News Summary
Residents in Greenville and Spartanburg counties are warned about impending severe thunderstorms. With conditions ripe for strong winds and pea-sized hail, officials urge everyone to seek shelter indoors and stay informed through local broadcasts. Areas affected include Columbus, Inman, and Forest City. The warning lasts until 4:30 PM. Ensure outdoor items are secured, and follow safety tips to stay protected during this storm.
Storm Alert Hits Greenville and Spartanburg: What You Need to Know
Hey there, folks in Greenville and Spartanburg counties! Grab your storm kits and gather the family because it looks like we’re in for some serious weather this afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) has just issued an alert for strong thunderstorms in the area, valid until 4:30 PM today.
What to Expect
The storm clouds are rolling in fast! As of 3:33 PM, Doppler radar has identified a cluster of robust thunderstorms stretching from near Columbus all the way to 15 miles southeast of Hendersonville. So, what can we expect? Brace yourselves for some pea-sized hail—that’s about 0.25 inches—and windy gusts reaching up to 40 mph!
Where the Storm Will Hit
This weather isn’t going to be picky. The alert encompasses several areas, including:
- Forest City
- Columbus
- Landrum
- Inman
- Tryon
- Campobello
- Tigerville
- Lake Bowen
- Mill Spring
- Glassy Mountain
So if you’re in these spots, keep your eyes on the sky and remember that the storms are moving east at a leisurely pace of 5 mph.
Stay Safe Out There!
Now is not the time to be outside enjoying the fresh air. With frequent cloud-to-ground lightning expected, the NWS is urging everyone to seek shelter indoors. Did you know that lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from a thunderstorm? That’s enough to put a serious damper on your day!
As a reminder, these storms can bring strong winds that might knock down tree limbs or send unsecured outdoor items flying. Keep that patio furniture secure, folks! Some minor hail damage could also affect outdoor belongings, so it would be wise to round up anything valuable you have outside.
Stay Informed
It’s essential to stay connected during severe weather. Residents are encouraged to monitor local radio and television stations for the latest updates and any further warnings from the NWS. Knowledge is power, and being prepared makes all the difference!
Here’s a fun fact: each year, approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur across the United States, leading to, on average, around 20 fatalities during thunderstorms. The risk of lightning increases as the storm approaches, peaks when it’s overhead, and diminishes as it moves away. So remember, don’t wait until the last minute to find cover!
Final Tips for Thunderstorm Safety
In closing, here are a few pointers to ensure you and your family stay safe as these storms roll through:
- Seek shelter indoors.
- Stay tuned to local weather resources for the most current updates.
- Be aware of the dangers of hydroplaning if you’re driving. Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulating in front of your tires. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary during the storm!
Take care, everyone! Stay safe and hang in there as we weather this storm together.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Prepares for Winter Weather Advisory
Beach Safety Guidelines for Families in Hilton Head
Duke Energy Proposes New Natural Gas Power Plant in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Sweep Across South Carolina and North Georgia
Duke Energy Proposes Electricity Rate Increase in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Affect Pickens County Residents
A Stormy Night Ahead for Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flood Warnings in Lancaster County
Thunderstorm Alerts Sound an Alarm in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Coastal Georgia and South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Herald Online Weather News
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Fox Carolina Weather News
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- Island Packet Weather News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impacts
- Greenville Online News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Post and Courier Greenville News
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorms
- WSPA Weather News
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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.
Mays Contracting
