News Summary
Residents of Greenwood and Laurens Counties are on alert as a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Expect strong storms with pea-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph. The storm is moving northeast and is anticipated to affect various local areas, including Coronaca and Cross Hill. Safety measures are recommended, especially considering the risk of lightning. Stay indoors and secure any outdoor items to avoid damage during this weather event.
Thunderstorm Alert in Greenwood and Laurens Counties!
Hey there, folks! Grab your umbrellas and hold onto your hats because there’s some wild weather headed our way! As of Thursday at 2:07 p.m., the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the fine folks living in Laurens and Greenwood counties. This storm is packing a punch and is expected to last until about 2:45 p.m.
What can you expect? Well, get ready for strong thunderstorms that are capable of bringing along pea-sized hail – that’s about 0.25 inches in diameter – and wind gusts hitting up to a brisk 40 mph. Now, let’s break it down a bit more. Doppler radar picked up a hefty storm just south of Greenwood, about 4 miles away, making its way northeast at a speed of 30 mph. With that kind of movement, this is not a storm you want to ignore!
Where Will This Storm Hit?
Several locations are in the line of fire, including Coronaca, Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood State Park, and, of course, the bustling areas of Greenwood and Ninety Six Historic Site. With gusty winds swirling, be extra cautious because they could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying. Plus, don’t be surprised if you notice minor hail damage to items outside. It’s a good idea to bring anything valuable inside to avoid disaster!
Safety First!
If you’re caught outside during this storm, the best course of action is to seek shelter inside a building. Thunderstorms like this one come with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which is nothing to sneeze at! Did you know lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm? That’s right! So, if you hear thunder, it’s already time to head indoors.
The NWS highlights that every year, around 25 million lightning strikes happen across the U.S., with numerous incidents occurring during summer. Sadly, about 20 people lose their lives annually due to lightning strikes, reinforcing the importance of safety during these storms. The possibility of lightning increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead.
Powerful Storms and Past Warnings
The storm was spotted near Greenwood, moving northeast at a slower pace of 15 mph. For those caught in this storm, safety measures were shared: moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of any building is a way to stay protected!
What to Do During a Thunderstorm?
In case you find yourself driving during a thunderstorm, remember that hydroplaning can happen when your vehicle slides uncontrollably on slick roads due to water building up under the tires. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, it’s essential to steer gently and slow down to regain control of your vehicle.
As the weather continues to change, stay tuned for updates and remember to prioritize your safety. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this thunderstorm ends soon without causing much trouble. Stay safe out there, Greenwood and Laurens County residents!
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Severe Thunderstorm Causes Major Damage to Lake Greenwood Homes
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Thunderstorm Alert
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Hazards
- The State: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Thunderstorm Information
- Google News: Thunderstorm Alerts
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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