Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg Counties

Laurens, Union, Spartanburg, September 21, 2025

News Summary

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg counties. Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph, penny-sized hail, and heavy rainfall potentially leading to localized flooding. This alert is in effect until 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, so individuals should secure outdoor items and take precautions while driving. Stay cautious and prioritize safety as the storm approaches.

Storm Alert in Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg Counties!

Hey folks! If you’re in the vicinity of Laurens, Union, or Spartanburg counties, listen up! The National Weather Service has just issued a severe thunderstorm warning that could impact your weekend plans. The alert was officially announced at 6:06 p.m. on Saturday and will last until 6:45 p.m., so it’s time to take this seriously!

What to Expect?

This storm is no joke, bringing with it potential wind gusts of up to 40 mph along with some hail that can be as large as penny-sized, which translates to about 0.75 inches. If you’re not familiar with what hail can do, it might cause minor damage to outdoor furniture and plants—so now would be a good time to secure those patio chairs!

At approximately 6:05 p.m., Doppler radar caught sight of a strong thunderstorm sitting about 7 miles east of Laurens, specifically near the Clinton area, and it’s heading northwest at about 25 mph. That means if you’re in affected areas like Joanna, Buffalo, Gray Court, Rose Hill State Park, or Enoree, you should be prepared.

Stay Safe!

The National Weather Service has a few important warnings to keep in mind. Those gusty winds could lead to downed tree limbs and scattered debris, so keep an eye on your surroundings! Additionally, the rainfall could be heavy enough to cause localized flooding, making driving conditions risky. It’s best to avoid driving through flooded roadways altogether, as water can be deceivingly deep.

The Power of Lightning

Did you know that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur across the United States every year? Most of these happen during the summer months and lead to about 20 fatalities annually. When thunderstorms get closer, the chances of lightning strikes ramp up, peaking when the storm is almost directly above. Conversely, as the storm moves away, the likelihood of lightning decreases.

Driving Cautions

If you need to be out and about, be extra careful! Hydroplaning, which is when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads, can happen when water builds up faster than a tire can clear it. It can occur due to several factors: excessive speed, worn tires, or improper tire inflation. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, remain calm, don’t make any sudden movements, and steer in the direction you want to go.

In Summary

So, there you have it! A severe thunderstorm is rolling through Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg counties, and it’s best to stay cautious and prepared. Secure your outdoor items, avoid flooded roads, and stay indoors if possible. Better safe than sorry!

FAQ Section

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Additional Resources

• Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
• The State: Weather News
• Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm News
• Greenville Online: Greenville County Thunderstorm Warning
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• WBTV: Storm Warning in NC
• Google News: Thunderstorm Weather

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