News Summary
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for multiple counties in South Carolina, including Bamberg and Calhoun. Residents are urged to prepare for possible evacuations due to flooding from the Edisto River. The threat includes lightning, strong winds, and potential tornadoes, leading to road closures and damage reports from recent storms. Local authorities are on alert and monitoring the situation closely.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued in South Carolina: Residents Urged to Stay Alert
As the skies darken over South Carolina, many residents are feeling the impact of the latest weather advisory. A **_severe thunderstorm watch_** has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several counties, including Bamberg, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg, and Sumter. This watch went into effect on Monday at 5:40 p.m. and is expected to last until 9 p.m. tonight.
Lightning Threat Looms
During this time of year, the **_risk of lightning_** is extremely high with thunderstorms rolling in. Did you know that there are about 25 million lightning strikes in the United States each year? Most of them occur in the summer and cause an average of 20 fatalities annually, according to the NWS. Heads up folks! The danger of lightning often peaks just as the storm hits and tapers off once it’s passed. So, remember to take precautions when these storms arrive.
Flooding Woes in Bamberg County
Meanwhile, Bamberg County is currently facing its own challenges with **_serious flooding_** from the Edisto River. After recent rainfall records that surpassed 8 to 10 inches, the community is on high alert. Local authorities are advising residents to keep an eye on rising river levels, as the situation could lead to significant flooding in yards, ditches, and roadways.
Emergency Preparations in Place
To ensure residents’ safety, a shelter has been set up for those who may need to evacuate due to flooding. Public Information Officer Alisha Moore is urging anyone living near the Edisto River to prepare for possible evacuations. This means rounding up important documents and pets ahead of time. Local resident Matt Pendry is staying put for now, but he’s not taking any chances. He’s prepped his **_john boat_** in case of emergencies.
Road Closures and Monitoring
As flooding continues, major routes such as Hope and Squirrel Roads have been closed due to rising waters. Pendry mentioned how quickly the water levels rose during the early part of the week, and they show no signs of slowing down. Local authorities are on site, monitoring the situation and ready to provide resources for those affected.
Tornado Watch in Effect
Additionally, earlier today a **_tornado watch_** was issued for parts of South Carolina lasting until 1 p.m. This watch affected 12 counties including Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Edgefield, Lexington, McCormick, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter. With expectations of strong winds and severe thunderstorms, residents are urged to stay prepared as damaging gusts and even hail could be in the forecast.
Damage Reported
In light of the severe weather conditions, some areas have faced damages due to tornadoes. Reports are coming in about damages in Newberry, Fairfield, Richland, and Kershaw counties that are believed to have been caused by tornado activity. One notable hazard was confirmed to have affected the Bamberg area, where significant damage took place at a barrel factory and other structures downtown.
Concerns from Local Business Owners
As the community deals with these challenges, some local business owners, like Harry Talmage, find themselves contemplating the latest setbacks in their renovations. The tornado’s damage to his establishments has sparked concern about how it may affect his work moving forward. With the weather situation still in flux, the coming days will be crucial for residents to stay informed and adapt as necessary.
As we wait for the storms to pass, remember to stay safe and keep an eye on weather updates. Continued vigilance and preparedness can make all the difference!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
York County Residents Brace for Severe Weather
Deadly Storm System Devastates Midwest and Southeast
Myrtle Beach Faces Ominous Wildfires, State of Emergency Declared
Wildfires Rage Through Carolinas, Evacuations Intensify
Charleston Roofing Company Leaves Homeowners High and Dry
Table Rock Complex Fire Breaks Records in South Carolina
Wildfires Devastate South Carolina as Firefighters Battle Blaze
Outdoor Warning Siren Test Scheduled for April 9, 2025
Columbia Braces for Severe Weather as Storms Approach
Four Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Captured After Two-Month Escape
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Bamberg, SC
- WRDW: Flooding Tropical Storm
- WFXG: Bamberg County Flooding
- ABC News 4: Tornado Damage in Bamberg
- WLTX: Tornado Watch in Effect
