News Summary
Residents of Pickens County are alerted to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail, expected to last until 8:45 p.m. tonight. The National Weather Service warns of winds up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail, affecting areas including Easley, Clemson, and Liberty. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and seek indoor shelter during the storm to ensure safety from potential lightning and debris. Stay cautious and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Alert for Pickens County: Thunderstorms with Winds and Hail on the Way!
Pickens County folks, brace yourselves! The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for our area, and it’s no joke. As of 8:09 p.m. on Wednesday, the storms are rolling in—expected to last until 8:45 p.m. Tonight’s forecast calls for some wild weather that could include damaging winds up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (that’s about 0.25 inches if you’re keeping track).
What to Expect
Here’s the scoop: Doppler radar has picked up on a strong thunderstorm just 6 miles south of Pickens, moving east at 15 mph over Liberty. With winds this strong, expect some tree limbs to come crashing down and items left outside to become airborne. So, if you have any unsecured objects like patio furniture or decorations, you might want to bring them inside before the storm hits hard.
People in Easley, Pickens, Clemson, Central, Liberty, Norris, and Six Mile should pay special attention, as these areas are right in the path. The NWS advises that if you find yourself outside during the storm, it’s best to seek shelter indoors. Remember, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is also part of the package deal with thunderstorms, and it can strike up to 10 miles away from the actual storm. Stay safe!
Lightning: Nature’s Unpredictable Fury
You may be surprised to learn that the U.S. sees around 25 million lightning strikes each year, mostly during the summer months, leading to approximately 20 fatalities annually. The chance of being struck by lightning peaks as the storm gets closer, particularly when it’s directly overhead, so keep your eyes peeled and stay alert if you’re outdoors!
Weather Recap from Earlier This Week
Just Tuesday, the NWS had also issued a storm warning until 3:15 p.m. for Pickens County. Those storms brought with them the potential for pea-sized hail and winds gusting up to 50 mph. That storm moved southeast at brisk 35 mph, impacting areas like Aliceville, Carrollton, and Pickensville. And here’s a reminder: if you’re driving and encounter flooded roads, it’s essential to turn around and find another route. Safety first!
Not to leave you out of the loop, on Sunday, Duke Energy reported outages due to the earlier severe storms affecting over 230 customers. Yikes! That included a brief tornado warning, which should give you an idea of how intense the weather can get.
Thursday’s Wild Weather
Fast forward to Thursday’s severe thunderstorm warning issued at 4:53 p.m. This alert indicated potential quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and winds gusting up to 60 mph—yikes again! By then, the storms were moving west at a slow 5 mph, bringing possible damage to trees and power lines. Pickens, Liberty, and Norris were again in the affected zones, raising a red flag for immediate shelter from those massive hail and damaging winds.
Hydroplaning is another risk during these downpours. It happens when a vehicle slides on wet roads because water pressure builds underneath the tires. If you must drive, slow down and be extra cautious!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, Pickens County residents. Keep an eye on the weather, stay indoors if you can during the storms, and make sure your loved ones are safe and sound. Weathering the storm means being prepared, and who better to do that than our tight-knit community? Let’s stay safe out there!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Thunderstorm Prediction
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Fox Carolina: Tornado Warning
- Independent Mail: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
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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