News Summary
Residents in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties should take immediate precautions as the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm alert until 6:45 p.m. Conditions include marble-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Thunderstorms are moving southeast from Trio and could impact local areas like Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Andrews. The alert emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter to avoid hazards such as hail and lightning. Stay informed and safe during this weather event.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Strikes Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties!
Attention, residents of Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties! You might want to grab your umbrella and head for cover—it’s time to pay attention! The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm alert that’s in effect until 6:45 p.m. today. Yikes!
What’s Going On?
As of 6:10 p.m., conditions are heating up, literally! The alert covers areas in Inland Georgetown, Coastal Georgetown, and, of course, Williamsburg County. Current weather reports are painting quite a dramatic picture—think marble-sized hail (around 0.5 inches, if you’re keeping track) and crazy wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Hold onto your hats, folks!
Where Are the Thunderstorms?
Radar has identified a cluster of powerful thunderstorms near Trio, which is just about 18 miles south of Kingstree. These storms are cruising southeast at about 25 mph. That means they aren’t too far from reaching more people in our area. They could easily impact locales like Georgetown Memorial Hospital, Lambert, North Santee, Sampit, Graves, Earle, Andrews, and Georgetown itself.
Why You Need to Take This Seriously
The weather isn’t just putting on a show; it’s dangerous too! The gusty winds can knock tree limbs down, and anything that’s not secured could get tossed around. You might even experience some minor hail damage to your plants and yard. So, if you enjoy your blossoming azaleas, maybe consider giving them a little extra TLC before things get wild out there.
Time to Seek Shelter
The overarching message is clear: if you’re outdoors when these storms hit, it’s best to find safety inside. The NWS recommends heading indoors right away! Not only is there a chance of hail, but also the potential for *brief funnel clouds*—scary to think about, right? They’re usually harmless but can pack a punch with wind gusts sometimes exceeding 50 mph. If by chance you spot one, definitely move inside and let the NWS know!
Lightning Strikes—Be Aware!
Let’s not forget about the lightning flashing across the sky, which is happening continuously with these storms. Lightning is oftentimes one of nature’s deadliest forces with around 25 million strikes happening in the U.S. each year. While the danger decreases once the storm passes, it’s crucial to remain cautious when the storm is overhead. Never underestimate the power of lightning—it is responsible for about 20 annual fatalities!
Driving Dangers & Safety Tips
And if you’re thinking about hitting the road, here’s a tip: be careful! Hydroplaning can happen if a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads—yikes! Make sure your vehicle is suitable for these conditions if you venture out.
A Little Good News
Now, while the NWS alert is in effect until 6:45 p.m., it’s worth noting that the storm has weakened a bit. That said, small hail is still on the table. So, keep your eyes open and stay safe!
Report It!
If you experience any hail or wind damage, don’t hesitate to report it! Reach out to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington by calling 1-800-697-3901. They want to hear from you!
Stay alert, keep your loved ones safe, and let’s weather the storm together, Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties!
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Additional Resources
- CountOn2: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather News Article
- Google Search: Severe Weather Warnings
- Herald Online: Weather News Article
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Alerts
- WLKY: Severe Weather Alert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Live 5 News: First Alert Tornado Watch
- Google News: Severe Weather
