News Summary
Severe thunderstorms are currently sweeping across South Carolina and California, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service. In South Carolina, areas like Anderson County face heavy rain, strong winds, and potential hail, while California’s Trinity County has also issued warnings for dangerous conditions. Residents are urged to seek shelter and stay informed as these storms develop and bring added risks like hydroplaning and downed trees. The severe weather continues to create hazards across multiple states including Illinois, where similar conditions are reported.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Full Effect Across South Carolina and California
The weather has taken a wild turn as powerful storms sweep through various parts of South Carolina and California. Residents are advised to stay updated and be cautious as the National Weather Service (NWS) rolled out weather alerts to keep everyone informed.
South Carolina Under Thunderstorm Warning
In South Carolina, an updated weather alert was issued for Anderson County on Sunday at 7:25 p.m. Strong thunderstorms are predicted, lasting until 8 p.m. The report mentions a few juicy details to watch out for:
- Pea-sized hail is expected, about 0.25 inches.
- Wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph.
Just a minute before the alert, Doppler radar picked up a robust thunderstorm circulating 4 miles northwest of Anderson, near Northlake, and moving southeast at a rate of 20 mph. Those in spots like Anderson, Homeland Park, Belton, and Sandy Springs should remain vigilant, as the storm might knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying. There’s even a chance of minor hail damage to outdoor stuff!
As the evening progresses, watch for lightning, which can strike up to 25 million times per year across the U.S. That translates to about 20 fatalities each year, mostly during those wild summer storms. When a thunderstorm is approaching, the chances of lightning striking increase dramatically and peak when the storm is practically overhead.
If you find yourself outside as these thunderstorms hit, the best recommendation is to slip indoors and find shelter.
Hydroplaning: A Concern on Wet Roads
With the wet weather, another thing to keep in mind is hydroplaning. This happens when your vehicle starts to glide uncontrollably on wet roads. A buildup of water in front of your tires can cause this slippery situation. Factors like tire tread, speed, and water depth all play crucial roles in whether or not you experience hydroplaning. If it happens, stay calm, gradually take your foot off the gas, steer straight, and avoid any sudden movements.
Northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina on Alert
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place until 11 p.m. EDT for northeastern Georgia and Upstate South Carolina. Following this, a warning for eastern Anderson and central and eastern Abbeville counties has been issued until 8:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday. These thunderstorms are zipping eastward at approximately 55 mph, potentially bringing wind gusts of 60 mph and hail the size of 0.75 inches!
Residents near Lake Hartwell and northern Lake Russell are being urged to find shelter during this tumultuous weather. Staying safe means moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home during these severe storms.
California Faces Thunderstorm Woes Too
Meanwhile, over in California, the NWS office in Eureka issued a thunderstorm warning effective until 5:45 p.m. PDT for east-central Trinity County. This storm near Douglas City was reported to have gusts as strong as 60 mph and quarter-sized hail, prompting alerts for nearby communities to find shelter and steer clear of windows to protect against potential damage.
The situation isn’t much better in central Trinity County, where more severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect, threatening roofs, siding, and trees with ongoing lightning strikes.
Severe Weather in Illinois
Switching gears to Illinois, severe weather is affecting parts of the Chicago area, including Cook County. Here too, residents are seeing high winds and hail the size of golf balls, resulting in several counties being put on alert. There have been reports of trees toppling and even falling onto homes. The storm delivered heavy rain and hail, drastically reducing visibility for drivers.
After the storm passed, neighborhoods ended up dealing with damaged trees, flooding, and some lost power. Route 31 had to be shut down due to downed power lines, creating further challenges for residents trying to pick up the pieces in the wake of the messy weather.
So, while thunderstorms can bring excitement for some, they also hold the potential for significant danger. Keep an eye on the skies, make sure to stay safe, and always have a plan in place! Stay storm-ready, folks!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston Area
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Pickens County, SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Cause Widespread Damage in Spartanburg County
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for York and Chester Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Columbia
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts and Flood Advisories in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Independent Mail: Anderson County Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Action News Now: Trinity County Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Warning Effects
- Greenville Online: Greenville and Spartanburg Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- ABC7 Chicago: Chicago Weather Forecast
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings Illinois
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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