News Summary
Spartanburg and nearby areas are under a severe thunderstorm and flood watch as the NWS warns of strong thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Residents are advised to seek shelter and prepare for potential power outages. Emergency services are already responding to flash floods and multiple institutions are shutting down. Hurricane Helene is expected to impact the region further, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
Severe Thunderstorm and Flood Watch Alert for Upstate South Carolina
The lovely city of Spartanburg and its surrounding areas are bracing for some wild weather this evening, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has made a weather alert announcement. Strong thunderstorms are swirling through Spartanburg County, and it’s best that everyone keeps their eyes to the sky and stays safe.
A Thunderstorm Warning in Effect
At precisely 10:44 p.m. on Saturday, the NWS issued a flood watch and has been keeping a close eye on conditions ever since. Thunderstorms are predicted to continue affecting the region until around 11:15 p.m. Wind gusts could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, making it a bit gusty outside. If you’ve got unsecured items sitting around, make sure you bring them inside before the winds start kicking up more than your average gust.
Doppler radar was tracking a robust thunderstorm just 12 miles southeast of Columbus, near the beautiful Lake Bowen. This storm is moving briskly northeast at around 40 mph. The NWS has identified several locations that may be impacted, including Campobello, Lake Bowen, Chesnee, Green Creek, Fingerville, Inman, and Boiling Springs.
Stay Safe and Seek Shelter
If you find yourself outdoors during this storm, the advice is simple: seek shelter inside a sturdy building. The alert was updated again just a short while later, at 10:52 p.m., extending the strong thunderstorm alert now set to continue until 11:30 p.m. for Spartanburg County. Another thunderstorm has been reported 11 miles southwest of Spartanburg, which is just 4 miles southeast of Reidville, moving east at roughly 30 mph.
Lightning and Hydroplaning Risks
It’s worth noting that while we often think of thunder and rain during storms, lightning can pose a serious threat as well. In the United States, lightning strikes around 25 million times each year, primarily in the summer, causing an alarming average of 20 fatalities annually. As storms roll in, the chance of a lightning strike goes up, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. Once it passes, the risks usually decrease.
Driving during these storms can also be treacherous, especially with the risk of hydroplaning. This happens when your vehicle loses traction due to excessive water on the road. Always remember to drive cautiously, especially as wet conditions and your tire treads can play a big role in maintaining control of your vehicle.
Preparing for Hurricane Helene
As if thunderstorms weren’t enough to contend with, many residents also have their eyes peeled for Hurricane Helene. South Carolina’s Governor declared a State of Emergency earlier in the week, encouraging everyone to prepare for the potential impacts. The latest forecasts are predicting up to 10 inches of rain in Northern Greenville, with some places potentially seeing up to 12 inches due to this storm.
Winds are expected to intensify further, with gusts possibly reaching up to 60 mph. Residents are already experiencing widespread power outages, with Duke Energy reporting significant blackouts throughout the Upstate and western North Carolina.
Impact on Local Institutions
Local schools and universities are also feeling the effects. Clemson University is getting prepared for extreme weather, while Limestone University has announced campus closures for Thursday and Friday. On the municipal front, Greenville’s administration office was shut down due to power outages and active cleanup underway from recent storms.
Emergency Services Responding
Flash floods have already led to swift water rescues by the Greenville County Fire Department, and various parks, including Unity Park and Falls Park, are reporting outages. Along with those affected in Greenville, numerous businesses are shutting down due to power issues, impacting Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties. Thousands are left without electricity as the region braces for wind-borne debris and challenging travel conditions.
In light of all this, it’s crucial for everyone in the area to remain alert, stay indoors as much as possible, and take all necessary precautions. Things may be a bit hectic outside for a while, but staying safe is what matters most!
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Weather Update
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google Search: Severe Weather Preparation
- The State: Latest Weather Alerts
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- Fox Carolina: Power Outages and Tornado Warnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- Greenville Online: Power Loss in Thunderstorm
- Google News: South Carolina 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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