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An updated report was issued from the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Saturday at 3:24 p.m. for thunderstorms until 4 p.m. for Mecklenburg and Union counties.
“At 3:23 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with frequent lightning along a line extending from 4 miles southwest of Indian Land to 10 miles southeast of Rock Hill to 7 miles west of Lancaster, and moving northeast at 20 mph,” comments the NWS.
According to the NWS, “Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek higher ground if threatened by flood waters. Frequent lightning is occurring with these storms. If outdoors, try to get indoors or into a hard topped vehicle. Otherwise, stay away from open areas and isolated high objects such as trees. When indoors, stay away from windows and doors and avoid using wired electronic devices. Do not take a shower or bath. Try to unplug unnecessary appliances before the storms approach.”
This alert is in effect until 4 p.m.
What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
- To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
- If the sky grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.
- Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
- If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
- If you are camping in an open space, choose a valley, ravine, or low area for your campsite. Remember, tents do not shield you from lightning.
- Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.
What steps to follow when driving in the rain?
- Switch on headlights – Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
- While on the road – Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
- Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
- Give ample space to large vehicles – Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
- Avoid flooded areas – When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots North Carolina
This story was originally published August 1, 2026 at 2:45 PM.
