News Summary
Residents of Upstate South Carolina are urged to take precautions as the National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for counties including Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg. The warnings, which came into effect on July 31, indicate strong thunderstorms with wind gusts of up to 40 mph and the risk of localized flooding. Additionally, lightning poses a significant danger during storms. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid flooded areas while remaining vigilant as conditions can change rapidly.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Upstate South Carolina
Attention, residents of Upstate South Carolina! Thursday, July 31, was a day to be cautious as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued severe thunderstorm warnings for various counties including Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg. The alert went out at 4:23 p.m. and is effective until 5:30 p.m., so if you’re in the area, it’s crucial to take heed of the warnings!
What’s Happening?
Weather watchers were on high alert as Doppler radar showed strong thunderstorms making their way along a line starting about 17 miles south of Spartanburg, reaching all the way to areas northeast of Laurens and Greenwood. These storms are moving east at about 25 mph, bringing wind gusts of up to 40 mph, which could potentially knock over tree limbs and carry away any unsecured outdoor items.
So, if you’re in places like Laurens, Clinton, Woodruff, Joanna, Buffalo, Waterloo, Rose Hill State Park, Mountville, Kinards, or Enoree, you’ll want to pay close attention to the sky and consider heading indoors!
A Risk of Localized Flooding
This storm isn’t just about the wind; it’s also been bringing along some torrential rainfall. Due to this heavy rain, residents are being warned to steer clear of any flooded roadways. Remember, it only takes a little bit of water to make a large difference when it comes to driving safety!
Additionally, there was another thunderstorm warning issued for Spartanburg County just before the first alert, around 3:51 p.m., indicating that storms were battering the area with heavy rain until 4:30 p.m. It’s crucial to stay informed, as the intensity of these storms can change rapidly.
Lightning: A Hidden Danger
As these storms roll in, lightning becomes an increasingly high risk. With lightning striking the U.S. approximately 25 million times a year, it’s best not to take chances. If you’re outside, make sure to find shelter immediately or hop into a hard-topped vehicle.
When the storm is directly overhead, the likelihood of lightning strikes peaks. It’s also wise to stay away from windows and doors indoors and to avoid wired electronic devices, not to mention steering clear of taking showers or baths during storms.
Hydroplaning: Know Your Risks!
With all this rain pouring down, drivers need to understand the very real risk of hydroplaning. This occurs when a vehicle loses traction due to water accumulating on the road. It’s important to know how to regain control if you do start to hydroplane. The top factors that can contribute to hydroplaning include:
- Water accumulation on the road.
- Tire tread depth—make sure your tires are in good condition!
- Vehicle speed—the faster you go, the harder it is to control your car in wet conditions.
Be cautious and reduce your speed when driving through wet areas!
Previous Alerts and Preparedness
Lest we forget, similar severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued recently for Spartanburg County, highlighting the importance of being prepared. On July 28th, a storm brought wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail!
The NWS is urging all residents to stay prepared and be aware during these stormy conditions. Your safety is the top priority, so don’t ignore those weather alerts. Stay safe, stay dry, and remember—severe weather can change in a heartbeat!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood School District Adjusts Schedule Amid Heat Advisory
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Heat Advisory Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg County Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Search: Spartanburg Weather Warnings
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Preparedness
- Greenville Online: Greenville County Thunderstorm Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
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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