News Summary
Residents of Laurens and Greenwood Counties are advised to prepare for strong thunderstorms expected to cause wind gusts up to 40 mph and localized flooding. The National Weather Service has issued an alert, warning of potential torrential rainfall and lightning risks. Key areas affected include Ninety Six, Lake Greenwood State Park, and surrounding locations. Safety precautions are urged, especially for drivers, as hydroplaning may occur on wet roads. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and keep an eye on weather updates until the storm passes.
Thunderstorm Alert for Laurens and Greenwood Counties
Good afternoon, folks in Laurens and Greenwood Counties! If you’ve stepped outside recently, you might have sensed that something was brewing in the skies above. Well, it looks like your instincts were spot on. An updated weather alert was released by the National Weather Service indicating that strong thunderstorms are currently sweeping through your area. The alert came through at around 3:37 p.m. on Tuesday and is expected to last until 4 p.m.
What to Expect From the Storm
As the thunderstorm rolls in, be prepared for some serious weather action. The storm is bringing with it wind gusts of up to 40 mph along with some pea-sized hail—about 0.25 inches in diameter. For those of you wondering where exactly this storm is headed, Doppler radar has picked up a strong thunderstorm about 12 miles east of Greenwood, making its way north at roughly 10 mph. So, it’s definitely time to keep those windows closed!
Affected Areas
Here are the main spots that are feeling the effects of today’s storm:
- Ninety Six
- Lake Greenwood State Park
- Lake Greenwood
- Greenwood State Park
- Ninety Six Historic Site
- Coronaca
- Dyson
Residents in these areas, especially those out and about, should consider seeking shelter inside a building. The storm is not just a typical shower; torrential rainfall is on the menu, and with it comes the potential for localized flooding. Just a friendly reminder: if you’re one of the brave souls who ventures out during this weather, please don’t drive through flooded roadways! Better to be safe than sorry!
Stay Safe!
While this storm offers some natural drama, it also brings along certain risks. One major concern here is lightning. Did you know that there are approximately 25 million lightning strikes in the United States each year, and summer sees the highest peaks? Lightning can be deadly, with around 20 fatalities each year attributed to it. If the rumbling and flashing start, it’s definitely time to find somewhere safe indoors.
Driving Concerns: Hydroplaning
If you absolutely must drive during this storm, always stay alert and cautious. Hydroplaning could become a real issue here. This happens when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads—yikes! There are a few key factors that contribute to hydroplaning:
- Excess water on the roadway
- The speed of the vehicle
- The depth of the tire tread
So, make sure your tires are in good shape and adjust your speed accordingly! Remember, safety is the main priority during these storms.
Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to the rest of the day, keep an eye on the weather. If you can stay indoors until this storm passes, that’s usually the best call. Your plans can wait—it’s better to enjoy a cozy afternoon safe from the storm than to risk it out there. Stay tuned for any updates and above all, take care of yourselves and each other out there!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Naples News
- Google Search: Hurricane forecast
- Spencer Daily Reporter
- Google Scholar: Weather alerts
- Watauga Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- The State
- Google News: Thunderstorm warnings
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.
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