News Summary
Upstate South Carolina is under a severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service. Residents in Pickens, Greenville County, and surrounding areas should prepare for hail, high winds, and lightning. With storms moving at 5 mph, these conditions could lead to dangerous situations, especially on the roads. Drivers are urged to be cautious of hydroplaning as rain accumulates. Safety tips include seeking shelter and staying informed about the storm’s path as watch remains active until midnight.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Upstate South Carolina!
It’s that time of year again in Upstate South Carolina when the weather surprises us with a thunderstorm or two. Last night, at 8:30 p.m., the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg South Carolina issued a thunderstorm alert for several counties, warning residents to prepare for a wild ride until 9 p.m.. The areas affected include the stunning Pickens Mountains, Greater Pickens, and the bustling Greenville County.
What to Expect from This Thunderstorm
If you’re in these regions, you can expect some classic summer storm features: pea-sized hail measuring about 0.25 inches and wind gusts that could reach as high as 40 mph. That’s enough force to send tree limbs flying and have unsecured items dancing around in your backyard!
At 8:30 p.m., Doppler radar was hot on the trail of a strong storm that was only 11 miles north of Pickens, close to the beautiful Table Rock State Park, moving north at around 5 mph. Remember, if you’re outdoors during this time, it’s best to find shelter inside a building to stay safe. Areas including Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park, and even Pumpkintown are under this warning.
Lighting Strikes and Safety Tips
While storms can be thrilling, they can also be deadly. Did you know that lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year? With summer storms being the prime time for these strikes, on average, they claim the lives of around 20 people annually. As the thunderstorm rolls in, the chance of lightning increases, peaking when the storm is right above us. When the storm moves away, the risk goes down.
So here’s a quick rundown of safety recommendations during a thunderstorm:
- If you can’t find a shelter, keep track of the storm’s path and take cover if needed.
- Stay calm during a storm, and avoid sudden movements if you’re driving.
- Make sure to remain informed through weather updates.
Hydroplaning Alert for Drivers
Rainy weather can lead to hydroplaning on the roads, a phenomenon where vehicles slide uncontrollably due to water buildup in front of the tires. This is primarily caused by three factors: tire tread depth, vehicle speed, and water depth. Drivers, keep it steady! If you feel your vehicle start to hydroplane, avoid steering wildly or slamming on the brakes. Instead, gently lift your foot off that accelerator and coast until it’s safe to regain control.
A Busy Day for Weather Alerts
Wednesday was a day filled with weather excitement! The NWS put out an earlier alert at 6:20 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 6:45 p.m., impacting areas including Anderson and Greenville counties. It carried warnings similar to the later alert, with potential wind gusts reaching 40 mph and hail around 0.25 inches.
The storm alerts earlier in the week also indicated more severe conditions, with a thunderstorm warning issued on Tuesday, June 17, with winds hitting up to 60 mph and hail the size of 0.75 inches. Damaging winds and hail can lead to destruction of trees and powerlines, so staying indoors is crucial for safety!
Keep an Eye on the Weather!
Lastly, let’s not forget that a severe weather watch is still active until midnight. So folks, stay informed and keep an eye on the skies. Plan accordingly, and let’s weather this storm safely together!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- WYFF4
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorms in South Carolina
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Delaware Online
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm South Carolina
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.
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