UPDATE: Weather alert active for Upstate SC Saturday afternoon, says the NWS

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An updated report from the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC was issued on Saturday at 1:41 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2:15 p.m. The alert is for Pickens Mountains and Greater Pickens as well as Greenville County.

Brace for marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 1:40 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 3 miles east of Brevard to 15 miles northwest of Pickens. Movement was south at 10 mph,” explains the NWS. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Brevard, Rosman, Lake Toxaway, Jocassee Gorges, Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park, Pleasant Ridge State Park, Jones Gap State Park, Dupont State Forest and Gorges State Park.

The NWS comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. for western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.”

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This alert is in effect until 2:15 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases 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 menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
• Once indoors, avoid touching 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.
• When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
• If you are camping in an open space, choose a valley, ravine, or low area for your campsite. Remember, tents do not shield 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.

What to do in the rain on the road?

• Switch on headlights – Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
• 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.
• 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 is the term for when a vehicle begins 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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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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