News Summary
Residents of Western North Carolina are warned to prepare for strong thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has issued an alert for multiple counties, advising outdoor safety measures and caution while driving. Key areas, such as Hendersonville, are expected to experience high winds and potential hail. Ensuring safety indoors and being aware of hazardous road conditions, including hydroplaning, are vital as the storm approaches.
Thunderstorm Warning for Western North Carolina
As thunderclouds gather overhead, residents of Western North Carolina need to keep their umbrellas handy and their weather alerts on high. An updated weather alert was issued recently by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg, indicating that strong thunderstorms are heading our way. The alert came out late Wednesday night at 11:13 p.m. and remains in effect until midnight Thursday.
Which Areas Are Affected?
Communities spanning across several counties are bracing for the impact of these storms. The alert encompasses the McDowell Mountains, Rutherford Mountains, Greater Rutherford, Polk Mountains, Eastern Polk, Buncombe, and Henderson counties. Places that will likely feel the brunt of the storm include Green Hill, Black Mountain, Flat Rock, Horse Shoe, Tuxedo, Chimney Rock State Park, Edneyville, Bat Cave, Lake Adger, and Dana.
What to Expect
This storm isn’t just a light drizzle. Residents can expect pea-sized hail measuring about 0.25 inches and wind gusts that could reach up to 40 mph. Doppler radar has already spotted a formidable thunderstorm near Hendersonville, moving northeast at a swift pace of 20 mph. With winds this strong, there’s a reasonable chance that tree limbs may snap and unsecured items like patio furniture could be tossed around.
Stay Safe!
As always, safety is a priority. The NWS is urging residents who find themselves outdoors during this storm to consider heading indoors for shelter. This is especially vital since storms of this nature can lead to unpredictable conditions, including lightning strikes. Keep in mind that every year, the United States witnesses approximately 25 million lightning strikes, often resulting in around 20 fatalities. The risk of getting struck by lightning is highest as the storm approaches and peaks when the lightning storm is directly overhead, then drops as the storm moves past.
Driving Safety Tips
With stormy weather comes the potential for hazardous driving conditions. One particular danger is hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. This phenomenon is caused by water pressure building up in front of the tire more quickly than the vehicle can push it out of the way. Be cautious! Hydroplaning is often exacerbated by things like high speed, worn-out tires, and standing water on the roadways.
What You Can Do
To keep safe while the storm rolls in, here are a few recommendations: if you can, seek indoor shelter. Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary, especially if you are in an area where the storm is expected to hit heavily. Checking your car for worn tires or removing items from your yard that might be blown away can also help you stay safe.
As we await the storm to pass, let’s stay informed and be prepared. It’s going to be a turbulent night in Western North Carolina, but with the right knowledge, we can weather this storm together!
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Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WKRN
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Warnings
- WSMV
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impact
- WXII12
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm Damage
- Tennessean
- Google News: Severe Weather Tennessee
