News Summary
Laurens County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning from the National Weather Service until 10:45 p.m. today, with isolated thunderstorms and potential hazards including damaging winds and hail. Residents are advised to seek shelter and avoid flooded roadways. Local law enforcement has also made several public disorder arrests amid these weather concerns. Stay informed and prepared for sudden weather changes.
Laurens County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) which will remain in effect until 10:45 p.m. today. The warning comes as isolated thunderstorms are expected across the area this afternoon, bringing the potential for damaging winds and other hazardous conditions.
The forecast indicates a high temperature of 88°F with southwest winds between 5 to 10 mph. A 30% chance of rain accompanies these storms, with a low expected tonight of 69°F and light, variable winds. Doppler radar has already tracked a strong thunderstorm located 10 miles southwest of Laurens, which is moving south at approximately 5 mph.
The potential hazards from these thunderstorms include wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph, as well as nickel-sized hail measuring about 0.88 inches. Residents are cautioned that gusty winds may uproot tree limbs and displace unsecured outdoor items, leading to possible minor hail damage to possessions left outside. Additional risks include torrential rainfall that may cause localized flooding—drivers are advised to avoid any flooded roadways during the severe weather.
With frequent cloud-to-ground lightning observed in the area, it is essential for individuals to seek shelter indoors while storms are active. Lightning is particularly dangerous, as it strikes the U.S. around 25 million times each year, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities annually during the summer months. Furthermore, motorists should be aware of the risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when tires lose grip on wet road surfaces—this can be exacerbated by three primary factors including high speed, excessive water on the road, and worn tires.
Recent Public Disorder Arrests
- Andrew Tilson – charged with public disorderly conduct in Irmo.
- Alisha Santiz – charged with unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person in Laurens.
- Durwin Neal – charged with breach of peace, non-aggravated in Fountain Inn.
- Justin Messer – charged with breach of peace, non-aggravated; malicious injury to animals and personal property in Fountain Inn.
Wider Weather Impact
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Union Community Remembers Betty Lou Stapleton and Owen Lee Gregory
Weather and Criminal Activity Impact Laurens County
Fatal Shooting Incident in Clinton, South Carolina
Murder Investigation Launched in Clinton Following Body Discovery
Murder Charges Filed After Deceased Man Found in Clinton
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Michigan with Tornado Risks
Teen Shot During Graduation Party in Laurens County
Clinton, New York: A Tornado Surprise
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Laurens County
Hurricane Helene Claims Lives in Laurens County
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WBTV
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Risk
- TMZ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens 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 Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. 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.
