Charleston, SC Prepares for Severe Thunderstorms and High Winds

Charleston, SC Braces for Strong Thunderstorms!

Hey there, Charleston residents! Make sure you’re ready because the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a weather alert warning of strong thunderstorms zipping through our area. The alert came in at 3:05 p.m. on Thursday and it’s a good idea to pay attention because these storms aren’t something to take lightly! The alert is covering Inland Berkeley, Tidal Berkeley, as well as Dorchester and Charleston counties.

What to Expect?

Brace yourself for some wild weather, with wind gusts reaching up to a whopping 50 mph! Plus, we could see penny-sized hail, measuring about 0.75 inches in diameter. Yikes! Just imagine those little hailstones hitting your car! As of now, Doppler radar has tracked a strong thunderstorm over North Charleston that’s moving east at a brisk 60 mph. That’s speedy!

The NWS warns that gusty winds could easily knock down tree limbs or send some unsecured objects flying around. We might even see minor damage to outdoor items. Now, let’s talk locations; if you reside in any of these areas — North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Daniel Island, or even the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston, you need to be especially cautious! This alert also covers major highways like I-26 between mile markers 204 and 215 and I-526 between mile markers 17 and 26.

Stay Informed!

The alert is in effect until 3:30 p.m., and it’s super crucial to stay updated. Make sure you tune in to your favorite local news source or switch on your NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest information from the National Weather Service. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?

Lightning Safety Tips

Now, speaking of storms, did you know that lightning strikes the United States around 25 million times every year? Yep, most of those strikes happen during the summer! Not only that, but lightning claims the lives of about 20 people each year. As those thunderstorms roll in, the chance of lightning increases, and it peaks when storms are directly overhead. After that, it starts to die down once the storm moves away. So, what should you do? Well, here are some tips for keeping safe during a thunderstorm:

• If you can find indoor shelter, do so!
• Don’t stay under trees or in open fields.
• If you’re outside and stuck, crouch down with your feet close together, and cover your head.

Hydroplaning: What Is It?

Now, while we’re talking about inclement weather, let’s touch on an important topic: hydroplaning. This phenomenon occurs when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably along wet roads. Imagine water building up faster in front of the tires than your vehicle can push it out of the way. That pressure makes your car rise on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, which is not good news for any driver!

What to Do If You Hydroplane

If you ever find yourself hydroplaning, remember these steps:

• Stay calm and avoid slamming on the brakes.
• Ease off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want to go.
• Do not jerk the steering wheel or overcorrect!

So there you have it, Charleston! Stay safe out there and keep an eye on the skies. Let’s hope for the best as these thunderstorms roll through!