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
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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 HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
