News Summary
Greenwood County is facing severe weather today, including a thunderstorm warning and a tornado watch in effect until 8 a.m. tomorrow. Residents should prepare for thunderstorms this afternoon, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and possible hail. Safety tips emphasize seeking shelter in interior rooms and staying informed about updates. Power outages are also reported in the region. Remain vigilant as conditions for tornado development are present.
Severe Weather Alert: Thunderstorms and Tornado Watch Issued for Greenwood County
Greenwood County, brace yourselves! The weather department has issued a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado watch as we gear up for what looks to be a stormy April 24, 2025. The morning will begin with cloudy skies, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Thunderstorms are expected to roll in during the afternoon, and you’ll want to keep an eye on the sky.
What to Expect Today
The forecast is predicting a high of around 75°F, which might tempt you to think it’s a smooth sailing kind of day. However, with a 60% chance of rain, it would be wise to have an umbrella handy or at least wear shoes suited for splashing through puddles!
As the afternoon progresses, winds from the East-Southeast are expected to pick up, keeping the air lively with speeds between 5 to 10 mph. As evening settles in, prepare for showers and even more thunderstorms, leading to an overnight low of about 61°F. What’s that saying? April showers bring May flowers? Well, right now, it looks like they may also bring some thunder!
Storm Warnings and Safety Tips
Earlier in the evening, at 6:56 p.m., a thunderstorm warning was issued for Greenwood County. Residents can expect wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph, with nickel-sized hail adding to the festivities. Keep in mind that minor damage could occur, especially to your outdoor furniture and planters. Affected areas include Coronaca, Lake Greenwood State Park, Bradley, Greenwood, Promised Land, Ninety Six Historic Site, Callison, and Epworth. This alert will be in effect until 7:30 p.m. tonight.
Shortly following that, at 7:01 p.m., another storm warning chimed in, ramping up the intensity with gusts expected to hit 60 mph and quarter-sized hail peeking its head through the clouds. For both warnings, safety is paramount. It’s crucial to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of your home, avoiding any windows that could greet your living space rather abruptly.
Lightning and Hydroplaning
As storms approach, the likelihood of lightning strikes increases significantly. Did you know there are around 25 million lightning strikes every year in the U.S., with an average of 20 fatalities? That’s a stark reminder to stay indoors during a storm!
If you’re planning to venture out, please be cautious of hydroplaning. This occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads, primarily due to water build-up in front of the tires. Keep your speed down and stay alert!
Power Outages and Community Updates
In the wake of the storm, Duke Energy is reporting power outages affecting thousands of customers across the Upstate and into western North Carolina. Crews will be out assessing the damage and restoring power as quickly as possible, so if you find yourself in the dark, hang tight!
As we brace for this weather, it’s also worth noting that the Greenwood County Community Foundation (GCCF) will begin its community enhancement grant cycle from June 1 to 30, 2025. If you have funding proposals aimed at benefiting Greenwood County residents, this could be a great opportunity to apply for up to $5,000.
Keep an Eye on the Sky!
With the tornado watch in effect for Greenwood, Laurens, and Union counties until 8 a.m. Friday, residents should stay vigilant and monitor updates closely. Favorable conditions for tornado development mean that while it’s a day of scattered storms, it’s also necessary to take precautions.
Stay safe, Greenwood County! Make sure to check your emergency kits, and remember, your safety comes first as the storm sweeps through our backyard!
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Tornado Watch includes Greenwood County
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Fox Carolina: Power Outages Reported
- Google Search: Weather Safety Tips
- WSPA: Severe Thunderstorm Causes Major Damage
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Damage
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood 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 Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
