News Summary
Greenwood and Laurens counties are currently under a severe thunderstorm alert from the National Weather Service due to strong storms expected to bring hail and winds. Residents should prepare for pea-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Key areas impacted include Lake Greenwood State Park and the town of Ninety Six. Safety measures are advised, as lightning strikes are common during thunderstorms. Drivers should exercise caution as hydroplaning risks increase with wet road conditions. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions until the storm passes.
Greenwood, South Carolina – Severe thunderstorms are impacting Greenwood and Laurens counties this evening, prompting a weather alert from the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg. The alert was issued at 6:10 p.m. for strong thunderstorms expected to last until 6:30 p.m., bringing with them strong winds and hail.
Residents in the area should prepare for pea-sized hail measuring approximately 0.25 inches and wind gusts that could reach up to 40 mph. Doppler radar has indicated a strong thunderstorm moving southeast at 10 mph, located about 11 miles east of Greenwood, near Lake Greenwood State Park.
Potential impacts from the storm include gusty winds capable of downing tree limbs and causing a disruption to unsecured objects. Minor hail damage, particularly to outdoor items, is also possible. Specific locations affected by the storm include Lake Greenwood State Park, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, and the town of Ninety Six.
The NWS has advised residents to seek shelter indoors if they are outside and to immediately exit the water if they are on or near Lake Greenwood. Safety measures during thunderstorms are crucial, as lightning can strike anywhere within a ten-mile radius of the storm. It is essential for those who can hear thunder to recognize their proximity to potential lightning strikes.
Statistics indicate that the U.S. experiences approximately 25 million lightning strikes each year, with the majority occurring in the summer months, leading to around 20 fatalities annually due to lightning-related incidents. The likelihood of a lightning strike increases as the storm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead, while the risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Motorists should also be particularly cautious during these conditions. Hydroplaning is a significant risk when roads are wet, characterized by a vehicle sliding uncontrollably due to water accumulation in front of the tires. The likelihood of hydroplaning is influenced by multiple factors, including road conditions, vehicle speed, and the condition of the tires. Drivers are urged to adapt their speed and maintain vigilance on wet roads to avoid accidents.
As the severe thunderstorm alert remains in effect until 6:30 p.m., it is essential for all residents in the affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Monitoring local weather updates will provide the latest information on the storm’s progression and any additional safety guidelines.
This ongoing weather event is a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations during severe weather. Community members are urged to remain indoors until the storm passes to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorms in Greenwood
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- ABC13: Tree Falls During Storms
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- WSPA: Severe Thunderstorm Causes Damage
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impacts
- IndyStar: Storms Bringing Hail and High Winds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Delaware Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm Alerts
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER 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.
