News Summary
Severe thunderstorms have recently struck the Midlands, resulting in widespread power outages and damaged infrastructure. The storms featured wind gusts of up to 75 mph and lightning across several counties, leading to significant disruptions. Residents were urged to take cover as the storms developed, causing nearly 9,000 outages in Lexington County alone. While the weather is expected to improve over the weekend, experts warn of potential flooding and further severe weather later in the week.
Severe Thunderstorms Strike the Midlands, Causing Havoc!
Midlands residents are recovering from a rough bout of weather as severe thunderstorms swept through the area recently, bringing with them surprising wind gusts and power outages. It all started on Friday evening when the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 5:46 p.m., effective until 6 p.m. Those living in Clarendon and Orangeburg counties were urged to take cover as lightning and fierce winds threatened the region.
Storm Details and Impacts
The storms were not playing around this time! They were found marching along a line stretching from Gresham to near Henry, on to Nesmith, and then near Salters at an astonishing speed of 75 mph. Residents were warned to brace for gusts reaching up to 60 mph, which can easily cause damage to trees and powerlines. Before long, the storm wreaked havoc across several locations including:
- Santee Cooper Regional Airport
- Santee
- Eutawville
- Vance
- Eautaw Springs
- Indian Bluff Recreation Park
- Rocks Pond Campground
- Blounts Landing
- Mill Creek Marina and Campground
- Foreston
- Interstate 95 between mile markers 94 and 104
Residents were advised to find safety by moving to an interior room or the lowest floor of their buildings. Safety first!
Watch Out for Potential Flooding
The storm was not just a simple thunderclap; the NWS also issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 5:47 p.m. that included multiple counties—Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Lee, Orangeburg, and Sumter—effective until 8 p.m. This kind of weather can bring more than just thunder; keep in mind that on average, the U.S. experiences around 25 million lightning strikes each year, with summer being the prime time for these light shows.
Damage Reports and Power Outages
As the storm passed, reports of damage started pouring in. In **Lexington County**, downed trees and power lines were reported, particularly near Swansea and along Highway 21. Meanwhile, in **Calhoun County**, tree damage centered around Highway 601. Additionally, **Clarendon County** saw its share of trees taking a tumble, while **Orangeburg County** reported downed trees on Watersprings Road and Sunshine Lane.
At the height of the chaos, nearly 9,000 power outages were recorded in Lexington County alone, while Calhoun and Clarendon counties combined saw over 5,600 outages, though this figure cut down by half within the hour.
Hydroplaning and Dangerous Road Conditions
For those on the roads during the storm, caution was crucial. Drivers were reminded that hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads, leading to potential accidents. Factors that contribute to this slippery situation include water accumulation, vehicle speed, and tire condition. So, for future reference, always pay attention when rain begins!
Looking Ahead: Better Weather Coming Soon
Good news is on the horizon! After the thunderstorm’s fury, the weekend is shaping up to bring drier and calmer weather, with temperatures expected to be in the low 80s during the day and cooler nights. But don’t let your guard down just yet! Another bout of active weather is predicted, and storm enthusiasts may find that another round of severe weather could be in the forecasts for later in the week.
Stay safe out there, Midlands!
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorms Strike the Midlands
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Thunderstorm Updates
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Midlands
- WLTX: Weather Impact Alert
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impact South Carolina
- WLTX: Severe Storm Potential in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
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