News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Greenwood County, SC, prompting alerts due to damaging winds, marble-sized hail, and flash flooding risks. Residents are cautioned to seek shelter and remain vigilant about the dangerous weather conditions expected in the area. The National Weather Service warns of potential hazards including strong winds capable of downing tree limbs, localized flooding, and increased lightning strikes. Safety recommendations for vehicle operation during heavy rainfall are also emphasized as the storms progress.
Greenwood County, SC experienced a severe thunderstorm warning on Thursday evening, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg at 5:39 p.m. The alert remains in effect until 6:15 p.m. for the area, which includes key locations such as Ninety Six Historic Site, Kirksey, Callison, Epworth, and Dyson.
The thunderstorm is generating wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail, measuring approximately 0.5 inches in diameter. At the time of the warning, Doppler radar indicated that the intense storm was located 12 miles southeast of Greenwood and 7 miles south of Ninety Six Historic Site. The storm is moving east at a speed of 20 mph.
Potential hazards associated with the storm include strong winds capable of downing tree limbs and sending unsecured objects airborne. The heavy rainfall also raises concerns for localized flooding, and residents are warned against driving through flooded roadways. Minor hail damage to outdoor items is a possibility, further emphasizing the need for caution during this weather event.
Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning strikes have also been reported, with the risk of lightning increasing as the thunderstorm approaches, peaking when it is directly overhead. Thunderstorms can lead to about 25 million lightning strikes across the United States each year, with an average of 20 fatalities reported annually. Residents are advised to seek safe shelter indoors or inside a vehicle if they are outside.
In addition to the primary warnings, the NWS has provided safety advice concerning vehicle operation during storms. Hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle loses traction and slides uncontrollably on wet roads, is a significant risk during heavy rain. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and remain alert to their surroundings to mitigate potential accidents.
This severe thunderstorm warning is not an isolated incident in Greenwood County. Another alert was issued by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg at 11 p.m. on Saturday, valid until 11:30 p.m. This formation is predicted to cause penny-sized hail, around 0.75 inches, alongside wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph. That thunderstorm was noted to be located 12 miles northwest of Greenwood near Ware Shoals and was progressing south at a speed of 5 mph. The warning also mentioned the risk of damage to trees and power lines as a result of the severe weather.
In summary, the residents of Greenwood County are advised to stay alert and prepared as the storm brings hazardous weather conditions, including strong winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and lightning. Taking appropriate precautions, such as seeking shelter indoors, can ensure safety during these extreme weather events.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Homicide of Missing Woman Shakes Greenwood County Community
Thunderstorm Warning in Greenwood County
24th Annual South Carolina Festival of Discovery Begins
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Lives on Lake Greenwood
Boating Collision on Lake Greenwood Results in Two Fatalities
Tragic Boating Collision Claims Two Lives on Lake Greenwood
Tragic Boat Crash on Lake Greenwood Claims Lives
Weather and Construction Updates for Greenwood Residents
Severe Weather Alert Issued for Greenwood, SC
York County Weather Alert for Strong Thunderstorms
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Severe Thunderstorm in Greenwood
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- ABC 13: Tree Falls on House during Storms
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impacts
- The State: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- IndyStar: Storms Will Bring Hail and High Winds
- 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.
