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Severe Thunderstorms Hit Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina

Dark storm clouds and lightning over a rural area during severe thunderstorms

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News Summary

Severe thunderstorms swept through Spartanburg and Cherokee counties starting May 14, 2025, with warnings issued for gusty winds and hail. Residents were advised to stay indoors as the storm produced wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. Safety measures are being highlighted as lightning threats rise, and meteorologists predict continued storms throughout the day. The chance of further showers remains high until midnight, though conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.

Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Through Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina!

Hey there, folks in Spartanburg and Cherokee! Hold onto your hats because Mother Nature is putting on quite the show! The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for several areas, starting on May 14, 2025. If you’ve been outside, you might have felt the winds picking up and seen the skies darkening—it’s storm time!

What to Expect

First off, let’s break down what that means for you. Initially, the warning for Spartanburg County went out at 5:38 p.m. and was effective until 6:15 p.m. As the storm made its way southeast from Columbus, radar indicated some strong winds. You can expect gusts of up to 40 mph, and hold onto your garden gnomes because *pea-sized hail*—that’s about 0.25 inches—was predicted to hit too.

If you’re in spots like Mill Spring, Campobello, or even the lovely Boiling Springs, this is the time to take cover! Make sure you’re indoors, especially with the risk of gusty winds knocking down tree limbs or sending nearby unsecured objects flying.

A Second Round of Thunderstorms

7:02 p.m., another severe thunderstorm warning popped up for Cherokee County. This one was in effect until 7:15 p.m., and you might want to brace yourself, because gusts could hit up to a whopping 60 mph alongside *quarter-sized hail* measuring about 1 inch!

By 7:01 p.m., weather watchers spotted the storm just 6 miles west of Gaffney, cruising southeast at 20 mph. Areas like Draytonville, Thicketty, and even the historical Cowpens National Battlefield were in the line of fire. If you’re nearby, the NWS recommended getting into a safe, interior room on the lowest floor of your building to ride it out safely.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed!

Now, let’s chat about safety. Thunderstorms mean more than just rain and wind; there’s a remarkable amount of lightning that strikes in the summer months—around 25 million times annually in the U.S. alone! Each year, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people. So, as these storms approach, remember that the risk of lightning increases, peaking while the storm is right over you and waning as it moves away.

And if you’re driving? Be cautious! Hydroplaning can happen when those roads get slick. Hydroplaning refers to that scary moment when your vehicle glides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water pressure building underneath the tires. It’s especially hazardous if you’re speeding, have worn tires, or encounter those ever-damp conditions!

Weather Reports and Support

80% chance of more showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with the serious threat lasting until midnight. But don’t worry too much—the weather is expected to calm down and get better over the weekend!

And while you’re hunkering down, don’t forget your furry friends! Make sure to bring any pets indoors during severe weather for their safety and comfort.

Stay safe out there, Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina! Keep your loved ones close, and let’s weather this storm together.