News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued an updated weather alert for severe thunderstorms impacting multiple counties in South Carolina, including Abbeville, Laurens, and Greenwood. Residents can expect strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall, leading to possible localized flooding. The advisory emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter indoors and avoiding outdoor activities. Weather forecasts predict continuing severe conditions with a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the following days. Precautions for pets and safe travel tips are also advised as the storm approaches.
Greenville, South Carolina – An updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg on Monday evening for multiple counties in South Carolina, warning of severe thunderstorms with strong winds and potential hail until 10:15 p.m. The alert specifically affects Abbeville, Laurens, and Greenwood counties.
As indicated by Doppler radar, a strong thunderstorm was detected at 9:33 p.m., located approximately 8 miles north of Greenwood, moving rapidly northward at speeds of 50 mph. Residents in the targeted areas can expect wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph, which may cause tree limbs to break and unsheltered objects to become airborne.
Impacted regions include Coronaca, Cross Hill, Ware Shoals, and Lake Greenwood State Park. As the storm approaches, residents are advised to seek shelter indoors and avoid outdoor activities. Furthermore, heavy rainfall is anticipated, posing a risk of localized flooding, and those on the road are warned to steer clear of flooded areas.
The warning was effective from 9:34 p.m. until 10:15 p.m., and shortly thereafter, another alert was issued at 11:07 p.m. for Laurens and Union counties, extending until 11:45 p.m. This second alert predicted similar wind gusts of up to 40 mph, with Doppler radar tracking a thunderstorm located 15 miles southwest of Union, moving northeast at 30 mph. This also includes affected locations such as Cross Keys, Rose Hill State Park, and Joanna.
The NWS reports that lightning, a significant threat during thunderstorms, strikes the United States approximately 25 million times annually, leading to about 20 fatalities each year—most of which occur in the summer months. The likelihood of lightning strikes intensifies as thunderstorms develop and peaks when they are overhead.
Prior to the weather alerts, the area saw forecasts predicting severe weather for May 8, with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Meteorologists noted potential wind gusts up to 58 mph and hail reaching up to one inch in diameter. The risk level for severe storms was upgraded from level one to level two due to a high degree of atmospheric instability, with predictions that isolated storms might continue into the early hours of May 9.
Residents were cautioned to remain vigilant, as scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected on May 9, with a 50% chance of precipitation. However, forecasts suggest a return to dry conditions with no significant weather projected for May 10, followed by increased chances of rain on May 11.
Severe storms reported earlier in the day, particularly affecting Caldwell County, included incidents of hail the size of limes and wind gusts that reached up to 60 mph. As severe thunderstorm conditions prevail, pet safety precautions were recommended, alongside additional travel advice due to potential hydroplaning risks when driving on slick roads.
In summary, residents in the warned counties should stay indoors during the storm and remain alert to changing conditions, as the weather is expected to continue fluctuating over the coming days.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Southeast Faces Major Flooding Threat as Atmospheric River Hits
Upstate South Carolina Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for South Carolina and Georgia
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Greenwood SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Abbeville and Greenwood Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Abbeville and Greenwood Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Abbeville and Greenwood Counties
Thunderstorm Alert in Abbeville and Greenwood Counties
Severe Thunderstorms Hit South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
- WYFF4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Storm
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Thunderstorm
