News Summary
Residents of Orangeburg County should prepare for an impending wave of strong thunderstorms. The weather forecast predicts severe weather impacting areas including Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, and Calhoun County until late in the evening. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, along with the possibility of pea-sized hail. Local officials urge residents to seek shelter and stock up on supplies in anticipation of potential power outages and road hazards. Stay alert and safe during the storm!
Strong Thunderstorms on the Horizon for Orangeburg County!
Heads up, Orangeburg County residents! A wave of strong thunderstorms is headed your way, and officials are getting the word out to keep everyone safe. The latest report was issued just past 10:46 p.m. on Wednesday, letting folks know that severe weather will be impacting the area until about 11:30 p.m. Buckle up, because it looks like we could be in for some wild weather!
What to Expect
The alert includes parts of Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, and Calhoun County. Doppler radar is picking up a strong storm that is already nearby St. Matthews, moving at a steady speed of 15 mph to the south. So, if you’re in or around Orangeburg, Brookdale, St. Matthews, Cameron, or at the Prince of Orange Mall, you might want to think about taking precautions.
Heavy Winds and Hail
According to reports, wind gusts in these storms could reach up to 50 mph. That’s enough to knock down some unsuspecting tree limbs and send light debris flying around, possibly causing minor damage. And don’t be surprised if some pea-sized hail (about 0.25 inches) decides to join the party!
Stay Safe and Prepare
With the alerts rolling in, it’s a good idea for everyone to think about seeking shelter if they are outside. Safety first! Remember that thunderstorms can also lead to dangerous situations such as lightning strikes. Did you know that there are around 25 million lightning strikes across the U.S. every year? Each year, lightning causes an average of 20 fatalities. So as those thunderclouds gather, let’s make sure we’re staying safe!
Be Aware of Hydroplaning
Another concern during heavy rain is hydroplaning—the loss of vehicle control when you drive on wet roads with water pooling in front of your tires. The top three causes of hydroplaning include high speeds, worn tires, and wet surfaces. So keep an eye on the road conditions, especially if you plan on heading out during the storm!
Local Preparations Underway
Residents across Orangeburg County are getting ready for the storm. Many are stocking up on essential supplies, preparing for possible power outages due to fallen trees or limbs. The local Emergency Management officials are spreading the word about these outages, urging everyone to stay alert and ready. Battalion Chief Jonathan Winningham noted that weak trees and branches may strike power lines, leading to disruptions. As a reminder, there is also a statewide burn ban in effect due to the low humidity levels coupled with these high winds.
County Office Updates
In response to this severe weather, officials have announced that county offices will open later than usual at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. However, be aware that all convenience sites will remain closed as the storm rolls through. It’s a busy time in Orangeburg, so keep those plans in check!
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert!
With thunderstorms on the way, this is no time to be caught off-guard. Make sure you gather your essentials, find a safe spot, and keep a watchful eye on the forecast. Whether it’s stashing supplies at home or staying indoors, get ready, Orangeburg! Let’s ride this storm out safely!
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Orangeburg County
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Thunderstorm News
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- The T&D: Local Weather Update
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Research
- WLTX: Orangeburg Prepares for Severe Storms
- 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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