News Summary
Residents in Lexington and Richland counties are under a severe thunderstorm alert as potent storms with wind gusts up to 50 mph and marble-sized hail are expected. Doppler radar indicates strong thunderstorms approaching, prompting warnings for local areas including Columbia, West Columbia, and Irmo. The National Weather Service advises everyone to seek shelter and stay updated on weather conditions, particularly due to the risks of lightning and strong winds. Precautions are necessary, especially for those traveling on major highways.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in Lexington and Richland Counties!
Hey there, folks! If you’re anywhere near Lexington and Richland counties, you might want to brace yourselves because the weather is getting a bit wild! A report from the National Weather Service in Columbia, SC, came out on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. letting us know about some potent thunderstorms that are expected to roll through until around 2:30 p.m.
What’s Happening?
So, what can you expect? Well, get ready for winds gusting up to a whopping 50 mph and hail that’s roughly the size of marbles, measuring about 0.5 inches in diameter! That’s right, folks—those little icy balls might be coming your way!
Doppler radar showed us that a strong thunderstorm was brewing near Red Bank at 2:04 p.m. and it’s chugging along to the north at a speed of about 30 mph. This storm isn’t just a light sprinkle; it’s really packing a punch!
Where Can You Expect Impact?
The alert covers a range of areas, so if you live around **Columbia**, **Lexington**, **West Columbia**, **Cayce**, **Irmo**, **St. Andrews**, and several others including popular spots like the **Columbia Metro Airport**, **Riverbanks Zoo**, and even parts of **Harbison State Forest**, you should take this seriously.
Watch Your Surroundings
Wind that strong can easily knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items tumbling around, potentially causing minor damage. So, if you’ve got any outdoor décor or furniture sitting on your porch or in the yard, it might be a good idea to bring those inside!
Important Locations and Highways to Keep an Eye On
On the highways, be extra cautious if you’re traveling on **Interstate 126** (between mile markers 0 and 3), **Interstate 20** (between mile markers 47 and 71), and **Interstate 26** (between mile markers 94 and 115). All of these routes might see some difficulties due to the storm. Safe driving is key!
Lightning—A Real Threat!
Besides the wind and hail, let’s talk about the lightning! This storm is giving off frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, and remember, lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from where the rain is falling. That means even if you’re feeling safe at home, you should still exercise caution!
So what should you do? The NWS recommends that everyone seek shelter indoors or, if you’re out and about, get into a vehicle. The storm could ramp up even more, so it’s best to play it safe.
Stay Updated!
Keep your ears open! It’s wise to monitor local radio and television for any updates or maybe even more warnings. This storm could change quickly, and staying informed is your best bet for being prepared.
Did You Know?
Some interesting stats to consider: did you know that there are around 25 million lightning strikes across the U.S. every year? A significant chunk of those happen in the summertime, leading to about 20 fatalities annually. So, when you hear thunder, don’t take it lightly!
Driving Safety Tips
Oh, and while we’re on the topic, if you’re out driving in the rain, beware of hydroplaning! That happens when your vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to a thin layer of water. It’s essential to drive carefully, especially in stormy conditions.
So, everyone in Lexington and Richland counties, keep an eye on the sky and stay safe indoors while this thunderstorm rolls through. Fingers crossed that you all emerge unscathed with just a good story to tell!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Severe Weather in South Carolina
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Safety
- Storyful Video
- Google News: Thunderstorm Alerts
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