Severe Thunderstorms Strike Upstate SC and NE Georgia

News Summary

Residents in Upstate South Carolina and Northeast Georgia are facing severe thunderstorms as warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service. Wind gusts up to 60 mph, potential hail, and lightning strikes are major concerns. Communities near Lake Jocassee are particularly advised to seek shelter. As storms travel eastward, locals are encouraged to stay informed through local updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Stormy Weather Hits Upstate SC and NE Georgia!

Residents in Upstate South Carolina and Northeast Georgia are under the weather spotlight this Wednesday morning as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of severe thunderstorm warnings. The first alert rang out at 12:50 a.m. and is effective until 1:30 a.m., covering areas like the Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, and the broader Greater Oconee and Greater Pickens regions.

What to Expect

So, what’s in store? Wind gusts could shoot up to a whopping 60 mph. That means there’s a significant chance of falling tree limbs and scattered outdoor items being blown about. If you’re in areas like Pumpkintown, Westminster, Long Creek, and the picturesque spaces around Lake Jocassee, it’s best to take cover!

Radar is picking up strong thunderstorms swiftly making their way east at about 40 mph, coming in from the area just southeast of Franklin and moving toward Walhalla and Clayton. If you find yourself nearby, make sure to stay tuned to local radio or TV broadcasts for ongoing updates. Safety first!

Lake Jocassee Residents Beware

For those near the scenic Lake Jocassee, the NWS is particularly concerned. Make sure to head indoors right away because lightning can strike as much as 10 miles from a thunderstorm! Did you know that in the U.S., there are around 25 million lightning strikes each year? Unfortunately, this results in about 20 fatalities annually. It’s a harsh reminder of the storm’s potential.

More Warnings on the Horizon

1:25 a.m., another warning was issued for Rabun County, GA and Oconee County, SC. This latest warning raised the stakes with gusts hitting 60 mph and the chance of hail reaching up to 0.75 inches. Areas that might feel the brunt of this storm include Mountain Rest, Seneca, and Oconee State Park.

What to Do in a Storm

During these erratic storms, the safest place to be is down low, ideally in an interior room of your home. Keep an eye on how the storm is unfolding and do your part by reporting any severe weather impacts like damaging winds, hail, or flooding to the NWS. These updates can be crucial in ensuring everyone stays safe!

A Quick Recap

Earlier that night, around 9:05 p.m., alarms were ringing for a series of thunderstorms that could bring winds up to 40 mph and some potentially pea-sized hail. Radar had already shown an active storm system that was moving northeast at 20 mph, stirring up the risk of minor hail damage and flooding. A severe thunderstorm watch was put into effect for six Upstate counties and parts of Western North Carolina with storms barreling east at about 50 mph.

With the unpredictable nature of summer storms, it’s always best to take precautions. Keep your loved ones safe, and stay informed! Stay indoors and wait out the storm. With a little luck, we’ll all wake up to a clearer, calmer day. Stay alert and don’t take unnecessary risks!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Upstate South Carolina

Additional Resources

• Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Oconee County
• The State: Weather News
• WSPA: Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Upstate & Western NC
• Island Packet: Weather News
• Herald Online: Weather News
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
• Google Scholar: Weather Alerts
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings

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.