Greenville, South Carolina, August 23, 2025
News Summary
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Laurens and Greenwood counties in South Carolina, effective until 8 p.m. Residents should prepare for wind gusts up to 40 mph and the possibility of marble-sized hail. Key areas affected include Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood, and Greenwood State Park. The National Weather Service urges residents to seek shelter and avoid outdoor activities. Additionally, the threat of lightning and hydroplaning on wet roads is emphasized as precautions are recommended during storm events.
Greenville, South Carolina Residents Under Severe Thunderstorm Alert
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Laurens and Greenwood counties, effective until 8 p.m. on Thursday, due to strong thunderstorms expected to impact the area.
The severe storm, tracked by Doppler radar, was located approximately 10 miles northeast of Greenwood, near Lake Greenwood, and moving southeast at a speed of 10 mph. Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph and the possibility of marble-sized hail, measuring 0.5 inches in diameter.
Areas most affected by this weather alert include Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, and Ninety Six. The NWS has advised anyone outdoors to seek immediate shelter indoors and to refrain from water activities if on or near Lake Greenwood due to the risk of lightning and severe weather.
While many focus on the wind and hail, the threat of lightning should not be overlooked. Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from a thunderstorm, meaning that if one can hear thunder, one is close enough to be at risk. On average, the United States experiences 25 million lightning strikes each year, resulting in an average of 20 fatalities.
The NWS pointed out that hydroplaning is a significant concern during severe weather events. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads, primarily driven by three main factors: excessive speed, worn tires, and water accumulation on roads. Drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling during storms.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, June 17, the NWS issued another severe thunderstorm warning affecting ten counties including Elbert, Hart, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, Abbeville, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens. The storm warning at that time featured wind gusts up to 60 mph and potential hail measuring up to 0.75 inches. Residents were encouraged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of buildings during severe storms.
With high temperatures near 90 degrees predicted for today, the environment remains conducive to storm development. Isolated flooding is also a possibility due to heavy rainfall, particularly in the mountainous regions of North Carolina and Georgia.
Duke Energy has reported over 230 customers without power in the Upstate area due to the impacts of thunderstorms. A tornado warning was briefly issued for Pickens County earlier in the week but was subsequently downgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning. Residents are recommended to stay informed and cooperate with local authorities for safety during extreme weather conditions.
FAQ Section
What areas are affected by the severe thunderstorm warning?
The severe thunderstorm warning affects Laurens and Greenwood counties, including areas such as Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, and Ninety Six.
What are the expected weather threats from the storm?
Possible threats include wind gusts up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail measuring 0.5 inches. Additionally, there is a risk of lightning strikes and hydroplaning on wet roads.
What precautions should residents take during the storm?
Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors, avoid outside activities, and refrain from water activities if near Lake Greenwood. Drivers should also be cautious to prevent hydroplaning.
Key Features of the Severe Thunderstorm Warning
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wind Gusts | Up to 40 mph |
| Hail Size | 0.5 inches (marble-sized) |
| Affected Areas | Laurens, Greenwood, Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, Ninety Six |
| Safety Recommendations | Seek shelter indoors, avoid water activities, drive cautiously |
| Potential Risks | Lightning, hydroplaning, strong winds |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WYFF4: Severe Storms Possible
- Google Search: Severe Weather Greenville
- Fox Carolina: Tornado Warning in Pickens County
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather South Carolina
- Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning June 7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorms
- WYFF4: Severe Weather Timing
- Google News: Severe 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.
