News Summary
A storm alert has been issued for Upstate South Carolina as strong thunderstorms approach, expected to bring wind gusts up to 60 mph and heavy rain. Residents in Laurens, Anderson, and Greenville counties are encouraged to seek shelter and stay informed about weather updates. Additional warnings have been issued for those near Lake Keowee. With the recent heatwave, thunderstorms could provide relief, but safety remains a top priority as lightning poses a significant risk.
Storm Alert for Upstate South Carolina: Brace for Thunderstorms and High Winds!
Residents of Upstate South Carolina, listen up! A wave of strong thunderstorms is making its way through the area, bringing with it some serious weather concerns that you might want to pay attention to. The National Weather Service (NWS) has rolled out an updated alert, valid until 6 p.m. this Saturday, and it’s covering the counties of Laurens, Anderson, and Greenville.
What to Expect?
First things first, prepare yourself for some gusty wind! The NWS predicts that wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph. And if that’s not enough to get your attention, Doppler radar has tracked a prominent thunderstorm located just 11 miles west of Laurens, moving quickly towards the east at a speed of about 30 mph. So, if you’re in towns like Gray Court, Fork Shoals, Princeton, Hickory Tavern, or even Enoree, keep your eyes on the sky and stay updated!
A Lightning Show with a Twist!
As if strong winds weren’t enough to worry about, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning accompanies these thunderstorms. It’s important to realize that lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away from a storm. And while lightning is a spectacular sight, it does pose a serious danger, with an average of 20 people losing their lives from lightning-related incidents each year across the U.S.
So, heed the advice: if you hear thunder, you’re definitely close enough to be at risk of a lightning strike. Find a suitable shelter – preferably inside a sturdy building – if the weather takes a turn.
An Extra Warning for Lake Residents
On top of that, a separate severe thunderstorm warning was issued earlier today for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties. If you find yourself near Lake Keowee, it’s crucial to get away from the water and seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle. Winds in this storm could be hitting a peak of 60 mph, and there’s a chance of hail rolling in with sizes up to 0.75 inches in diameter. Definitely not something you want to be caught out in!
What’s Been Happening in the Weather?
Just recently, weather forecasts have also indicated a mix of sunshine and thunderstorms across the Upstate. High temperatures soared to a blistering 101 degrees in Anderson and reached nearly 99 in Greenville. With all that heat, the NWS highlighted a Level 1 threat for severe thunderstorms, warning of heavy rain and damaging winds. If you’ve been hoping for a cooler breeze, the NWS has something for you. They anticipate a drop in temperature as a cooling ridge moves into the area. That means nights could cool down to a much more comfortable temperature in the 70s!
What’s Next?
So, what’s on the horizon? Get ready for the first weekend of August, as thunderstorms are expected to make frequent appearances, particularly in the afternoons of Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson counties. It looks like we might also see some scattered showers possibly relieving dry conditions, giving us a break from this sizzling heat!
As a friendly reminder, stay safe during these storms and keep an eye on the weather alerts. Keeping yourself informed and seeking shelter when needed is the best way to stay safe during thunderstorms!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorms Threaten the Carolinas
Severe Thunderstorms Strike Upstate South Carolina and North Georgia
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Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Henderson County: Prepare Now
Severe Storms Rip Through Pickens County, SC
Severe Weather Alert: Thunderstorms Impact Oconee and Anderson County
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Greenville County
- Delaware Online: Tree Kills Woman in Greenville Thunderstorm
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Related Incidents
- WYFF 4: Severe Weather Timing in Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Fox Carolina: Tracking Severe Storms in Greenville County
- Google News: Greenville Thunderstorm Flooding
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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