UPDATE: Weather alert issued for Midlands early Sunday evening – gusts to hit 55 mph

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.

Read more UK’s Burnham pledges ‘relentless’ focus on illegal migration

The NWS Columbia SC issued an updated weather alert at 4:47 p.m. on Sunday for strong thunderstorms until 5:15 p.m. The alert is for Northwestern Orangeburg and Central Orangeburg as well as Lexington, Aiken, Barnwell, Calhoun and Bamberg counties.

Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 55 mph.

“At 4:47 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Citizens Park to near Williston to 7 miles north of Denmark. Movement was northeast at 30 mph,” states the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Williston, Blackville, Aiken State Park, Wagener, North, Springfield, Salley, Neeses, Perry, Elko, Woodford, Livingston, Windsor, Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve, Perry Airport and Thor.

Read more Severe thunderstorm warning active for Oconee County early Sunday evening

According to the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

This alert is in effect until 5:15 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

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 suggestions for staying safe 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, 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:

• Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
• Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.
• If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between 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.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.

What to do in the rain on the road?

• Turn on headlights – Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• 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
• Don’t tail large vehicles closely – Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
• Avoid flooded areas – When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding 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:

Read more Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Chester County Sunday – gusts to hit 40 mph

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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