News Summary
Greenwood County is under a severe thunderstorm warning as the National Weather Service anticipates damaging conditions, including penny-sized hail and 60 mph winds. Residents are advised to seek shelter and stay informed about the storm’s progress, which has already caused power outages and damage in the area. Community members are coming together to support those affected by the storm, while local officials work on recovery efforts.
Greenwood County, South Carolina is under a severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg SC as of 11 p.m. on Saturday, set to remain in effect until 11:30 p.m. The warning anticipates damaging conditions due to the storm, which is expected to generate penny-sized hail measuring 0.75 inches and wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 60 mph.
At 10:59 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was tracked approximately 12 miles northwest of Greenwood, specifically near Ware Shoals, moving south at a speed of 5 mph. The NWS cautions that the storm could cause damage to trees and power lines, particularly affecting the regions of Ware Shoals and Shoals Junction. Residents in impacted areas are strongly advised to seek shelter, especially in an interior room, to protect themselves from potential hazards.
The immediate threat includes brief damaging winds that may uproot trees and down power lines, with the added risk of large hail. It is important for residents to remain vigilant, as thunderstorms frequently bring the risk of lightning. With an average of around 25 million lightning strikes occurring in the U.S. each year—predominantly during the summer months—thunderstorms can lead to up to 20 fatalities annually. The risk of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches, reaching a peak while the storm is overhead, and decreasing thereafter.
Taking precautions during thunderstorms is crucial. The NWS encourages indoor shelter and advises against any outdoor activity. They also discussed the dangers of hydroplaning, which happens when vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to excessive water in front of tires. It is essential for drivers to understand the risks of driving during these conditions, especially since the NWS previously issued a report at 10:22 p.m. warning of strong thunderstorms in Laurens County until 10:45 p.m., with similar threats from nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches) and wind gusts up to 50 mph.
In light of recent events, the current weather patterns affecting Greenwood County are linked to the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, which had already caused significant damage and power outages in the region. Many residents in Ware Shoals are still without electricity, and businesses remain closed as the community deals with the aftermath. Reports indicate that fallen trees and roof damage have compounded the challenges faced by local residents.
To provide support, community members—including vendors and local businesses—are stepping in to assist those affected by the storm. For instance, those operating food vendors have been distributing ice and food to residents struggling without power. Town officials have confirmed that the entire town is experiencing outages, with many residents resorting to generators for electricity.
As part of the recovery efforts, Mayor Bryan Ross announced an extension of the cutoff deadline for utility bills, along with active debris collection plans to help clear the aftermath of the storm. Additionally, a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been instituted until the power is fully restored. Community members are coming together to provide meals and aid, with events—such as a hotdog dinner—organized to support those who are currently facing difficulties.
In conclusion, with severe thunderstorms impacting Greenwood County, residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed about weather updates. As the community rallies to support each other in the wake of the storm’s effects, local leaders and residents continue to work towards recovery and restoration.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Index Journal
- Google Search: Hydroelectric projects
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Severe thunderstorm
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Index Journal
- Google News: Ware Shoals
