Thunderstorms Set to Soak Coastal Areas!
Good evening, residents of Charleston! It seems like Mother Nature is making her presence known today, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a fresh alert warning us about some strong thunderstorms sweeping through our area. As of 4:48 p.m. on Thursday, watch out for strong storms that are expected to hang around until 5 p.m.!
What’s Happening?
These storms are not just your regular summer drizzle. Expect penny-sized hail measuring up to 0.75 inches and wind gusts that could reach a wild 50 mph. Yikes! According to the NWS, Doppler radar has tracked a strong thunderstorm near Whitemarsh Island, and it’s moving east at a brisk pace of 35 mph.
This alert primarily affects areas like Coastal Chatham, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort County, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument, and more. Locations like Wilmington Island, Bellinger Hill Area, Hutchinson Island, Downtown Savannah, Midtown Savannah, and Thunderbolt should also keep an eye on the sky!
Stay Informed!
Make sure you stay tuned to your favorite local news source or the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest updates about these storms. As always, safety is the name of the game, and staying informed is a key part of that!
Thunderstorms and Lightning
Now, here’s something many people might not know: The United States experiences lightning strikes approximately 25 million times each year! Most of these strikes occur during the summer, leading to around 20 fatalities annually. That’s a sobering fact. The NWS reminds us that the risk of lightning goes up as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when the storm is right above our heads. Once it moves away, the danger decreases, but it’s best to keep safety in mind at all times.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips
So, how can you stay safe during this storm? Well, prioritize finding a comfortable indoor shelter. But if that’s not an option and you’re caught outside, here are some key safety tips:
- Stay away from tall objects: Keep clear of trees and power lines to avoid the risk of falling limbs.
- Seek low ground: If you’re near water, move away, as this can be more dangerous during a storm.
- Avoid metal objects: This includes bikes, golf clubs, and anything that can conduct electricity.
Hydroplaning Warning!
Speaking of driving, don’t forget about hydroplaning during wet conditions! This happens when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it out of the way, causing your car to slide uncontrollably on the slick surface. The three main culprits behind hydroplaning are:
- Excess speed on wet roads.
- Worn-out or under-inflated tires.
- Heavy rainfall leading to excess water accumulation.
So if you feel your vehicle start to hydroplane, keep calm, ease off the gas, and steer in the direction you want to go.
Final Thoughts
As the thunderstorm approaches, let’s ensure we are safe and sound by staying informed and prepared. Keep an eye on the weather, and take these safety tips seriously to make it through the storm unharmed. Keep those umbrellas handy, folks!
