This South Carolina Beach Has Deadly Lightning Potential

Author Anne Erickson

July 23rd 3:03 PM

One South Carolina beach is getting press for the wrong reasons: being one of the most dangerous in the U.S. for deadly lightning strikes. There’s nothing quite as lovely as heading to a beautiful South Carolina beach in the summertime, but sometimes, the beach can be a dangerous spot. 

South Carolina Beach with Deadly Lightning Potential

The experts at Gitnux have researched the beaches across America for their potential for danger in various areas. Among the areas of danger include alligator attacks, shark attacks, possibly deadly lightning strikes, crime and more. Another danger, of course, is drowning deaths. According to the publication, on average, about 100 people drown at U.S. beaches every year. Hawaii has the highest rate of drowning deaths in the U.S., according to Gitnux. In fact, about 50 people drown every year in Hawaii, and it’s the main cause of visitor fatalities. Virginia Beach in Virginia also has a large number of drowning incidents.

As for which South Carolina beach has dangerous lighting potential, it’s the beaches on Hilton Head Island. This area often gets strong storms and, yes, lightning strikes. “Hilton Head Island may offer sandy beaches and sunny skies, but don’t be fooled by its serene facade. Behind the picturesque views lies a lurking danger in the form of strong storms and lightning strikes, making it one of the most treacherous beach destinations in the U.S.,” Gitnux states regarding the deadly lightning. “So, while you may expect to get a tan, remember to also pack a sturdy umbrella and some lightning-proof apparel for your next visit to Hilton Head Island.” Yikes. Another South Carolina beach also made the naughty list. When it comes to pollution, Gitnux notes that Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has “high levels of bacterial contamination.”

Now, just because these beaches are on the danger list, that doesn’t mean you have to stop visiting them or having fun there. Just, be safe. If a storm is coming, don’t go out on a boat or decide that it’s a good time to lay out on the beach. Enjoy the beach when the weather is good, but when it’s time to head indoors, do so. Also, when it comes to drowning incidents, make sure not to swim when the waters get dangerous. It’s not worth the risk of getting caught in a strong tide just to have one more dip in the water. Use your common sense at the beach, and when it doubt, sit it out.

7 Severe Weather Safety Tips That May Save Your Life

• 1. Know the Difference Between an Advisory, Watch and Warning

  A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, “a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.” A watch is where “the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain.” Finally, an advisory means, “hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Ky4VZRwXY/

• 2. Stay Inside at All Costs

  During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. “The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes,” the National Weather Service says. Also, you don’t want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp0GkkCsNVw/

• 3. Get Low and Protected

  During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don’t have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to “use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.”

  https://www.instagram.com/p/CoqL1yFupUY/

• 4. Always Have an Emergency Kit

  Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, “An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries,” the National Weather Service says. “Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags.”

  https://www.instagram.com/p/CmhFKGFDzE8/

• 5. Stay Gassed Up

  This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they’re right. “Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line,” the National Weather Service advises.

  https://www.instagram.com/p/CYRre2bMYTr/

• 6. Be Prepared for Heat, Too

  Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. “Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures,” the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of “water or non-alcoholic fluids.”

  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb3pCAug6XK/

• 7. Don't Stick Around

  Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to “leave immediately if ordered.” They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to “take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can,” and “stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.”

  https://www.instagram.com/p/CjEJSOAvRLe/

• More tips

  Weather isn’t just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5CuHyO_-P/

• Be safe on the beach

  Even on a perfect weather day, if you’re at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, “To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you.” They add, “Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!”
  

  https://www.instagram.com/p/CstQ8ivP3rK/

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Author Anne Erickson

Category:

• Local News