by A strong thunderstorm alert has been issued for Gaston County by the National Weather Service (NWS), Greenville-Spartanburg, SC office. The warning, released at 12:05 a.m. Thursday remains in effect until 12:15 a.m. Residents in the area are urged to exercise caution as the storm brings potentially hazardous conditions.
Storm Details and Affected Areas
At 12:04 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm approximately 5 miles southwest of Gastonia, near South Gastonia. The storm is moving northeast at a speed of 20 mph. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected, which could result in downed tree limbs and unsecured items being blown around.
The areas under the alert include Gastonia, Belmont, South Gastonia, Clover, Dallas, Cramerton, Lowell, Ranlo, McAdenville, and Crowders Mountain State Park.
The NWS warns, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
Lightning Safety Tips During Thunderstorms
With thunderstorms often comes the risk of lightning strikes. The United States experiences around 25 million lightning strikes annually, most of which happen in summer. The NWS reports approximately 20 fatalities each year due to lightning. The danger increases as a storm approaches and peaks when it is overhead.
To reduce the risk of lightning injuries, follow these safety precautions:
- Develop a safety plan before heading outdoors, especially if storms are forecasted.
- At the first sign of thunder, seek shelter in a substantial building or enclosed vehicle.
- Once inside, avoid corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before going back outside.
If indoor shelter is unavailable:
- Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridges.
- Stay away from isolated tall trees and elevated structures. In forests, stick close to shorter trees grouped together.
- If in a group, spread out to reduce the chance of lightning current traveling between people.
- When camping, select low-lying areas such as valleys or ravines. Tents offer no protection from lightning.
- Keep away from bodies of water, wet items, and metal objects. While these do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity efficiently.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert, monitor local weather updates, and take immediate action to ensure their safety during the storm.
