Weather alert for Anderson County early Tuesday evening - gusts could peak at 40 mph

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A report was issued from the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Tuesday at 4:54 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 5:45 p.m. for Anderson County.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 4:54 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 8 miles east of Hartwell, or 5 miles west of Starr, moving northeast at 10 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."

Locations impacted by the alert include Starr, Lake Hartwell, Anderson Airport, Reed Creek and Sadlers Creek State Park.

The NWS comments, "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."

This alert is in effect until 5:45 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.

Here are suggestions for staying safe 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, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
• If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group members.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.

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.
• On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
• Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
• Avoid flooded zones - If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably 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. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 South Carolina

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 4:57 PM.