Thunderstorm Alerts Sound an Alarm in South Carolina

News Summary

Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit multiple counties in South Carolina, including Cherokee, York, Union, and Chester, bringing high winds, hail, and dangerous lightning. The National Weather Service has issued warnings as wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph in Mecklenburg County. Residents are advised to seek shelter, especially as frequent lightning strikes pose significant risks. Storms are predicted to continue throughout the evening, with an 80% chance of rain. Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, but people should remain cautious and keep informed of updates.

Thunderstorm Alerts Sound an Alarm in South Carolina

Residents of South Carolina, brace yourselves! Things are heating up as severe thunderstorms loom over multiple counties, bringing with them the promise of high winds, hail, and possibly some nerve-racking lightning. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Monday at 6:41 p.m., which is set to stay active until 7:15 p.m. This alert is particularly focused on the counties of Cherokee, York, Union, and Chester.

What to Expect

If you live in these areas, it’s time to pay attention. Forecasts suggest wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph, which is powerful enough to shake some trees and scatter loose outdoor items. At that time, Doppler radar caught sight of a storm brewing just 13 miles northeast of Union, or a mere 5 miles north of Lockhart, heading east at a pace of 25 mph.

For those in towns like Lockhart, Sharon, Mcconnells, Lowrys, Saratt, Adamsburg, and Bullock Creek, now is the time to consider safety. The NWS warns that outdoor folks should head inside since frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is accompanying this storm. One striking fact to remember is that lightning can hit as far as 10 miles from the storm cloud itself, and it happens so frequently during summertime storms that about 25 million strikes occur yearly across the U.S., resulting in numerous fatalities.

Safety First

When the skies grow dark and the winds pick up, safety is a priority. If you find yourself outdoors, it’s crucial to find indoor shelter. But if that isn’t an option, take precautions to keep yourself secure. Hydroplaning is another concern during heavy rain caused by storms. It happens when cars slide uncontrollably on wet roads, usually due to excessive speed, worn tires, or poor road conditions.

A Broader Outlook

Mecklenburg County. This alert, issued at 7:14 p.m., is valid until 8 p.m. and could bring gusty winds reaching up to 60 mph along with quarter-sized hail! Areas experiencing this additional warning include York, Tega Cay, Clover, Steele Creek, Lake Wylie, Newport, Carowinds, and Southwest Charlotte.

Greenville and Spartanburg counties, forecasting wind gusts that could also hit 60 mph with hail the size of one inch threatening to drop from the clouds. Residents within these areas should continue to seek shelter, ideally moving to an interior room on the lowest floor until the storm passes.

Stormy Evening Ahead

80% for Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson. So, keep an eye on the skies because the significant storm threat is expected to continue until midnight, making it a night to stay indoors.

Good news might be on the horizon, though! As the week progresses, conditions are anticipated to improve with lower chances of precipitation over the weekend. Tonight, expect shower chances to drop to around 40%, but don’t put away the raincoat just yet as thunderstorms could still trot through the area.

So take care, South Carolina! Stay safe, keep tabs on the weather updates, and remember that the best place to be during a storm is indoors!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Coastal Georgia and South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Alerts Hit York County
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Southeastern North Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Greenville and Spartanburg
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Pickens County, SC
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Winter Storm Warning Issued for Beaufort Area
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for South Carolina Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Midlands Region of South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Carolina: Stay Safe!

Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
• News Observer
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
• Greenville Online
• Google Scholar: Weather Alerts
• Herald Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorms
• Charlotte Observer
• Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings

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HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.