News Summary
As storm clouds gather, Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina brace for severe thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 60 mph and possible hail. Residents in affected counties are advised to stay indoors, as the storms bring risks of flooding and lightning strikes. Affected areas include Abbeville, Laurens, and Greenwood counties, among others. With power outages reported across the region, precautionary measures and safety remain a priority during this intense weather event.
A Stormy Night Ahead for Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina
As the sun sets, storm clouds are rolling in, and it looks like Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina are in for a bumpy night! The National Weather Service has issued a series of severe thunderstorm warnings that residents should be aware of. The latest update came just after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, with warnings in effect until 9:15 p.m. for areas including Abbeville, Laurens, and Greenwood counties. So grab your favorite cozy blanket and make sure to stay indoors!
What to Expect from the Storms
For those in the warning zone, prepare for some strong winds. Meteorologists are forecasting gusts reaching up to 60 mph, and there’s even the potential for hail reaching about 0.75 inches in size. Those kinds of wind speeds could easily knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying around your yard. Be mindful of your surroundings if you have to be out, as it’s not a night for a leisurely evening stroll!
Specifically, the thunderstorms were tracked around 8:43 p.m. in a line stretching from 8 miles northeast of Abbeville up to 19 miles southeast of Greenwood, moving at a heady rate of 30 mph toward the northeast. With locations like Greenwood, Laurens, Ware Shoals, Ninety Six, and more included in the storm’s path, residents are strongly advised to find shelter if they’re outdoors.
Lightning and Safety Precautions
If you think the rain will be the worst of it, think again! Did you know that approximately 25 million lightning strikes hit the U.S. every year? While the likelihood of being struck is usually low, it significantly increases as thunderstorms draw nearer, with the peak danger occurring when the storm is directly overhead. Lightning can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to stay indoors during these storms
Also, with the combination of wind and rain, there’s a risk of hydroplaning on the roads. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet surfaces, which can happen when water builds up faster than your tires can disperse it. If you don’t have to go out, it’s best to stay put!
A Broader Look at the Affected Areas
The severe thunderstorm warning isn’t only hitting specific counties; it covers a whole range including Elbert, Hart, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens counties. That’s quite a large area that could see the impact from these storms.
As of 8:49 p.m., severe thunderstorms were reported along a line stretching from 12 miles south of Hendersonville to 18 miles southwest of Columbus and up to 7 miles south of Greenville Downtown. Power outages are already being reported, with over 27,000 customers in the Upstate and more than 10,000 in Western North Carolina affected by winds exceeding 71 mph. Westminster, South Carolina, even recorded a gust at that speed!
Prepare for Possible Flooding
Besides the high winds and lightning, torrential rains will also pose a serious threat—localized flooding in certain areas is a real concern. Residents are reminded to avoid driving through flooded roadways, as that can be incredibly dangerous!
As always, stay safe, stay informed, and remember: it’s best to weather the storm inside, where you can wait it out in comfort. Make sure to check on your neighbors and ensure everyone is safe and secure! If you notice any damage while staying indoors, report it to the authorities, either via social media or their toll-free number. Here’s to hoping the storm passes quickly!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flood Warnings in Lancaster County
Thunderstorm Alerts Sound an Alarm in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Coastal Georgia and South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Alerts Hit York County
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Southeastern North Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Greenville and Spartanburg
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Pickens County, SC
Hilton Head Island Airport Invites Artists for Terminal Artwork
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Beaufort Area
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for South Carolina Counties
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WYFF4: Power Outage from Strong Winds
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Preparedness
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impacts
- Charlotte Observer: Weather Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- The State: Weather News
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
Mays Contracting
