News Summary
Severe thunderstorms have struck Greenwood, causing significant tree damage and road closures. With damaging winds and the potential for hail, residents are advised to seek shelter. Emergency services are working to clear fallen trees and downed power lines while maintaining safety in hazardous driving conditions.
Greenwood Experiences Severe Thunderstorms, Leading to Damage and Road Closures
Greenwood has been hit by severe thunderstorms that caused significant tree damage and road closures across the area. A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for Greenwood County until 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, detailing potential risks including damaging winds of up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail measuring around 0.75 inches in diameter.
The storms, some of which were located approximately 12 miles northwest of Greenwood near Ware Shoals and moving south at a slow pace of 5 mph, prompted officials to advise residents in the areas of Ware Shoals and Shoals Junction to seek shelter. It is expected that these severe weather conditions could result in damage to trees and power lines due to the brief yet damaging wind gusts.
In anticipation of the storm, the National Weather Service has stated that the environment is conducive to thunderstorms, with a high temperature reaching around 88°F and a 60% chance of rain throughout the day. Winds from the southwest blowing at 10 to 15 mph contributed to the storm’s development. Later in the night, isolated thunderstorms are expected to transition into cloudy skies, with a low temperature projected around 70°F and a 40% chance of rain.
Damage Report and Road Closures
Local emergency services reported that a massive tree fell at the intersection of Grace Street and Cambridge Avenue, blocking the road and bringing down power lines on Monday evening. As a result of the severe damage, the road remained obstructed into Tuesday morning. The Greenwood Fire Department is currently working to clear both the tree and the downed power lines from the road, although no estimated completion time for the clearing efforts has been provided.
Residents have been advised that this intersection will be closed until further notice due to the severity of the damage, emphasizing the importance of staying clear of the area during cleanup operations.
Safety Concerns Amid Thunderstorms
Along with tree damage and road closures, the thunderstorms created hazardous driving conditions that led to two reported vehicle accidents due to hydroplaning events. Hydroplaning occurs when water on the roadway prevents tire traction, causing vehicles to lose control. These accidents were specifically noted on the Kansas Turnpike, coinciding with the same day as the thunderstorms in Greenwood.
Thunderstorms pose various risks, with the National Weather Service reporting that lightning strikes happen approximately 25 million times a year in the United States, peaking significantly during such weather events. As storms continue, it is crucial for residents to remain informed and heed safety warnings to minimize risks.
Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness
City officials urge residents to stay updated on the local weather forecasts, monitor any emergency alerts, and take necessary precautions during severe weather scenarios. Gathering safety supplies, securing outdoor items that could become projectiles, and having a communication plan are essential steps to ensure personal safety during storm events.
As these severe thunderstorms continue to affect Greenwood, community members are reminded of the importance of readiness and awareness in times of unpredictable and hazardous weather.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorms Report
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- KVOE: Storms Generate 60 mph Wind Near Severy
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Index Journal: Severe Thunderstorm Causes Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- ABC13: Tree Falls on House During Storms
- Google News: Thunderstorm Preparedness
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.
