Severe Thunderstorms Hit Greenwood and Harris County

News Summary

Residents in Greenwood County and Harris County faced severe thunderstorms this past Sunday, with warnings issued by the National Weather Service. The storms brought strong winds, hail, and significant damage, including downed trees and power lines. As the community recovers, officials remind residents to stay alert to weather updates and prioritize safety during such events.

Severe Thunderstorms Wreak Havoc in Greenwood County and Harris County

This past Sunday, residents of Greenwood County and Harris County had to brace themselves for some wild weather as **strong thunderstorms** rolled through the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an alert for severe thunderstorms, letting the community know to keep an eye out for dangerous conditions until 9:45 a.m. that morning.

Weather Warnings and Conditions

The storm warning was activated around 9:11 a.m., after Doppler radar detected a thunderstorm cruising just **7 miles south of Greenwood**, moving at a clip of **60 mph** eastward. With wind gusts predicted to reach up to **40 mph** and pea-sized hail anticipated (measuring about **0.25 inches**), many residents were advised to prepare for potentially hazardous situations. Flying tree limbs and unsecured objects were particularly concerning, and minor hail damage to outdoor items was also possible.

Areas that were impacted by this intense weather included Greenwood, Ninety Six, Troy, and various local sites like Greenwood State Park and the Ninety Six Historic Site—an extensive range that covered many folks in the community!

Staying Safe during Storms

For those caught outside during the thunderstorm, safety was a top priority. Residents were strongly urged to seek indoor shelter, especially since storms of this nature bring with them a heightened risk for lightning. It’s worth noting that about **25 million lightning strikes** occur across the U.S. annually—mostly in the summer. This dramatic number leads to an average of about **20 fatalities each year**, emphasizing the need for caution when thunderstorms approach.

So what happens if you can’t find shelter during a thunderstorm? The safety experts highlighted crucial tips for everyone to stay out of harm’s way. One significant risk during rainy thunderstorms is **hydroplaning**, which occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water building up in front of the tires. Understanding this risk can help drivers stay vigilant and safe.

Damage Reports Start Coming In

Grace Street and Cambridge Avenue in Greenwood, completely blocking the road and bringing down power lines in the process. Crews from the Greenwood Fire Department quickly jumped into action to clear the area, but the intersection remained closed for a while due to the extent of the damage.

Just a couple of days later, on Tuesday morning, residents of Harris County faced their own set of challenges. Another thunderstorm led to a tree tumbling onto a house in the Greenwood Forest neighborhood. This unfortunate incident caused **significant roof damage**, although reports about injuries were still unclear. Images of the aftermath were shared on social media, capturing the storm’s ferocity and its impact on local homes.

Final Thoughts

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Greenwood County
Severe Thunderstorms Prompt Weather Alerts in Greenwood County
Severe Thunderstorms Disrupt Greenwood County
Thunderstorm Alerts Create Concerns in Greenwood County
Greenwood County Hit by Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Thunderstorms Set to Hit Greenwood County, SC

Additional Resources

• Index Journal: Severe Thunderstorm in Greenwood
• Fox Carolina: Greenwood County Recovery Update
• ABC13: Tree Falls on House in Harris County
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm

Author: HERE Greenwood