NEWBERRY COUNTY SEVERE WEATHER FACTS

There are a variety of severe weather hazards that affect Newberry County, including floods, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Every year lives are threatened or lost, and property is destroyed by severe weather events in the State.

Tornadoes pose a severe weather risk to residents of Newberry County. An average of 12 tornadoes occur in the State per year. Since 1950, there have been 605 confirmed tornadoes. that produced 54 fatalities (3 were Newberry County residents) and injured 1100 citizens (52 were Newberry Residence)

Most tornadoes produce rotating winds of 50 to 120 mph. They move at speeds of about 30 to 40 mph. There have been tornadoes recorded in South Caolina with winds of 200 mph moving at up to 70 mph.

Severe thunderstorms can also produce very damaging winds. They can cause significant structural damage to buildings, especially weaker structures such as barns and outbuildings.

Thunderstorms may be accompanied by large hail and dangerous lightning. Hail rarely causes injuries , but it can cause millions of dollars in damages to crops, vehicles, and buildings. Lightning poses a significant risk to citizens. During the period 1959 through 1993 there were 77 reported lightning caused deaths in South Carolina as well as 222 people injured. Victims are usually struck outdoors, but they can also be injured indoors when on the telephone, using appliances, or taking a bath/shower.

Flooding is a significant severe weather hazard in South Carolina. Nationwide, more than 75 percent of the Federal Disaster Declarations have historically resulted from flooding. Most casualties occur when motorists try to drive through flooded roadways and are swept away by strong currents.

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
Newberry County Department of Public Safety