Wet, windy weather expected in the Midlands

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The WIS News 10 Storm Team is tracking some wet and windy weather.

In Mississippi, high winds damaged a barracks at Camp Shelby last night and injured 14 National Guardsmen.

The injuries are said to be non-life-threatening. A spokesman for the camp says the guardsmen are from a unit based in Arkansas.

There's also storm damage reported in Alabama. The National Weather Service says several homes were hit in Eutaw early today. Powerful winds also uprooted trees and damaged roofs in Clarke, Tuscaloosa, Greene and Talladega counties.

Georgia residents area bracing for possible severe weather later today.

WIS News 10 Storm Alert Meteorologist Ben Tanner says we can expect strong storms to move through South Carolina this afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches.

He says high winds will be the biggest threat with Tuesday's storms.

There are an average of 16 million thunderstorms each year, 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the globe. It is important to plan ahead for severe weather so you can keep you and your family safe.

Before the Storm

Develop a disaster plan for you and your family at home, work, school and when outdoors.
Identify a safe place to take shelter.
Have frequent drills/
Know the county/parish in which you live or visit so you know if your area is under posted bulletins and warnings.
Keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
Have a portable NOAA Weather Radio with a warnings alarm tone and batter back-up to receive warnings.
Listen to TV or radio for weather information, or go online.
Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors. Watch for signs of approaching storms.
If severe weather threatens, check on people who are elderly, very young or physically or mentally disabled.
During a Storm

Come up with a plan of where your family should go in case of tornado, thunderstorm, flood, etc. During a tornado, choose the lowest floor of your home with no windows, preferably a basement. Minimize the amount of clutter to reduce the risk of injury. If you cannot get to the lowest floor (ie: you live in a high rise) pick a place in the hallway in the center of the building.
If you are indoors when a storm with large hailstones strikes, stay there. Large hail can break windows, so close your drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent the wind from blowing broken glass inside. Stay away from skylights and doors.
Don't open your windows during a tornado. You won't save the house, as was once thought, and you may actually make things worse by giving wind and rain a chance to get inside.
After a Storm

Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
Do not use candles in case of undetected gas leaks.