Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Batesburg-Leesville

Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Batesburg-Leesville

Hey Batesburg-Leesville residents! We’ve got some news that you’ll want to pay attention to, especially if you’re planning on heading out this evening. An updated report from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, SC, just came in, and it’s not looking too friendly. Strong thunderstorms are expected to rumble through our area until at least 9:30 p.m.. That’s right, grab your umbrellas and hunker down if you can!

What We’re Facing Tonight

As of 8:43 p.m., Doppler radar has picked up a strong thunderstorm nearby, making its way east at a pretty quick pace of 25 mph. So, if you’re in the vicinity, you might want to just stay cozy inside. The storm is packing some serious punch, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph and even marble-sized hail. Yep, that’s about 0.5 inches in size!

According to the NWS, this isn’t just some mild weather – you could see gusty winds strong enough to knock down tree limbs and scatter unsecured items in your yard or on your patio. Minor damage to outdoor objects is definitely a possibility, so it’s a good night to bring in anything that could fly away.

Areas Affected

The severe thunderstorm warning impacts several locations around here. If you’re in or around Red Bank, Pelion, Gilbert, Summit, Camp Kinard, Kneece, Samaria Fire Station, or Cedar Pond Campground, you’ll definitely want to be on high alert. And for those traveling, keep in mind that this includes Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 37 and 52.

Your Safety Comes First

The NWS advises that if you’re outside, you should definitely seek shelter inside a building until the storm passes. Remember, lightning is another big concern during thunderstorms. The U.S. experiences around 25 million lightning strikes annually, a lot of which occur in the summer months. Each year, these strikes lead to approximately 20 fatalities. The risk of lightning skyrockets as a storm approaches, peaking when it’s directly overhead, then it decreases as the storm moves on.

Stay Safe During the Storm

If you can’t find shelter indoors, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind during a thunderstorm:

• Stay away from windows and doors to protect yourself from flying debris.
• Don’t use electrical appliances or landline phones to avoid electrocution.
• If driving, pull over and stay in the vehicle, as vehicles are safer than being outside.

Watch Out for Hydroplaning

Also, if you do end up venturing out, be cautious on the roads! The danger of hydroplaning increases during heavy rain. Hydroplaning happens when water on the road causes your tires to lose contact with it, leading your vehicle to slide uncontrollably. It’s primarily caused by water build-up, your vehicle’s speed, and tire condition.

In the event that you find yourself hydroplaning, remember to stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want to go.

Wrap-Up

So stay safe out there, folks! Make sure to check on your neighbors, especially those who might need a little extra help. Keep an eye on the weather and stay updated for any warnings or alerts. Here’s hoping we make it through the storm with minimal troubles!