Thunderstorm Warning in Greenwood: Stay Safe!
Good morning, Greenwood residents! We hope you’re sipping on your coffee and staying cozy. But wait—don’t put those mugs down just yet. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an important warning for our area this morning.
What’s Happening?
As of 7:20 a.m. today, a **strong thunderstorm warning** is in effect until 7:45 a.m. This storm is no joke! Doppler radar is tracking it moving eastward at a brisk 45 mph, and it was spotted just 16 miles east of Greenwood, near Lake Greenwood State Park.
Brace yourselves! Wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph. Along with that, you might see some **pea-sized hail**, measuring about 0.25 inches. If you’re outside, this is the time to consider getting inside—especially if you have any loose items like chairs or decorations that could fly around due to strong winds.
Areas Affected
It’s good to be aware of where the storm might hit hardest. Here are some locations you should keep an eye on:
- Greenwood
- Ninety Six
- Lake Greenwood State Park
- Lake Greenwood
- Greenwood State Park
- Ninety Six Historic Site
- Coronaca
- Dyson
- Epworth
Be Weather Aware!
The NWS also mentioned that conditions are right for the potential development of a very brief, weak tornado. While we don’t want to scare you, it’s essential to be prepared. If you see a tornado, or if a Tornado Warning is issued, take immediate action!
Staying Safe in Thunderstorms
Need some tips on how to stay safe during this weather? Here you go:
- If possible, seek shelter inside a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows and glass doors.
- Listen for updates from reliable sources about weather conditions.
If you are stuck outside with no options for shelter, find a low-lying area away from trees to avoid injury from flying debris.
Hydroplaning Warning
As rain follows this storm, we want to touch on another safety issue: hydroplaning. This phenomenon occurs when your vehicle loses traction on wet pavement, causing it to slide uncontrollably. If you find yourself hydroplaning:
- Keep calm, and do not panic.
- Lift your foot off the accelerator.
- Steer in the direction you want to go.
Remember, hydroplaning often occurs due to several factors like speed, tire condition, and the amount of standing water on the road. Keep safe driving practices in mind as we navigate through potentially slippery conditions.
Lightning Strikes
Finally, let’s not forget about lightning. Did you know that each year in the United States, there are a whopping 25 million lightning strikes? Most occur in the summer months. Unfortunately, around 20 fatalities happen annually due to these strikes, so it’s best to stay indoors when a storm is looming.
Wrapping Up
Alright, folks! As we sit tight and wait for this storm to pass, remember to stay safe and keep an eye on your loved ones. If you are in a storm-affected area, be vigilant, and listen for updates. This storm will pass, but let’s make sure we all get through it safely!
Take care, Greenwood!
Mays Contracting
