News Summary
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for several counties in Upstate South Carolina, including Greenville, Greenwood, and Spartanburg. The alert warns of possible winds up to 60 mph and hail of 0.75 inches as storms approach, with significant impacts expected in various areas. Residents are advised to seek shelter and take precautions as the storm develops.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Greenville, SC – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several counties in Upstate South Carolina. The watch, which began at 7:17 p.m. on Saturday and is set to remain in effect until 11 p.m., covers Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Spartanburg, and Union counties. This development comes in response to forecasted conditions that pose a significant risk to residents.
At 7:42 p.m., the NWS elevated the alert to a severe thunderstorm warning for Anderson, Greenville, Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties. This warning indicated the possibility of winds reaching speeds of 60 mph and hail up to 0.75 inches in diameter. The storm was noted to be moving northeast at 45 mph, with the warning in effect until 8:30 p.m. EDT.
Potential Impact Areas
Areas anticipated to be affected by the severe weather include major locations such as Greenville Downtown, Easley, Pickens, Greenville Eastside, Greer, Mauldin, Taylors, Simpsonville, and Berea. An earlier update at 7:47 p.m. reported strong thunderstorms producing pea-sized hail and winds up to 50 mph in the Greater Pickens and Greenville County areas.
Doppler radar identified a strong thunderstorm located approximately 12 miles northwest of Greenville Downtown, tracking east at 25 mph. Other affected communities include Travelers Rest, Slater-Marietta, Tigerville, Lake Robinson, and Pleasant Ridge State Park.
Safety Precautions and Warnings
The NWS has emphasized the dangers associated with lightning, particularly during thunderstorms, which strike the United States roughly 25 million times a year, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities each year. The likelihood of lightning increases as storms approach and is at its peak when a storm is overhead. Residents are strongly advised to seek indoor shelter during such weather conditions.
Driving conditions may also be adversely affected, as hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. This happens when water accumulates in front of the tires faster than the vehicle’s weight can displace it. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary during severe weather conditions.
In the wake of the storm, the NWS has alerted residents to the possibility of damaging winds affecting trees and power lines, advising them to report any significant weather-related incidents to the relevant authorities. In a further update at 9:23 p.m. on Friday, severe thunderstorms were once again reported in Greenville and Spartanburg counties, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph and marble-sized hail observed.
Lightning Safety Reminder
The seasonal peaks of thunderstorms typically see an uptick in lightning strikes, which underscores the importance of taking safety precautions. Residents are encouraged to follow guidance from the NWS and local officials and remain vigilant as this severe weather system unfolds.
As severe thunderstorms are expected to continue impacting the region, staying indoors and maintaining an awareness of weather updates is crucial for the safety of all individuals in the affected areas.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Island Packet
- The State
- Fox Carolina
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Greenville Weather
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.
