Greenville-Spartanburg Braces for Strong Thunderstorms as Severe Weather Approaches

Greenville-Spartanburg Braces for Strong Thunderstorms

Hey there folks, we’ve got some pretty wild weather heading our way this Tuesday evening. The local National Weather Service has sent out a warning for residents in the Greenville-Spartanburg SC area about strong thunderstorms pending, and we want you to stay safe and informed. As of 4:34 p.m., these storms are predicted to continue until about 5:15 p.m. We could see wind speeds picking up too, with gusts reaching as high as 40 mph.

The radar shows a robust thunderstorm, about 4 miles southwest of Clemson, moving east at roughly 35 mph. The wind from this storm could be strong enough to knock down tree limbs, and any unsecured objects around your property might blow around. Be aware and take necessary precautions.

Areas on Alert

The areas likely to be majorly impacted by this storm include Easley, Clemson, Seneca, Central, Williamston, Northlake, Pendleton, Liberty, West Pelzer, and Norris. It’s best to stay indoors until the storm passes. Torrential rainfall is also expected, which could lead to localized flooding.

A very crucial message – avoid driving through flooded roadways. The storm may intensify, so it’s essential to stay updated with local radio stations and television for any important information or warnings from the weather service.

Those of you near the northeast part of Lake Hartwell, if you’re out on the water, it’s best to get inside a building or vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning. So do remember to find a safe place immediately.

Did you know that around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year? Yep, that’s heaps! And sadly, they result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes increases as a storm approaches and peaks when the storm is just above you. As the storm moves away, the likelihood does decrease, though. Here’s one again reminding everyone to take this statement seriously: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Stay Safe during a Thunderstorm

If you can’t find indoor shelter when a thunderstorm hits, do you know about hydroplaning? Hydroplaning is when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. It happens when the water in front of your tires build up faster than your car’s weight can push out of the way. The water pressure can cause your vehicle to lift and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires and the road. You might lose control of your car if this happens.

Hydroplaning is primarily caused by poor tire tread depth, water depth, and your vehicle’s speed. Do remember, if you find your vehicle hydroplaning, it’s essential to stay calm, ease your foot off the gas, and steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go. This should help you regain control.

Stay safe out there, folks!