News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Cherokee, York, Union, Chester, and Spartanburg counties in Upstate South Carolina. The National Weather Service reports potential damaging winds of up to 60 mph and hail measuring up to 0.75 inches. Residents are advised to seek shelter as storms move northeast at a speed of 40 mph. The warning is in effect until 9:45 p.m., with an active watch until 11 p.m. Local authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed and taking precautions during severe weather.
Spartanburg, SC – A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for multiple counties in Upstate South Carolina, bringing the potential for damaging winds and hail to the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg issued the warning at 8:54 p.m. on Saturday, which is set to remain in effect until 9:45 p.m. The alert primarily affects Cherokee, York, Union, Chester, and Spartanburg counties.
Residents in the path of the storm could experience wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. The storms, as identified by Doppler radar at the time of the report, extend along a line from approximately 11 miles south of Forest City to 8 miles southwest of Gaffney, and up to 12 miles north of Newberry, moving northeast at a speed of 40 mph.
The severe thunderstorm watch covers several locations, including Shelby, Gaffney, Union, Chester, York, Kings Mountain, Boiling Springs NC, Pacolet, Cowpens, and Monarch Mill. As the storm progresses, gusty winds pose risks of knocking down tree limbs and shifting unsecured objects, potentially leading to hazardous conditions.
The NWS has urged residents who are outdoors to seek shelter within buildings to ensure their safety. In addition to strong winds, a previous severe thunderstorm warning had been issued earlier in the evening at 7:42 p.m. for Anderson, Greenville, Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties, where winds were expected to reach as strong as 60 mph with the possibility of hail measuring up to 0.75 inches.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains active until 11 p.m. for several counties across Upstate South Carolina. Historically, the summer months see approximately 25 million lightning strikes occurring throughout the United States, with around 20 fatalities attributed to lightning each year. The NWS emphasizes that the likelihood of lightning increases when a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead.
For those who encounter damaging winds, hail, or flooding, the NWS advises reporting these incidents by calling 1-800-267-8101 or posting on their official social media page. Additionally, hydroplaning—a dangerous situation where vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads—can occur if proper precautions are not taken during adverse weather conditions. This phenomenon happens when water pressure builds up in front of the tire, reducing traction.
The threat from severe thunderstorms isn’t just isolated to current warnings; earlier alerts also covered areas in Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Abbeville, and Anderson counties, indicating a wider impact of the weather system across the region.
As the storm front progresses, local residents are advised to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and have emergency plans in place. The NWS’s critical updates and severe weather alerts aim to keep residents informed of any changes, enabling them to respond promptly to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Greenville County
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Independent Mail: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Anderson County
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm Impacts
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Severe Weather Alerts
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts
