Laurens and Greenwood counties, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a strong thunderstorm warning for Laurens and Greenwood counties, with expected wind gusts up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail. Residents in affected areas are advised to seek shelter and avoid outdoor activities, especially near water. The storm was detected near Lake Greenwood and poses risks including lightning and hydroplaning. This warning is effective until the evening, and updates will be provided as conditions develop.
Laurens, South Carolina — The National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg issued a strong thunderstorm warning for Laurens and Greenwood counties, effective until 8 p.m. on Thursday. The storms are expected to hit with wind gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour and the possibility of marble-sized hail, approximately 0.5 inches in diameter.
As of the latest update from the NWS at 7:35 p.m., Doppler radar indicated that a strong thunderstorm was located about 10 miles northeast of Greenwood, specifically near Lake Greenwood, and was moving southeast at a speed of 10 miles per hour. This storm poses a risk of damaging winds that could uproot tree limbs and toss around unsecured objects, leading to minor hail damage for outdoor items.
The thunderstorm warning impacts several localities, including Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, and Ninety Six. Residents and visitors in these areas are urged to seek shelter indoors to ensure safety during the storm. This advice is particularly important for those near Lake Greenwood, where individuals should immediately exit water activities and move indoors or into a vehicle.
Lightning is a significant concern associated with these thunderstorms. It can strike out to 10 miles from the thunderstorm’s core, and if individuals can hear thunder, they are close enough to be at risk for lightning strikes. In the United States, lightning strikes approximately 25 million times every year, primarily during the summer months, and it results in about 20 fatalities annually.
As thunderstorm conditions develop, the likelihood of lightning increases, peaks while the storm is overhead, and decreases as the storm moves away. For maintaining safety during such weather conditions, experts recommend finding shelter indoors. In cases where outdoor shelter is unavailable, drivers are advised to exercise caution to avoid hydroplaning—a dangerous situation where vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads caused by water buildup in front of tires.
The potential for hydroplaning arises from three main factors, which include wet road conditions, vehicle speed, and tire conditions, although specific details were not released for this report.
As the storm progresses, updates will be provided, and it is essential for residents of Laurens and Greenwood counties to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this potentially severe weather event.
FAQ Section
What areas are under a thunderstorm warning?
The thunderstorm warning affects Laurens and Greenwood counties, including specific areas such as Cross Hill, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, and Ninety Six.
How strong are the expected winds during the storm?
Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 40 miles per hour during the thunderstorms.
What should I do if I am near Lake Greenwood?
If you are near Lake Greenwood, you should exit the water immediately and seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to a buildup of water in front of the tires, leading to a loss of traction.
When does the thunderstorm warning expire?
The thunderstorm warning is effective until 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Key Features of the Storm Warning
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Areas Affected | Laurens and Greenwood Counties |
| Wind Gusts | Up to 40 mph |
| Hail Size | Marble-sized (0.5 inches) |
| Storm Movement | Moving southeast at 10 mph |
| Lightning Risk | Can strike up to 10 miles away |
| Hydroplaning Warning | Drivers should be cautious of slippery roads |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: weather forecast south carolina
- ABC13 Houston
- Google Scholar: severe weather impacts
- WSPA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: thunderstorm
- Index Journal
- Google News: south carolina storm damage
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.
