News Summary
Spartanburg County was hit by severe thunderstorms, prompting a weather alert from the National Weather Service. With strong winds and hail forecasts, significant power outages and infrastructure damage were reported. Residents were urged to seek shelter, and many areas experienced downed trees and electrical disruptions. This follows a pattern of severe weather impacting the region, highlighting the importance of staying informed and safe during turbulent weather conditions.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Lead to Power Outages and Damaged Infrastructure in Spartanburg County
Spartanburg County faced some wild weather recently as the National Weather Service issued a weather alert for the area late Saturday night. The alert went out at 10:55 p.m., informing residents to brace themselves for strong thunderstorms expected to last until about 11:30 p.m. The forecasters predicted some nasty conditions, including pea-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
Just a couple of minutes before the alert, at 10:53 p.m., the radar picked up a strong thunderstorm located about 10 miles north of Spartanburg, particularly near Boiling Springs. With the storm making its way southwest at 10 mph, the weather team highlighted the possibility of gusty winds that could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying. Residents in the area of Boiling Springs, Inman, Lake Bowen, and Fingerville were specifically warned to stay alert and seek shelter indoors until the storm passed.
Be Cautious and Stay Safe
The weather advisory made it clear: if you’re outdoors, it’s a smart move to find a safe indoor space until the storm fizzles out. Each year, about 25 million lightning strikes hit the United States, mainly in the summer, resulting unfortunately in an average of 20 fatalities. The risk of lightning increases as storms roll in, peaking when you’re right underneath the storm before tapering off as it moves away. This serves as an important reminder for folks to take precautions during thunderstorms, where staying indoors can be a lifesaver.
Flashback to Earlier Severe Weather
On that date, a storm was spotted just south of Spartanburg, moving southeast at 15 mph, and affected areas included Roebuck, Moore, and Spartanburg itself. The forecast painted a concerning picture with anticipated 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.
Post-Storm Chaos and Power Outages
The aftermath of the storms was no picnicking in the park. Following a harsh Wednesday storm, severe weather resulted in downed trees and power lines across the western Carolinas, which brought about significant power outages. By Thursday morning, Duke Energy reported numerous disruptions in Spartanburg and Greenville counties. In fact, by 7:15 a.m. that day, thousands were left without power.
A couple of notable locations affected included ACAC Greenville and Adventure Central on Congaree Road, both temporarily closing their doors due to fallen trees on power lines. Reports also came through about downed trees on Lynch Court in Easley and Farrs Bridge Road in Pickens County. Throughout the storm, local officials confirmed they received over 40 service calls, indicating just how hard the storms were hitting. To help those impacted by power outages, an inclement weather shelter was set up at 701 Saxon Avenue for anyone needing refuge until 7 a.m. the following day.
Looking Ahead
As the storm settled, other areas like Rutherford County reported around 1,500 Duke Energy customers without power, with similar situations in Cherokee County. Areas around Lake James even reported quarter-sized hail, and residents in Henderson County faced nickel and quarter-sized hail. By 6 p.m. that same day, progress had been made as most power outages were being restored; however, by 11:15 p.m., around 8,000 customers were still left in the dark across the Upstate, particularly in Spartanburg and Greenville counties.
With nature’s unpredictability, it’s crucial to stay updated on weather alerts and prioritize safety through these turbulent conditions. Spartansburg residents, take care and stay safe!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Severe Storms and Record Flooding Hit Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Additional Resources
- GoUpstate
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Storm
- Greenville Online
- Google News: Spartanburg Weather
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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