News Summary
Residents of Laurens, Union, and Chester Counties are urged to take cover as the National Weather Service has issued a strong thunderstorm warning effective until 4:45 p.m. The storm, located near Rose Hill State Park, is moving northeast with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and potential marble-sized hail. Safety measures are advised, including staying indoors and being cautious while driving due to possible hydroplaning conditions. Forecasters predict that the severe weather will continue until midnight, with brighter weather expected soon after.
News Summary
Residents of Laurens, Union, and Chester Counties are urged to take cover as the National Weather Service has issued a strong thunderstorm warning effective until 4:45 p.m. The storm, located near Rose Hill State Park, is moving northeast with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and potential marble-sized hail. Safety measures are advised, including staying indoors and being cautious while driving due to possible hydroplaning conditions. Forecasters predict that the severe weather will continue until midnight, with brighter weather expected soon after.
Strong Thunderstorm Warning for Laurens, Union, and Chester Counties!
Hey there, folks in Laurens, Union, and Chester Counties! If you were planning to enjoy some outdoor fun today, you might want to rethink those plans. The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a _strong thunderstorm warning_ that is now in effect until 4:45 p.m. There’s some serious weather brewing that you need to know about!
What’s Happening?
As of 3:59 p.m., Doppler radar picked up a powerful thunderstorm located just about 8 miles southwest of Union, right near _Rose Hill State Park_. This storm is moving northeast at a speed of around _30 mph_. So, if you’re in its path, it’s time to take cover!
What to Expect
According to the latest updates, we could see wind gusts reaching up to _40 mph_! That’s enough to topple over tree branches and toss around things that weren’t as securely tied down as you might have hoped. Plus, get ready for some _marble-sized hail_, measuring about _0.5 inches_ across. Just imagine that falling on your car or your garden, right?
Areas that are under this thunderstorm warning include:
- Cross Keys
- Rose Hill State Park
- Leeds
- Lockhart
- Sedalia
- Adamsburg
- Monarch Mill
- Santuc
- Union
- Buffalo
Get Inside!
If you’re outdoors, now is the perfect time to _find shelter inside a building_. The storm is bringing with it risks—most notably lightning, which strikes approximately _25 million times_ across the United States every year. Lightning is most active in summer and unfortunately, it causes about _20 fatalities_ each year. Stay in and stay safe—no need to be a hero in this kind of weather!
Road Safety Alert
While we’re on the subject of safety, keep in mind that the conditions on the roads can also get pretty tricky. _Hydroplaning_, that scary moment when your car seems to be gliding on water instead of the road, can happen if water pools up quicker than your tires can handle it. So, if you’re out driving during the storm, please be extra careful!
Looking Ahead
This thunderstorm warning is just a part of the bigger picture for tonight. A severe weather watch remains in effect until midnight, with storms rolling in from the west. The timing for these storms is looking like this:
- 7 p.m. – Oconee and Anderson counties
- 8 p.m. – Greenville area
- 9 p.m. – Spartanburg area
People in _northern Greenville_ and _Spartanburg counties_ have already shared photos showcasing hail that ranged from _pea-sized_ to almost _nickel-sized_ this afternoon. It’s a sight to behold but better viewed from the safety of your living room!
Good News on the Horizon
After all of this excitement, don’t be too disheartened! Forecasts show bright and sunny weather ahead, with temperatures hitting around _70 degrees_ this Sunday and warming up to nearly _80 degrees_ early next week. Gotta love that calm weather after a stormy spell!
So stay alert, keep an eye on the sky, and be sure to check reliable weather updates on your favorite apps. Stay safe out there, everyone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Widespread Damage in Chester County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Laurens, Union, and Chester Counties
South Carolinians Brace for Weather Shift as Cold Front Approaches
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York County Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Weather Advisory Issued for Mecklenburg County
Chester County Braces for Severe Thunderstorm Chaos
Strong Thunderstorm Alert Hits Upstate South Carolina
Tragedy Strikes Rock Hill, SC: Third Fire Fatality in Recent Days
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: thunderstorm safety
- GoUpstate
- Google Scholar: severe weather impact
- WYFF4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: weather alerts
- Fox Carolina
- Google News: severe weather South Carolina
