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Strong thunderstorms<\/strong> swept through Greater Rutherford<\/strong> and Eastern Polk<\/strong> on Tuesday evening<\/strong>, prompting an updated weather alert<\/strong> from the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC<\/strong> at 7:37 p.m.<\/strong>, effective until 8:15 p.m. EDT<\/strong>.<\/p>\n At the time of the alert, Doppler radar<\/strong> identified a stationary storm system<\/strong> approximately 8 miles south of Rutherfordton<\/strong>. This storm was producing marble-sized hail<\/strong>\u2014approximately 0.5 inches in diameter<\/strong>\u2014and wind gusts<\/strong> reaching up to 40 mph<\/strong>.<\/p>\n According to the NWS<\/strong>, strong winds<\/strong> could cause tree limbs to fall<\/strong> and unsecured items<\/strong> to be blown around. The hail may also result in minor damage<\/strong> to outdoor property<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Areas expected to be most affected include Forest City<\/strong>, Rutherfordton<\/strong>, Columbus<\/strong>, Spindale<\/strong>, Landrum<\/strong>, Chesnee<\/strong>, Mill Spring<\/strong>, Henrietta<\/strong>, Harris<\/strong>, and Lake Adger<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The NWS<\/strong> warned of torrential downpours<\/strong>, capable of leading to localized flooding<\/strong>. \u201cDo not drive through flooded roadways<\/strong>,\u201d the alert emphasized, as even shallow waters can carry away vehicles or hide road hazards.<\/p>\n Lightning strikes<\/strong> the United States<\/strong> about 25 million times<\/strong> a year, particularly during the summer months<\/strong>. On average, 20 fatalities<\/strong> occur each year due to lightning. The risk of a lightning strike<\/strong> increases as a storm approaches and peaks when it is overhead.<\/p>\n When thunder<\/strong> is audible, it signals that lightning is close enough to pose a danger<\/strong>. The NWS<\/strong> advises waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder<\/strong> before going back outside.<\/p>\n Avoid elevated areas<\/strong> such as hilltops or ridges, and stay away from tall, isolated trees<\/strong>. In forested areas<\/strong>, remain in lower sections<\/strong> with denser tree coverage<\/strong>. In open settings, choose low-lying areas<\/strong> like valleys or ravines\u2014tents<\/strong> offer no protection<\/strong> against lightning.<\/p>\n Avoid touching metal<\/strong>, water<\/strong>, or wet surfaces<\/strong>, as these materials conduct electricity extremely well<\/strong>, even though they do not attract lightning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Visibility<\/strong> and control<\/strong> are compromised during intense rainfall. Headlights<\/strong> should be on even in daylight. Stick to middle lanes<\/strong> and elevated sections<\/strong> of the road, since water accumulates more heavily at the edges.<\/p>\n Avoid large puddles<\/strong> that could cause hydroplaning<\/strong>, and maintain a safe distance behind large vehicles<\/strong>, which can reduce your visibility<\/strong> with heavy spray. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads<\/strong>\u2014the water may be deeper than it appears<\/strong>, and flash floods are often fast-moving and dangerous<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Hydroplaning<\/strong> occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably<\/strong> on a wet surface. It happens when water pressure builds<\/strong> under the tires faster than the car’s weight can disperse it. This lifts the tires, creating a thin layer of water between the tires and the road<\/strong>, eliminating traction.<\/p>\n The likelihood of hydroplaning is highest when vehicle speed is high<\/strong>, water is deep<\/strong>, or tire tread is worn<\/strong>. To reduce risk, drive slower<\/strong>, ensure your tire treads are adequate<\/strong>, and avoid deep water.<\/p>\n If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, ease off the gas<\/strong>, turn gently into the skid<\/strong>, and wait for the tires to reconnect<\/strong> with the road surface. Brake lightly<\/strong> if necessary\u2014use standard braking<\/strong> with anti-lock systems<\/strong>, or gently pump<\/strong> brakes in older vehicles without ABS.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Strong thunderstorms swept through Greater Rutherford and Eastern Polk on Tuesday evening, prompting an updated weather alert from the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC at 7:37 p.m., effective until 8:15 p.m. EDT. Thunderstorm impacts in Greater Rutherford and Eastern Polk At the time of the alert, Doppler radar identified a stationary storm system approximately 8 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":6110,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/h3>\n
Thunderstorm impacts in Greater Rutherford and Eastern Polk<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Flooding concerns due to torrential rainfall<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Understanding the lightning threat<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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If shelter is not available outdoors<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Driving in heavy rain: safety considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What is hydroplaning?<\/strong><\/h3>\n