News Summary
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are now in effect for Upstate South Carolina and northeastern Georgia, predicting damaging wind gusts and pea-sized hail. Residents are advised to seek shelter and stay alert until conditions improve. NWS emphasizes safety precautions during thunderstorms to prevent harm from lightning and strong winds.
Abbeville, South Carolina – Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are currently in effect for Upstate South Carolina and northeastern Georgia, as issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg SC on June 9, 2025. The warnings indicate strong thunderstorms that may lead to adverse weather conditions, including hail and high winds.
As of now, strong thunderstorms are expected to impact Abbeville County until 7:15 p.m. Doppler radar has detected significant thunderstorms in the area, with a notable storm located four miles southeast of Elberton, Georgia, moving east at a speed of 35 mph. Forecasts predict the storm will produce pea-sized hail measuring approximately 0.25 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. These gusty winds pose the risk of damaging tree limbs as well as blowing unsecured objects around.
Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is also a possibility due to the intensity of these storms. Residents in Abbeville, Elberton, Calhoun Falls, Bobby Brown State Park, Lake Strom Thurmond, Nancy Hart State Park, Middleton, Lake Russell, Russell State Park, and Broad River Campground are advised to stay alert, as these locations fall within the affected areas.
Safety Measures and Advice
The NWS emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter indoors if you are outside during the storms. As thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning increases substantially, particularly when the storm is directly overhead. On average, the USA experiences around 25 million lightning strikes per year, with roughly 20 fatalities attributed to lightning strikes annually, according to NWS data.
People are urged to move to safer areas, such as interior rooms on the lowest floors of buildings, and to avoid lakes and other outdoor locations during thunderstorms. Given the ongoing weather alerts, following these safety protocols is critical to ensuring personal safety.
Hydroplaning Risks
In addition to storm-related risks, the report includes information regarding hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle loses traction and starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulation in front of tires. Factors contributing to hydroplaning include vehicle speed, water depth on the road, and the condition of the vehicle’s tires. Drivers are encouraged to remain cautious and reduce speed during rainy conditions to mitigate these hazards.
Reporting and Community Safety
The NWS urges individuals to report any damages resulting from these thunderstorms, including instances of high winds, hail, or flooding. Community awareness is vital during severe weather, and local authorities rely on reported incidents to take appropriate action.
This severe thunderstorm warning comes amid heightened concerns for the safety of residents in Upstate South Carolina and northeastern Georgia. As thunderstorms continue to pose risks across the region, local authorities and weather experts are prioritizing public safety by disseminating timely alerts and advice.
For those in the affected regions, staying informed and taking necessary precautions is essential. Please remain vigilant during this severe weather event and ensure that you and your loved ones are safe.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Independent Mail
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- WFXG
- Google News: Weather Alerts
Author: HERE Greenwood
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