Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Darlington and Florence Counties

An ominous sky signals the approach of a severe thunderstorm.

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News Summary

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for Darlington and Florence counties, with warnings of pea-sized hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph. Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors, as travel may be difficult and lightning poses significant risks. The storms are moving eastward and are expected to impact several local areas. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Darlington, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington, NC has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for Darlington and Florence counties effective immediately and lasting until 3:15 PM today. This urgent weather update was released at 2:34 PM as Doppler radar detected significant storm activity in the area.

The thunderstorms are anticipated to produce pea-sized hail, measuring up to 0.25 inches, along with wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. Such conditions pose various dangers including the potential for fallen tree limbs and displacement of unsecured items. The storms also carry the risk of causing minor damage to local vegetation due to hail.

According to the latest radar information, the strong thunderstorm was last observed at 2:33 PM over Lydia, near the Hartsville area, advancing eastward at a speed of approximately 20 mph.

Several locations are likely to experience impacts from this alert, including:

Hartsville
Darlington
Lamar
Mont Clare
Lydia
Auburn
Darlington Raceway
Swift Creek
Florence Darlington Technical College Main Campus
Oats
Floyd
Kellytown
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center

Additionally, travel on major highways may be affected. The following routes are under advisories:

Interstate 20 between mile markers 126 and 141
Interstate 95 near mile marker 146, and between mile markers 156 and 163

The NWS is advising residents and visitors in the affected areas to seek shelter indoors if they are outside. Proper precautions are critical during this time as lightning poses significant risks during thunderstorms. Currently, the United States experiences around 25 million lightning strikes each year, with a substantial portion occurring in the summer months. Annually, lightning strikes account for approximately 20 fatalities.

As thunderstorms move into an area, the likelihood of lightning increases, peaking as the storm reaches overhead and decreasing once the storm has passed. For those who find themselves without access to indoor shelter, various safety tips have been provided to minimize risks.

Drivers are also advised to remain vigilant as heavy rain and wind can contribute to hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to a buildup of water pressure in front of the tires. Key factors for hydroplaning include the depth of standing water, vehicle speed, and tire conditions.

This severe thunderstorm alert highlights the need for preparedness as storm conditions develop. The community is encouraged to stay informed and take the appropriate precautions to ensure their safety until the alerts are lifted. Residents should continuously monitor local weather updates and remain aware of their surroundings during periods of inclement weather.

As the storm develops, local authorities are expected to provide additional updates regarding its progression and any potential related hazards. The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public of any changing conditions until the alert period concludes.