News Summary
Residents in Abbeville and Greenwood counties have been warned of strong thunderstorms, including potential pea-sized hail and wind gusts reaching 40 mph. The National Weather Service has issued a watch until later today, urging individuals to take shelter and prepare for adverse weather conditions. Forecasts indicate high temperatures and possible thunderstorm development, with communities advised to stay alert for updates.
Abbeville, SC – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Abbeville and Greenwood counties due to the threat of strong thunderstorms expected to develop amid unusually high temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg confirmed the alert on June 17, 2025, at 6:32 PM, warning residents of potential severe weather conditions until 7:15 PM.
The latest forecast for June 18 predicts mostly sunny skies with a high temperature of 91°F and southwest winds ranging from 10 to 15 mph. The low is projected to be near 72°F with lighter winds shifting to the southwest at 5 to 10 mph.
According to the NWS, Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm at 6:32 PM on June 17, which was located 11 miles southwest of Abbeville and moving eastward at 35 mph. The initial thunderstorm watch indicated the possibility of pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. These conditions could pose risks such as downed tree limbs and flying debris due to the gusty winds, as well as minor damage to outdoor items from hail.
Areas affected by the watch included Calhoun Falls, Troy, Promised Land, Bradley, Richard B. Russell Dam, and Callison. Residents were advised to seek indoor shelter if outdoors during the storm to ensure their safety.
A second update from the NWS was issued at 9:11 AM on June 18, reiterating the risk of strong thunderstorms and extending the watch until 9:45 AM. Again, gusts of wind up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail were anticipated. Locations at risk during this extended period included Greenwood, Ninety Six, Greenwood State Park, and Kirksey, along with other surrounding areas.
This severe weather alert occurs alongside a Tropical Weather Outlook from the National Hurricane Center, which states that there is no expected tropical cyclone formation in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico over the next seven days.
Lightning is another concern associated with thunderstorms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that around 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the United States, particularly during the summer months, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities each year. The likelihood of being struck by lightning increases as a storm approaches, peaks when the storm is overhead, and diminishes as it departs from the area.
To remain safe during thunderstorms, it is imperative for residents to follow safety guidelines. These include seeking shelter indoors and being aware of driving conditions as rains may lead to hydroplaning, a situation where vehicular tires lose traction on wet surfaces. Being informed and prepared can significantly reduce risks associated with severe weather and sudden thunderstorms.
As the weather unfolds, residents are urged to stay alert for updates from the NWS and local authorities regarding the status of the thunderstorms and any further precautions to take for their safety.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY News 40 Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Weather.com: Greenwood, IN
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- 4029 TV: Weather News
- Google News: Weather Alerts
