Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Pickens County, SC

News Summary

Pickens County is under severe thunderstorm warnings as the National Weather Service alerts residents of potentially damaging winds and hail. The warning, effective until 4:45 p.m., warns of gusts up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail. Areas including Table Rock State Park and Dacusville are advised to seek shelter. Caution is urged for drivers and outdoor enthusiasts, with power outages already reported. Stay informed and prioritize safety as the storm approaches.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Pickens County, SC: Stay Safe Out There!

Hey Pickens County! If you’re in the mood for some wild weather news, you’d better grab a comfortable seat and read up. Right now, the National Weather Service (NWS) is sending out some serious alerts. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued on Sunday at exactly 4:22 p.m. for our very own Pickens Mountains, Greater Pickens, and even parts of Greenville County. This warning is rolling on until 4:45 p.m., so don’t let your guard down just yet!

What to Expect

So, what are we dealing with here? Well, get ready for some pea-sized hail measuring about 0.25 inches and those gusty winds that might just knock your hat right off—expected to reach up to 40 mph! The radar has spotted a strong thunderstorm making its way towards us. As of 4:22 p.m., it was located about 11 miles north of Pickens, near beautiful Table Rock State Park, moving northwest at a rather slow 5 mph. Not exactly a speedy getaway!

These winds could be serious, potentially knocking down tree limbs and sending any unsecured objects flying. If you’ve left your lawn chair out, you might want to bring it inside before it ends up in your neighbor’s yard!

Locations Impacted

If you’re living or hanging out near Pickens, Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park, Berea, Jones Gap State Park, Pumpkintown, or Dacusville, it’s time to pay attention. These areas have been included in the storm alert, so the safest place to be right now is inside. If you’re outdoors when thunder starts rumbling, be sure to take shelter right away!

Lightning Safety

Now, let’s talk about lightning. Did you know that it strikes the United States about 25 million times a year? Yup, you heard that right! Mostly during the summer months, there are around 20 fatalities each year due to lightning strikes. The danger significantly increases as the storm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead. So, as those clouds start rolling in, keep your eyes to the sky.

Having a lightning safety plan is crucial, and sticking to indoor safety measures is a must. If for some reason you can’t make it indoors during a storm, being mindful of where you take shelter is key.

Power Outages and Driving Safety

Heads up! Duke Energy is reporting that there are over 230 customers experiencing power outages in the Upstate as of Sunday evening. With the storm brewing, you might find yourself in the dark sooner than expected!

The weather hasn’t been quiet lately—just last Thursday at around 5:16 p.m., another severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Pickens County, effective until 6 p.m. That storm was packing winds of up to 60 mph and posed risks for roof, siding, and tree damage. It’s a good reminder that these thunderstorms can be pretty fierce!

Torrential downpours have also been a part of the mix, causing localized flooding in various areas. Drivers, be careful out there! Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Those streams look harmless but can be dangerous.

Staying Safe on the Roads

As for those of you behind the wheel, make sure to keep your distances and slow down. Did you know that early rain can mix with oil and dirt, making roads slicker than you’d expect? Staying alert and driving with caution is crucial. Turn on your headlights for better visibility, and always keep a proper distance from larger vehicles. If visibility drops to zero, the smart move is to pull over and wait it out.

So, Pickens County, remember to stay safe, keep an eye on the weather updates, and don’t forget to check on your neighbors. We can weather this storm together!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Severe Thunderstorm Alert for York and Chester Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Columbia
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts and Flood Advisories in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Impact Greenville and Spartanburg
Thunderstorms Roll into Greater Oconee: Stay Safe!
Severe Thunderstorm Hits Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Strike Upstate South Carolina and East Tennessee
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Sweep Through Charleston

Additional Resources

• AL.com: Strong Thunderstorms in Pickens County
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Warnings
• Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
• Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Fox Carolina: Tornado Warning in Pickens County
• Google Scholar: Severe Weather Alerts
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Weather Alert
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet: Weather News
• Google News: Pickens County Weather

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

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