Beware of Our Afternoon Thunderstorms: Summer in the South Carolina Mountains
Summer afternoons in Mountain Rest, Walhalla, Salem, Tamassee, and the rest of Oconee County can change quickly. You can start the day with sunshine, blue skies, and plans for the lake or a waterfall hike, then hear thunder rolling across the mountains later in the afternoon.
Afternoon thunderstorms are simply part of summer in Upstate South Carolina, but they deserve our attention. Thunderstorms can bring lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds, and localized flooding, sometimes within a short period of time. South Carolina emergency officials recommend getting indoors when storms approach and getting off open water when thunder or lightning develops.
Watch the Sky When You Are Outside
One of the pleasures of living here is spending so much time outdoors. We have Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, Lake Hartwell, the Chattooga River, waterfalls, hiking trails, gardens, porches, and acres of woods to enjoy.
But summer weather deserves a little planning.
If you are hiking to a waterfall, working on your property, boating, swimming, or showing acreage, check the weather before heading out. If you begin hearing thunder, it is time to think about shelter rather than waiting for the rain to arrive.
The National Weather Service advises that a substantial building provides good protection from lightning.
Be Especially Careful Around Our Lakes
A sunny morning can make it tempting to spend the whole day on Lake Keowee, Jocassee, or Hartwell.
Summer storms can change those plans quickly.
If a thunderstorm starts developing while you are boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming, get off the water and seek shelter. South Carolina Emergency Management specifically advises people on open water to get to land and find shelter when thunderstorms approach.
That is one reason I like starting summer lake activities earlier in the day. You can enjoy the cooler morning temperatures and still have plenty of time to get home before those afternoon clouds begin building.
Heavy Rain Can Change Mountain Roads Quickly
Mountain Rest and Long Creek have plenty of winding roads, creeks, hills, and low areas.
A strong summer thunderstorm can put a surprising amount of water on the ground in a short time. Flash flooding is one of the recognized hazards associated with severe storms in South Carolina.
When the rain is coming down hard, slowing down and giving yourself extra time is usually the best plan.
Secure the Porch Before the Storm
Summer living here often means porches, decks, grills, umbrellas, flowerpots, and outdoor furniture.
If thunderstorms are expected, take a minute to secure anything lightweight that could blow around. Closing windows and doors and bringing pets inside are also simple precautions before a storm arrives. South Carolina Emergency Management recommends securing outside doors and taking shelter indoors during thunderstorms.
Don't Let the Storms Keep You Inside All Summer
Our afternoon thunderstorms are not a reason to stop enjoying summer in the mountains.
They are simply something to plan around.
Take the morning hike. Visit the waterfall. Work in the garden. Spend the day at the lake. Sit on the porch and enjoy that first cup of coffee while the temperatures are still comfortable.
Then, when the clouds begin building over the mountains and you hear that first rumble of thunder, head inside and enjoy one of my favorite parts of a summer afternoon: listening to the rain come down from the safety of the porch or house.
Living in the South Carolina mountains means learning the rhythm of the seasons, and summertime thunderstorms are part of that rhythm.
Thinking about making the mountains of Oconee County home? I would be glad to help you explore homes, acreage, lake property, and properties near the National Forest. Contact Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc. at 864-710-4518, email gwen@gfowler.com, or visit CoolMountainEscapes.com.
Today, August 8, the local forecast also calls for a chance of an afternoon thunderstorm in Oconee County, with additional spotty afternoon storms possible Sunday and Monday.
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