UPDATE: Weather alert affecting Upstate SC Sunday afternoon, says the NWS

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An updated report from the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC was issued on Sunday at 1:59 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:45 p.m. The alert is for Oconee Mountains, Greater Oconee and Greater Pickens.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 1:58 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Walhalla, or near Westminster, moving northeast at 20 mph,” says the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Clemson, Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, Salem, Oconee State Park, Lake Keowee and Oakway.

The NWS adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. If on or near Lake Keowee, get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.”

This alert is in effect until 2:45 p.m.

What to do as threat of lightning approaches?

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.

Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:

To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows and doors.
Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group members.
If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.

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.
On the road – Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
Don’t tail large vehicles closely – Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
Avoid flooded zones – If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding 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. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:

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

United Robots South Carolina

UPDATE: Weather alert affecting Upstate SC Sunday afternoon, says the NWS

What to do as threat of lightning approaches?

Rainy weather driving tips

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