News Summary
Residents of Laurens County are urged to prepare for severe thunderstorms expected this evening, bringing risks of hail and high wind gusts. The National Weather Service has issued warnings, predicting wind speeds reaching up to 60 mph and pea-sized hail. Areas including Lake Greenwood State Park and Gray Court are advised to take precautions. As lightning poses significant risk, it is crucial for individuals to seek shelter and exercise caution when traveling in affected regions.
Laurens County Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Laurens County residents should prepare for severe thunderstorms this evening, including risks of hail and high winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a series of warnings, starting tonight, July 29, 2025, at 6:10 p.m., specifically for Laurens and Greenwood counties. The thunderstorms are projected to bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph and pea-sized hail of about 0.75 inches.
The thunderstorms are forming due to a weather system expected to bring increasing clouds and temperatures peaking at 94°F during the day. The chance of rain throughout the day is approximately 40%, with a notable increase to 60% during the evening hours. As night approaches, scattered thunderstorms are forecasted, transitioning into cloudy skies after midnight, with the low temperature dropping to 72°F.
Current Warnings and Affected Areas
At 6:34 p.m., following the initial warning, the NWS issued another alert confirming that severe thunderstorms could lead to wind gusts of 40 mph and hail. Doppler radar has tracked a strong storm 11 miles east of Greenwood, moving southeast at 10 mph. Regions including Lake Greenwood State Park, Lake Greenwood, Greenwood State Park, and Ninety Six are warned to take precautions.
Additionally, another storm is currently observed 12 miles northwest of Laurens, with a similar trajectory. Areas such as Gray Court, Hickory Tavern, Enoree, and Fountain Inn are in the path of this severe weather event.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
In light of the upcoming storms, the NWS recommends that individuals seek shelter inside a sturdy building if they are outdoors when the thunderstorm arrives. This action is critical, especially since lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the main storm, posing a significant risk to those in exposed areas.
For those who may need to travel, caution is advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways during these severe thunderstorms. Hydroplaning, caused by water buildup in front of tires, can lead to dangerous driving conditions. On average, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times annually, and it causes around 20 fatalities each year, underscoring the dangers associated with such weather.
Conclusion
As predictions of severe weather unfold, it is imperative for Laurens County residents to stay informed and adhere to safety protocols suggested by the National Weather Service. Regular updates will be made available through official channels, with further warnings and alerts generated based on ongoing radar monitoring and storm tracking.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather Update
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- TMZ: Wedding Weather Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Greenville Online: Storm Alert
- Google News: Thunderstorm 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.
