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The NWS Columbia SC issued a report at 11:56 p.m. on Sunday for strong thunderstorms until Monday at 12:30 a.m. for Newberry and Fairfield counties.
The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 55 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
“At 11:56 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Newberry, moving northeast at 15 mph,” adds the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Newberry, VC Summer Nuclear Station, Prosperity, Blair, Pomaria, US-176, SC-34 Crossroads and and Mid-Carolina High School. This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 71 and 84.
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According to the NWS, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
This alert is in effect until Monday at 12:30 a.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 minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
- If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
- Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, 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.
- 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.
- 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 headlights – Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
- While on the road – Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
- Steer clear of puddles – Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
- Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles – Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers 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. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:
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- 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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