News Summary
Residents of Upstate South Carolina are facing severe thunderstorms as the National Weather Service issues alerts for areas like Cherokee and York counties. Strong storms are predicted to bring wind gusts up to 40 mph, potential lightning strikes, and heavy rainfall that may lead to hazardous driving conditions. Safety precautions are advised for those outdoors, while residents are encouraged to stay informed about storm updates and secure loose outdoor items.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Upstate South Carolina
This Monday evening, residents of Upstate South Carolina, specifically in Cherokee and York counties, received crucial weather alerts from the National Weather Service. An updated alert was issued around 9:36 p.m., predicting strong thunderstorms up until 10:15 p.m.
What’s Brewing?
The weather radar indicated a particularly robust thunderstorm located about 10 miles east of Gaffney near Blacksburg. This storm is making its way east at a brisk pace of 30 mph. With wind gusts potentially reaching up to 40 mph, residents are warned about the possible danger of falling tree limbs and unsecured objects being tossed around, so it’s wise to secure anything outside.
Who’s Affected?
If you’re in areas like Gastonia, Uptown Charlotte, Shelby, or Kings Mountain, stay alert. The storm’s path could impact your evening plans. Make sure to check in with neighbors or family members who might need assistance.
Safety First!
For those outdoors, the NWS strongly advises finding shelter in a building. Thunderstorms can bring frequent lightning strikes that may occur with very little warning, and they can hit as far as 10 miles away from the storm’s epicenter. With nearly 25 million lightning strikes happening across the U.S. each year, and around 20 fatalities linked to lightning, it’s critical to take precautions right away.
Hydroplaning Concerns
As the evening progresses, remember that heavy rainfall can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Many people may not be familiar with the term hydroplaning, which describes the sliding of a vehicle on wet roads caused by water buildup in front of the tires. Staying informed about safe driving practices is essential, especially during a storm.
Past Warnings and Effects
This weather chaos isn’t new for the region. Earlier in the day, at 6:41 p.m., a report highlighted strong thunderstorms affecting Cherokee, York, Union, and Chester counties. These severe thunderstorms raised similar wind gust concerns, along with a previous severe thunderstorm warning issued at 7:14 p.m. for Mecklenburg County. In that instance, winds were expected to climb up to 60 mph while hail the size of quarters could cause damage.
Important Tips for Residents
During such storms, the NWS recommends that residents seek safety in an interior room on the lowest floor. This tip is particularly important during severe weather to minimize risks from strong winds and potential hail damage.
History of Alerts
On Sunday evening, a prior warning was also issued for Greenville and Spartanburg counties, indicating wind gusts could reach 60 mph with hazardous hail. That warning covered areas like Reidville, Five Forks, and several others. If you have not reported severe weather incidents in your area yet, please take a moment to do so, as these reports help the NWS manage storm responses effectively.
Conclusion
As tonight unfolds, stay tuned to alerts and remain safe inside. Keep an eye on your surroundings, especially if you have outdoor activities planned. Panic is never the answer, but being prepared and vigilant certainly is.”
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Greenville Online
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Alerts
- Herald Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Greenville Online
- Google News: Weather Updates
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York 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 Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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