Weather Alert: Strong Thunderstorms Hit Spartanburg and Union Counties

News Summary

Residents of Spartanburg and Union Counties are urged to stay indoors as severe thunderstorms are forecasted. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for strong winds, hail, and potential flooding. Areas like Boiling Springs and Inman are particularly at risk. Safety tips emphasize the dangers of lightning and hydroplaning on wet roads. Stay tuned for updates on this unpredictable summer weather.

Weather Alert: Strong Thunderstorms Hit Spartanburg and Union Counties

Spartanburg, SC is bracing for some intense weather as the National Weather Service (NWS) has rolled out a series of severe thunderstorm warnings. If you’re in the Spartanburg or Union Counties, make sure you stay tuned because these storms are not messing around!

The Latest on Current Storms

Starting Saturday at 3:19 p.m., the NWS issued a warning for Spartanburg County, effective until 3:45 p.m. Doppler radar detected a fierce thunderstorm just 10 miles northwest of Spartanburg, near Boiling Springs, zooming east at a speed of 30 mph. This storm is kicking up some serious gusts of wind, hitting speeds of up to 40 mph, and producing pea-sized hail at about 0.25 inches.

Now, you may be wondering how this will affect your day. Well, the NWS is urging residents to be cautious, especially outdoor lovers. The winds might be strong enough to knock down tree limbs and turn unsecured objects into projectiles. So, if you have anything light lying around outside, it might be a good idea to secure it!

Areas to Watch

This storm is making its presence felt in various locations including Boiling Springs, Cowpens, Inman, Mayo, Lake Bowen, Chesnee, and Fingerville. If you’re in these areas, please remember to seek shelter indoors until the storm passes.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

The NWS has some straightforward advice when there’s thunder in the sky. If you hear it, just get inside! And if you absolutely can’t find shelter inside a building, here are some tips: stay away from trees and metal objects, and definitely avoid standing in water! As we’re in the peak of summer, it’s worth remembering that lightning strikes can be deadly, leading to around 20 fatalities each year in the U.S. alone.

What’s Next?

Fast forward to 5:26 p.m., and the NWS updated its warnings for even stronger thunderstorms until 6 p.m. for both Union and Spartanburg Counties. The storm was tracked 15 miles west of Union and 7 miles east of Woodruff, moving southeast at a slower pace of 10 mph. This storm comes with a little more punch—prepare for marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and even more wind gusts of up to 40 mph!

Moreover, the NWS cautioned residents about possible torrential rainfall which could lead to localized flooding. A little tip: if you encounter flooded roadways, it’s best to turn around. Your car isn’t a boat, and hydroplaning is indeed a serious risk!

Hydroplaning Explained

If you’re not familiar, hydroplaning occurs when water builds up in front of tires faster than the vehicle can displace it, causing your vehicle to glide on that water instead of the road. So, if you’re driving and it starts pouring, reduce your speed and keep your distance.

Stay Alert

For the most part, summer storms can be unpredictable. Just recently, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued previously for Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties due to winds reaching up to 60 mph along with hail measuring up to 1 inch. The NWS is recommending that during severe thunderstorms, it’s safest to move to an interior room in your home.

Remember, storm season isn’t over just yet. So, keep an eye out for updates from the NWS, and don’t hesitate to report any damaging winds, hail, or flooding. Stay safe, Spartanburg!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Henderson County
Severe Weather Alert in Abbeville County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Berkeley and Dorchester County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued in South Carolina
Severe Storms Alert for South Carolina Residents
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston Area
Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Alert for York and Lancaster Counties
Oconee on Alert for Incoming Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for South Carolina Regions
Severe Thunderstorm Caution Issued for Chester and York Counties

Additional Resources

• GoUpstate: Spartanburg County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Greenville Online: Greenville County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
• Island Packet: Weather News
• Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
• Post and Courier: Spartanburg Operation Rolling Thunder Canceled
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• Fox Carolina: Damage Report during Severe Storms
• Google News: Thunderstorm News

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

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