Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Greenville Area

News Summary

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Abbeville and Greenwood counties, enduring until midnight Thursday. Power outages affecting over 13,000 customers have been reported across the Upstate and Western North Carolina due to the storms. Residents are advised to take safety precautions, including moving to lower interior rooms and adjusting driving habits during inclement weather.

Greenville, SC – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, effective until midnight Thursday for Abbeville and Greenwood counties. The updated watch was released at 11:46 p.m. on Wednesday as thunderstorms swept through the region, leading to widespread power outages impacting thousands of customers.

As of 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, reports indicated that over 13,853 people were without power across the Upstate and parts of Western North Carolina, with major outages occurring in Spartanburg and Greenville counties. The storms caused disruptions for more than 8,000 customers in the Upstate alone. Additionally, over 2,100 customers in Western North Carolina also reported power loss due to the severe weather.

Earlier in the evening, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 6:59 p.m. for Union County, which remained in place until 7:30 p.m. The warning tracked a storm located 9 miles northeast of Indian Land, which was moving southeast at a speed of 5 mph. The warning indicated the possibility of quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph. Affected areas included Indian Trail, Weddington, Stallings, Lake Park, Wesley Chapel, and Hemby Bridge.

During these storms, minor hail and wind damage to trees and power lines were expected. The National Weather Service has warned that the risks associated with thunderstorms, particularly lightning, are heightened as storms approach, peaking when directly overhead. It is estimated that the U.S. experiences approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually, primarily during the summer months, resulting in around 20 fatalities each year.

In light of these risks, residents are advised to take safety precautions during thunderstorms. Recommended actions include moving to an interior room on the lowest floor in their homes or buildings. Wet weather can also lead to the dangerous phenomenon of hydroplaning, where vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads. Hydroplaning is caused by water pressure building up against the tires faster than they can displace it, making it essential for drivers to remain vigilant and adjust their driving habits during inclement weather.

The severe weather impacting the Upstate and Western North Carolina serves as a reminder for residents to stay informed about potential hazards and reach out to local authorities for guidance on safety measures during such storms. As conditions continue to evolve, it is important for individuals to monitor updates regarding weather forecasts and potential warnings from local meteorological services.

In summary, the severe thunderstorm watch brings significant concern for residents in the affected counties of Abbeville and Greenwood, with the threat of intense lightning, damaging winds, and hail. With thousands experiencing power outages, continued vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines during storms will be crucial for the well-being of the community.

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Additional Resources

• WYFF4: South Carolina, North Carolina Power Outages Due to Storms
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Herald: Weather News Article
• Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
• Charlotte Observer: Weather News Article
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
• WSPA: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Information
• Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
• Island Packet: Weather News Article

Author: HERE Greenwood