News Summary
Residents in Greenwood, Abbeville, and Laurens counties are advised to remain indoors as severe thunderstorms with winds up to 40 mph sweep through the area. The National Weather Service has issued alerts warning of dangerous weather conditions, including potential flooding and fallen trees. Reports indicate damage in Greenwood, including a large tree blocking Cambridge Avenue. Safety precautions are essential as lightning poses significant risks during thunderstorms. Stay updated and plan safe routes if traveling during the storm.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Greenwood, Abbeville, and Laurens Counties!
Hey there, folks! If you’re in Greenwood, Abbeville, or Laurens counties, you might want to pay close attention because the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued some serious weather alerts! Just when you thought it was an ordinary evening, strong thunderstorms are making their presence known, and they’ll be around until about 9:15 p.m. tonight.
What’s Happening?
At precisely 8:43 p.m., the NWS sent out an updated weather alert warning about the possibility of thunderstorms packing some mean winds! Residents should brace themselves for wind gusts potentially reaching up to 40 mph. According to the latest Doppler radar, these thunderstorms are sweeping through from 8 miles northeast of Abbeville to 19 miles southeast of Greenwood, racing along at a speed of 30 mph.
For those in the impacted areas like Greenwood, Laurens, and even Ware Shoals, Ninety Six, and Joanna, it’s a good idea to remain indoors as gusty winds could blow down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying.
A Quick Recap on Earlier Alerts
The weather has been quite the drama queen today with a prior alert issued at 6:32 p.m. about strong thunderstorms that lasted until 7:15 p.m. for Abbeville and Greenwood counties. That earlier storm was found roughly 11 miles southwest of Abbeville, flirting with Lake Strom Thurmond before moving eastward at 35 mph. Residents should have been on the lookout for pea-sized hail and the same gusty winds during that timeframe. Affected areas included Calhoun Falls, Troy, and Promised Land, so if you had any outdoor items, chances are they might have seen a little bit of damage!
Safety First!
Now, we can’t stress enough the importance of safety during these thunderstorms. If you are outdoors, please think about finding shelter inside a sturdy building. Remember, when it comes to thunderstorms, the risk of lightning strikes increases as they approach, so it’s best to take precautions ahead of time. An average of 25 million lightning strikes occur across the United States every year, and unfortunately, they lead to about 20 fatalities annually. So, it’s worth being cautious.
Damage Reports in the Area
As thunderstorms rolled through Greenwood, there were reports of significant chaos! A large tree was uprooted along Cambridge Avenue, blocking the road and taking down power lines with it. The intersection of Grace Street and Cambridge Avenue is currently closed off, and emergency crews are on standby working to clear the area. No timeline has been provided for when this intersection will re-open, so it’s best to find another route if you’re in the area.
Speaking of damage, in nearby Harris County, there was a report of a tree falling on a home, although it’s unclear if anybody was hurt. This storm system is certainly stirring up some not-so-great luck, so keep an eye out for updates and stay safe!
Watch Out for Hydroplaning!
As a final reminder, keep an eye on the roads if you plan to drive during these storms. Hydroplaning can occur when water builds up on the roads, making it tricky to steer your vehicle. Just be careful out there!
So, be sure to keep those umbrellas handy and your loved ones close. Stay safe, and let’s hope for a quick end to these stormy skies!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Impact South Carolina Communities
York County Faces Thunderstorm Alerts and Tornado Report
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Southeastern North Carolina
Thunderstorm Watch in Greenville and Spartanburg: Prepare Now!
Woman Arrested in Hit-and-Run Death of Bicyclist in York
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in South Carolina
Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc in Columbia, South Carolina
Anderson, South Carolina Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Severe Thunderstorm Downs Tree and Power Lines
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- ABC13: Tree Falls on House During Storms
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Weather Alerts
- Denver Post: Colorado Weather Landspout Hail Storm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google News: Greenwood Weather Alerts
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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