News Summary
Residents in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties are facing severe thunderstorms with strong winds and hail expected. A warning was issued by the National Weather Service due to potential wind gusts up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail. Localized flooding is also a concern, prompting safety tips for drivers. Power outages have been reported, and emergency services are on alert. It is recommended that residents stay indoors and keep emergency kits ready as the storm continues.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties
If you’re in Spartanburg or Cherokee County, it’s time to pay attention! An updated alert from the National Weather Service has put folks on high alert as severe thunderstorms are brewing in the area. That’s right! Strong winds and even hail are threatening to shake things up. The warning was first issued on Tuesday at 7:37 p.m., and it’s going to stick around until 8:15 p.m.
What Can We Expect?
Weather experts are predicting wind gusts that could hit around 40 mph, which is enough to topple tree limbs and toss around anything that isn’t secured. Even worse, the storms are producing marble-sized hail, which measures about 0.5 inches. So, if you have any outdoor furniture, it might be a good idea to bring it inside!
Locations Affected
Keep your eyes peeled if you live in or near these areas:
- Forest City
- Rutherfordton
- Columbus
- Spindale
- Landrum
- Chesnee
- Mill Spring
- Henrietta
- Harris
- Lake Adger
Flooding and Safety Tips
This storm isn’t just about the wind and hail; it’s also bringing heavy rains that could lead to localized flooding. Drivers are especially urged to steer clear of flooded roads. You never know how deep the water might be!
When thunderstorms roll in, the risk of lightning also increases significantly. Did you know that lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times every year? That’s about 20 fatalities annually! If you find yourself caught outdoors, it’s best to seek indoor shelter whenever possible.
Preventing Hydroplaning
If you have to drive during the storm, be cautious. Hydroplaning is a dangerous condition that can occur when your vehicle loses traction on wet roads due to water buildup. This happens when the water pressure creates a layer between your tires and the road, causing you to slide. So, take it slow out there!
A Recap of Previous Warnings
Just for context, a severe thunderstorm warning had been placed earlier on July 10 at around 4:51 p.m. That storm brought even stronger winds at 60 mph and hail potentially reaching 1 inch. Those storms were moving east at about 10 mph and came with a serious potential for damaging winds and relentless lightning.
Power Outages and Emergency Services
Interestingly, Thursday morning saw power outages and downed trees reported in various locations due to weather impact. Emergency shelters were even opened in Spartanburg County for residents left in the dark, as service calls surged over 40 during the storm.
Some specific areas hit with downed trees and power lines include:
- Lynch Court in Easley
- Farrs Bridge Road in Pickens County
- Fairmont Avenue in Spartanburg County
At one point, around 1,500 customers in Rutherford County were without power, along with more than 1,000 in east Asheville, Buncombe County. Fortunately, by 6 p.m. on Thursday, most services were quickly restored.
Stay Safe!
As stormy weather continues to wreak havoc, remember to stay informed, keep your emergency kit handy, and check in with neighbors who may need assistance. Stay safe out there, everyone! 🌩️
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Additional Resources
- Goupstate: Spartanburg County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Island Packet: Weather News Article
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Fox Carolina: Damage Reported During Severe Storms
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impact
- Herald Online: Weather News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Operation Rolling Thunder Canceled
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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