UPDATE: Thunderstorms with nickel-sized hail and damaging winds in Midlands Saturday

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At 5:35 p.m. on Saturday, the NWS Columbia SC issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 5:45 p.m. The warning is for Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda counties.

Be ready for nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 5:34 p.m., a cluster of severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near South Congaree to near Johnston, moving south at 35 mph,” says the NWS. “Expect damage to trees and powerlines.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Highway 6 at Lake Murray Dam, Saluda, Dreher Island State Park, Cedar Grove Fire Station, South Shore Marina, Oswald Park, Good Hope, Bundrick Island, Putnam’s Landing, White Rock, Rocky Point Recreation Area, Hollywood Elementary School, Delmar, Hollow Creek Public Park, Melvin Park, Lighthouse Marina, Lake Murray Marina, Shull Island, Siesta Cove Marina and Pine Island.

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The NWS states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Severe thunderstorms can produce large capsizing waves and frequent lightning. If on or near Lake Murray move away from the water and take shelter!”

This warning is in effect until 5:45 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 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 grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take 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.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
• Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.

What steps to follow when driving in the rain?

• 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
• Do not follow large vehicles closely – Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your 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 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 top three contributors to hydroplaning are:

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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

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