News Summary
Residents of Laurens County, SC, are urged to prepare for severe thunderstorms with the potential for pea-sized hail and winds up to 40 mph. The National Weather Service has updated alerts, indicating a storm moving through the area. Neighboring towns are also on high alert. Safety precautions are necessary, especially for those driving, due to the risks of hydroplaning. As thunderstorms approach, residents are advised to secure outdoor belongings and find shelter. Stay safe, Laurens County!
Strong Thunderstorm Alerts Rumble Through Laurens County, SC
Residents of Laurens County, SC, brace yourselves! An updated weather alert was issued on Sunday evening, detailing the potential for some pretty intense thunderstorms in your area. Starting at 6:33 p.m. and lasting until 7 p.m., the National Weather Service is alerting everyone to get ready for possible pea-sized hail and wind gusts that could reach up to 40 mph.
What You Need to Know
As of the last update, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm inching its way eastward at 15 mph, right through Laurens. This means that residents can expect some gusty winds that may be strong enough to snap tree limbs or toss around any loose items on your patio. There’s even the chance of minor hail damage to outdoor belongings, so it’s a good time to batten down the hatches!
This alert isn’t just for Laurens; neighboring towns like Clinton, Gray Court, Hickory Tavern, Enoree, and Fountain Inn are also part of this weather advisory. If you happen to be outdoors when the storm hits, it’s strongly advised to seek shelter inside.
Your Safety Is Important
Severe thunderstorms come with their own set of risks, and the NWS emphasizes the importance of playing it safe. If you’re out and about, heading into a building or an interior room on the lowest floor can provide a considerable layer of protection.
To add some perspective, did you know that around 25 million lightning strikes hit the United States annually? Most of these happen over the summer, and while beautiful to look at from a distance, lightning can be deadly. On average, there are about 20 fatalities each year resulting from lightning strikes. The likelihood of being struck increases as thunderstorms approach, peaks when they are directly overhead, and then diminishes afterward. So, if you’re seeing flashes, take it as a sign to get indoors!
Hydroplaning: A Concern for Drivers
In the event you find your car hydroplaning, it’s best to stay calm. Sudden turns can lead to even more trouble, so gently brake to regain your footing on the road.
Thunderstorm Forecast: What Lies Ahead
Earlier, another alert was released predicting gusts up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) for Laurens County, following an initial report just the day before. This earlier warning remained in effect until 7:30 p.m., with a storm showing up 12 miles northwest of Laurens, also moving east. As a result, areas including Waterloo and Mountville were put on notice that stormy weather was on the way.
As the evening wore on, another alert came in for strong thunderstorms lasting until 7:45 p.m., once again warning folks to prepare for possible hail and wind. Doppler radar indicated a robust storm just 6 miles southwest of Laurens at that point, further emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Final Thoughts
As the clouds roll in and the thunder rumbles, it’s a reminder for everyone in Laurens County to take a moment to prepare. Secure your outdoor belongings, find a safe spot indoors, and remember that thunderstorm safety isn’t just a suggestion; it’s vital! Stay safe and keep an eye on the skies, Laurens!
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Thunderstorm Alerts Sweep Through South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Warnings
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Effects
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Greenville Online
- Google News: Severe 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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