas – When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:
- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
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