Pickens County, South Carolina, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Upstate South Carolina, particularly Pickens County, is under severe thunderstorm warnings with threats of strong winds, hail, and localized flooding. Residents are advised to seek shelter as storms develop, with wind gusts potentially reaching 40 mph and the risk of torrential rain and lightning. Power outages have already been reported, affecting numerous customers in the area. Safety precautions are essential to avoid hazards during these turbulent weather conditions.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Upstate South Carolina
Pickens County is experiencing a *weather roller coaster*! On Sunday, at 4:22 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a **Severe Thunderstorm Warning** for our local area, including the lovely Pickens Mountains, Greater Pickens, and neighboring Greenville County. This alert is expected to **wrap up by 4:45 p.m.** Isn’t Mother Nature just full of surprises?
What’s brewing in the sky? Well, folks, these storms are likely to bring about some *pea-sized hail* (that’s around 0.25 inches) and wind gusts that could reach an impressive **40 mph**. According to Doppler radar, a strong thunderstorm was spotted 11 miles north of Pickens, not far from the beautiful **Table Rock State Park**, and it’s moving northwest at a leisurely pace of **5 mph** as of the latest update.
As you might have guessed, these *gusty winds* could lead to some fallen tree limbs and toss around unsecured objects, possibly resulting in minor hail damage to your outdoor items. Locations to keep an eye on during this storm include **Pickens**, **Table Rock State Park**, **Caesars Head State Park**, **Berea**, **Jones Gap State Park**, **Pumpkintown**, and **Dacusville**. It’s *strongly advised* for everyone to find shelter indoors if you’re outdoors when the storm rolls through.
Just a few days ago, on Thursday at 4:51 p.m., another severe thunderstorm warning was quick to follow for Pickens County, valid until **5:15 p.m.** This storm was located over **Reform**, moving east at an increased speed of **15 mph**, with wind gusts hitting that same **40 mph** mark. Areas that felt the impact included **Gordo**, **Reform**, **Owens**, **Kirk**, **north Pickens Airport**, **Lubbub**, and **Shaw**. Talk about a whirlwind week!
The NWS has also reported that these storms come with the *threat of torrential rainfall*, which means we should be vigilant about localized flooding risks. They also issued a major **caution** against driving through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning has been another character in this storm show and can strike up to **10 miles** away. Did you know that lightning strikes the U.S. about **25 million times annually**, primarily in the summer? Unfortunately, it can lead to around **20 fatalities** each year. Definitely not something to take lightly.
So, how can you stay safe during these thunderous display? Here are some friendly reminders: find a sturdy indoor shelter and remain there until you get the all-clear signal when it’s safe to come out. If you’re outdoors without a safe location, it’s crucial to follow **safety procedures**. When the rain falls heavily, the risks of flooding and treacherous driving can heighten, so keep those *following distances* greater and avoid any sudden braking.
Adding to the excitement, **Duke Energy** has reported power outages affecting over **230 customers** in the Upstate area due to the severe thunderstorms. As if a *wild thunderstorm* wasn’t enough, just this weekend, there was even a brief tornado warning issued for Pickens County before being **downgraded** to the severe thunderstorm warning as conditions improved. Wow, what a turn of events!
Stay Safe and Prepared
As always, the most important thing during these tumultuous storms is safety. Stay informed, stay indoors, and enjoy the power of nature from a comfy seat behind glass!
FAQ
What should I do during a severe thunderstorm?
Find an indoor shelter away from windows, and remain there until you’re sure it’s safe to come out. Listen for any all-clear signals.
How do I stay safe if I am outdoors during a thunderstorm?
If you find yourself outdoors, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle. Avoid direct contact with metal objects and stay clear of tall trees.
What do I need to know about lightning during a thunderstorm?
Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm. Stay inside until the storm has fully passed to avoid being caught in an electrical risk.
What kind of damage can severe thunderstorms cause?
Severe thunderstorms can bring strong winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and lightning, leading to potential property damage, fallen debris, and localized flooding.
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Pickens SC Weather
- Fox Carolina: Tornado Warning Issued for Pickens County
- AL.com: Strong Thunderstorms in Pickens County
- Independent Mail: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Anderson County
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorms
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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.
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