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Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Pickens County, SC

Dark thunderstorm clouds over the mountains in Pickens County, SC

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News Summary

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Pickens County, SC, with strong thunderstorms and potential hail expected until 7:30 p.m. Residents are advised to seek shelter and prepare for possible power outages and hazardous driving conditions. The National Weather Service has indicated wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph. Areas affected include Devils Fork State Park and Jocassee Gorges. Stay alert and prioritize safety during this severe weather event.

Thunderstorm Hits Pickens County, SC – Stay Alert!

Hey there, folks! If you’re in the beautiful Pickens County area, it’s time to pay attention because we’ve got some serious weather brewing up in the skies! On Saturday evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) out of Greenville-Spartanburg issued an updated report at 6:52 p.m., warning of strong thunderstorms rolling through until 7:30 p.m.. So, grab your raincoats and let’s talk details!

What’s Happening?

The alert covers several picturesque areas—think Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, and all the lovely Greater Pickens regions. This storm isn’t just a light drizzle; it’s packing a punch! We’re talking about strong thunderstorms with pea-sized hail, measuring in at about 0.25 inches and wind gusts hitting speeds of up to 40 mph. Sounds intense, right?

At 6:51 p.m., Doppler radar locked its eyes on a strong thunderstorm located just 11 miles northwest of Pickens, close to the stunning Jocassee Gorges. This storm is currently moving northeast at a pace of 10 mph—we recommend hunkering down!

Be Prepared to Protect Yourself!

Now, a quick heads-up: the NWS warns that those gusty winds might just be strong enough to knock down tree limbs, and don’t forget—unsecured items could be tossed around. There’s even a possibility of minor hail damage to your outdoor decorations, so if you’ve got any beloved garden ornaments, you might want to bring them inside!

The alert impacts some pretty iconic spots in the area, including:

Devils Fork State Park
Keowee Toxaway State Park
Table Rock State Park
Jocassee Gorges
Lake Jocassee
Lake Keowee
Sunset
Sassafras Mountain
Nine Times
Rocky Bottom

If you find yourself outdoors, the NWS is urging you to seek shelter inside a building. Better safe than sorry, right?

Lightning Safety

Let’s talk about lightning for a second. Did you know that in the United States, lightning strikes about 25 million times annually? Unfortunately, it results in around 20 fatalities a year. The danger heightens as the storm approaches, peaks when it’s overhead, and then decreases as it moves away. So, keep that in mind!

If you can’t find a roof over your head, make sure you are following specific safety measures from the NWS. And for those behind the wheel, stay alert for the risk of hydroplaning as wet roads can cause vehicles to slide uncontrollably. Safety first!

Power Outages Reported

Oh, and here’s another tidbit: Duke Energy reported power outages across the Upstate area, affecting over 230 customers on Sunday. If you’re among those without power, hang in there! Help is on the way!

Earlier on Saturday, there was even a brief tornado warning issued for Pickens County, but as luck would have it, this was downgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning as the storm started to weaken.

So there you have it, Pickens County! Keep your eyes on the sky, exercise caution, and stay safe out there. The storm may pass, but it’s always best to have your safety in mind. Happy weather watching!