News Summary
Residents of Pickens County, South Carolina faced intense thunderstorms on Wednesday, which brought marble-sized hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph. This weather system, with tornado warnings and some confirmed touchdowns, led to power outages for over 230 customers. The National Weather Service issued alerts and urged residents to seek shelter. With ongoing weather alerts, preparedness for future storms remains crucial.
Severe Storms Ripple Through Pickens County
Residents of Pickens County, South Carolina had quite a day on Wednesday as severe thunderstorms marched through the area, bringing with them some wild weather and a sense of urgency among locals. The day began with an updated weather alert from the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg at 4:21 p.m., announcing strong thunderstorms expected to roll through until 4:45 p.m. This alert wasn’t just an idle warning; it impacted key areas including the Pickens Mountains, Greater Pickens, and Greenville County.
As the storms gathered strength, they unleashed marble-sized hail, measuring about 0.5 inches, along with fierce wind gusts hitting up to 50 mph. Just a little after the NWS broadcast, Doppler radar picked up on a particularly strong thunderstorm located 11 miles south of Brevard, near the serene Table Rock State Park. This storm was moving southward at about 15 mph, causing everyone to take stock of their outdoor surroundings.
Weather Warnings and Safety Precautions
The NWS issued safety warnings for areas like Table Rock State Park and Sassafras Mountain, urging residents and visitors alike to seek shelter indoors if they found themselves outside. It’s no surprise that thunderstorms increase the risk of lightning, which hits the United States nearly 25 million times each year, leading to about 20 fatalities annually. The danger escalates as storms approach, peaking when they’re right overhead. As such, following safety measures or finding shelter during these events is strongly advised.
Fast forward to Thursday, and the weather didn’t let up. Another alert came through at 4:51 p.m., warning residents that strong thunderstorms would stick around until 5:15 p.m. This time, the wind gusts were expected to reach 40 mph, along with the threat of localized flooding due to torrential rainfall. A brief tornado warning was also announced, but it was soon downgraded as the storm’s intensity began to wane.
Tornado Touchdowns and Their Impact
This turbulent weather system brought more than just wild winds; it caused considerable outages too. Duke Energy reported that over 230 customers in the Upstate were left without power due to the severity of these storms. Most notably, the area experienced a confirmed EF-1 tornado on Sunday evening with winds whipping up to 90 mph. This tornado made its mark, with a path stretching nearly five miles and confirmed by the National Weather Service.
But wait, the story doesn’t end there! Another tornado, an EF-0, touched down in the northwestern part of South Carolina just a day prior, on Saturday night. With peak winds estimated at 80 mph and spanning a path of 2.7 miles near Easley, this tornado caused havoc by uprooting trees and snapping large limbs in local neighborhoods. The tornado’s maximum path width hit about 25 yards, showcasing the kind of destruction these storms can unleash.
Staying Prepared for the Next Storm
With the intensity of the storms over the past couple of days, individuals and families are reminded of the importance of being prepared for emerging weather events. The National Weather Service emphasizes vigilance during these severe weather situations. As the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
So, if you’re in and around Pickens County, remember to keep an eye on the skies and check for updates. Your safety is of utmost importance, and being informed can make all the difference during stormy days ahead.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Alert: Thunderstorms Impact Oconee and Anderson County
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston Area
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Pickens County, SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Cause Widespread Damage in Spartanburg County
Thunderstorms Roll into Greater Oconee: Stay Safe!
Severe Thunderstorms Strike Upstate South Carolina and East Tennessee
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado Warnings in Kentucky
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Upstate SC Counties
Severe Thunderstorms Strike South Carolina and Missouri
Severe Heat and Thunderstorms Expected in Maryland and New York
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Fox Carolina
- AL.com Weather Alerts
- WBRC News
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Tornadoes
- Google Search: Pickens County weather warning
- Google Scholar: Severe thunderstorms Pickens County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Pickens County tornado damage
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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