News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Greenville and Spartanburg Counties until 10 p.m. tonight. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail are expected. Residents are advised to seek shelter as lightning strikes and potential damage to property are likely. The storms are approaching from Columbus, with the possibility of continued severe weather into Sunday. Caution is urged for those on the road as heavy rainfall could lead to hydroplaning.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Greenville and Spartanburg Counties
Greenville, SC – Folks in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, it’s time to pay attention! The National Weather Service (NWS) has just issued a severe thunderstorm warning, effective until 10 p.m. tonight. As we all know, thunderstorms can pack a serious punch, and this one is no different. If you’re lounging outside, it’s probably a good idea to get inside and find some shelter!
What to Expect from These Storms
So, what should you be bracing yourself for? Well, these storms are expected to bring wind gusts hitting up to 40 mph. That’s enough to scatter any loose items in your yard and maybe even take down some tree limbs. If you’ve got any outdoor gear left lying around, you might want to bring it in. Adding to the mix, we could see some marble-sized hail measuring about half an inch across. Minor hail damage is likely, so keep that in mind!
As of 9:23 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm located just four miles northwest of Columbus, moving east at a brisk 25 mph. Some of the areas that could be in the storm’s direct path include Columbus, Flat Rock, Landrum, Tryon, and even local parks like Pleasant Ridge State Park and Jones Gap State Park.
Safety First, Everyone!
If you’re outdoors, your best bet is to find shelter within a sturdy building. The NWS advises everyone to take this warning seriously due to the frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes likely accompanying the storm. Just because it’s not raining yet doesn’t mean it’s safe. Remember, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from a storm, so don’t play around with Mother Nature!
It’s interesting to note that across the U.S., we experience about 25 million lightning strikes each year. Unfortunately, this results in around 20 fatalities annually. Therefore, when thunderstorms are brewing, it’s especially crucial to seek shelter.
What’s Next for the Weather?
Looking forward to tomorrow, Sunday’s weather forecast is also hinting at potential storms with risks of damaging winds and hail specific to Greenville and Spartanburg counties. The severe thunderstorm threats seem to continue, showing that we might not be out of the woods just yet!
Over in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties, an updated thunderstorm warning was released as well. As of 5:10 p.m., storms near Uptown Charlotte were rolling east at about 25 mph, bringing wind gusts that could shoot up to 60 mph and hail as large as quarter-sized (1 inch). Areas around Northwest Charlotte, University City, and the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway are expected to feel the impact.
Stay Safe on the Roads!
Don’t forget about road conditions as the storms roll in. Heavy rainfall can lead to hydroplaning, a scenario where water builds up in front of your tires, causing loss of traction and control. So if you have to be on the road during the storm, make sure to drive cautiously and slow down!
In summary, safety should be your priority as severe thunderstorms approach the Upstate region. Keep an eye on the radar, secure those loose items outside, and, most importantly, stay indoors when the storm hits. We hope you all stay safe!
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Independent Mail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Charlotte Observer
- Google News: Weather Alert
