News Summary
Greenwood and Laurens Counties in South Carolina are under a thunderstorm alert issued by the National Weather Service. The alert is active until 8 p.m. tonight, bringing strong winds up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail. Residents in affected areas, including Cross Hill and Lake Greenwood, are advised to seek shelter immediately. With lightning strikes posing significant risks and potential for hydroplaning on roads, safety remains a priority. Stay informed and prepare for possible hazards as the storm approaches.
Thunderstorm Alert Hits Greenwood and Laurens Counties!
Greenwood, South Carolina, is gearing up for some intense weather as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a thunderstorm alert for the areas of Laurens and Greenwood counties. The alert went live at 7:35 p.m. on Thursday and is set to be in effect until 8 p.m. tonight. If you’re in the area, it’s wise to pay attention!
What to Expect
Residents should brace themselves for **strong thunderstorms** that are likely to roll in soon. The storms are expected to bring with them some nasty wind gusts that could reach up to 40 mph. That’s enough to send those pesky garden chairs tumbling across the yard!
But that’s not all; expect some **marble-sized hail**, measuring around 0.5 inches. Don’t be surprised if your outdoor decorations take a bit of a beating. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects isn’t just a possibility—it’s very likely!
Where It’s Hitting
This weather alert impacts several communities, including Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, and Ninety Six. If you’re hanging out in any of these areas, it’s time to consider your options and find a safe spot.
Time to Seek Shelter!
The NWS is strongly advising everyone to seek indoor shelter if you’re currently outside. If you find yourself near Lake Greenwood, now is the time to exit the water and head indoors or into a vehicle. Remember, safety is the priority! Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm, and just hearing thunder means you’re at risk for being struck.
It’s staggering to think that lightning strikes the United States a whopping 25 million times each year, mostly in the lovely summer months. These strikes result in around 20 fatalities every year, reminding us that caution is crucial during thunderstorms!
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
As if that weren’t enough, weather experts want to remind drivers about the risks of hydroplaning. This occurs when your car loses traction on wet roads because of water buildup, and it can be quite scary. If you’re on the roads tonight, take extra care to drive slowly and be cautious of any slick spots!
Key Safety Tips
When a thunderstorm makes its appearance, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Seek indoor shelter whenever possible.
- If you’re on the water, exit immediately.
- Stay away from tall objects and open fields, as they are prone to lightning strikes.
- Don’t let the storm catch you off guard; stay informed and be prepared!
As the clock ticks down to 8 p.m., take these warnings seriously and heed the guidance of the NWS. Thunderstorms can be unpredictable, but being cautious and prepared will help to keep you and your loved ones safe. Stay tuned for updates and keep safe out there!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: thunderstorm alerts
- Herald Online
- Google Scholar: thunderstorm safety
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: weather alerts
- Herald Online
- Google News: thunderstorm weather
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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