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\u26c8\ufe0f Strong thunderstorms threaten Western North Carolina on Thursday<\/strong><\/p>\n The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina<\/strong>, has issued a severe thunderstorm alert<\/strong> for parts of Western North Carolina<\/strong> this Thursday afternoon<\/strong>, including Greater Burke<\/strong>, Eastern McDowell<\/strong>, and Greater Rutherford<\/strong> counties. The warning remains in effect until 5:30 p.m. EDT<\/strong>.<\/p>\n As of 4:55 p.m.<\/strong>, Doppler radar<\/strong> tracked a strong storm cell approximately 11 miles southeast of Marion<\/strong>, pushing northeast at 15 mph<\/strong>. The storm is capable of producing marble-sized hail (0.5 inches in diameter)<\/strong> and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The warning covers areas such as South Mountains State Park<\/strong> and Dysartsville<\/strong>. According to the NWS<\/strong>, \u201cgusty winds<\/strong> could knock down tree limbs<\/strong> and blow around unsecured objects<\/strong>. Minor hail damage<\/strong> to outdoor items is also possible.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u26a1 Lightning safety tips during thunderstorm activity<\/strong><\/p>\n Lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times each year<\/strong>, mostly during summer months<\/strong>, and causes around 20 deaths annually<\/strong>. The risk of a lightning strike increases significantly as a storm approaches<\/strong>, peaking when the storm is overhead<\/strong>, and decreasing once it moves away.<\/p>\n To stay safe<\/strong>, if you’re outdoors<\/strong> and a storm is approaching, have a plan<\/strong> to reach shelter. When thunder is heard<\/strong>, find indoor refuge immediately<\/strong>. Once inside, avoid corded phones<\/strong>, electrical appliances<\/strong>, plumbing<\/strong>, and metal-framed windows or doors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap<\/strong> before going outside again.<\/p>\n If shelter isn\u2019t available<\/strong>, avoid open fields<\/strong>, hilltops<\/strong>, and isolated tall objects<\/strong>. In wooded areas, stick close to shorter trees<\/strong>. While in groups, spread out<\/strong> to avoid multiple injuries from a single strike. Do not camp on high ground<\/strong>; use valleys or low areas<\/strong> instead. Avoid contact with metal<\/strong>, water<\/strong>, and wet materials<\/strong>, as these are highly conductive<\/strong>, even though they do not attract lightning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ud83d\ude97 Driving in rain: how to stay safe<\/strong><\/p>\n If you’re on the road during the storm<\/strong>, turn on your headlights<\/strong>\u2014even during daylight\u2014to improve visibility<\/strong> and help others see your vehicle. Stick to middle lanes<\/strong> and elevated roads<\/strong>, since water tends to pool along shoulders and dips<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Avoid puddles<\/strong> and low-lying flooded areas<\/strong>, which increase the risk of hydroplaning<\/strong> or even losing control<\/strong> of your vehicle. Steer clear of larger vehicles<\/strong> such as trucks or buses, whose spray can reduce your visibility<\/strong> drastically. Never attempt to drive through deep water<\/strong>, which may damage your vehicle’s engine or electronics<\/strong> and sweep it off the road<\/strong> due to strong current.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ud83d\udca7 What is hydroplaning and how to handle it<\/strong><\/p>\n Hydroplaning<\/strong> occurs when a vehicle glides on a thin layer of water<\/strong>, losing contact with the road. This phenomenon is caused by water building up faster than tires can displace it<\/strong>, resulting in a dangerous loss of traction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Main contributors to hydroplaning<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n If your vehicle begins to hydroplane<\/strong>, ease off the accelerator<\/strong>\u2014do not brake hard. Steer gently in the direction of the skid<\/strong> until you regain traction<\/strong>. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes<\/strong>, apply them normally. Otherwise, pump brakes softly<\/strong> until control is restored.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ud83c\udf29\ufe0f Reminder<\/strong><\/p>\n This weather alert<\/strong> is valid until 5:30 p.m.<\/strong> on Thursday<\/strong>. Residents and travelers in Western North Carolina<\/strong>, particularly near South Mountains State Park<\/strong>, should remain vigilant<\/strong>, monitor local TV and radio stations<\/strong>, and be prepared for intensifying storm conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u26c8\ufe0f Strong thunderstorms threaten Western North Carolina on Thursday The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for parts of Western North Carolina this Thursday afternoon, including Greater Burke, Eastern McDowell, and Greater Rutherford counties. The warning remains in effect until 5:30 p.m. EDT. As of 4:55 p.m., […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":4114,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n\n