News Summary
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg counties, with expected wind gusts up to 40 mph. Residents are advised to stay indoors and prepare for possible flooding and hazardous conditions due to lightning risks. Previous warnings had also been in effect with high winds and hail reported. This serves as a reminder of the dangers severe weather poses in the area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Greenville, SC – A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg at 4:23 p.m. on Thursday. The alert is in effect until 5:30 p.m., with warnings specifically covering Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg counties.
The NWS anticipates wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph, posing risks such as downed tree limbs and debris. Doppler radar reports indicate that strong thunderstorms are currently spanning from 17 miles south of Spartanburg to 3 miles northeast of Laurens, and 13 miles northeast of Greenwood, moving eastward at approximately 25 mph.
Impact Areas
Locations most affected by the storm include Laurens, Clinton, Woodruff, Joanna, Buffalo, Waterloo, Rose Hill State Park, Mountville, Kinards, and Enoree. Residents in these areas are advised to seek indoor shelter, particularly if they find themselves outdoors.
Safety Precautions
As torrential rainfall is expected, there is a significant risk for localized flooding. The NWS warns people should not attempt to drive through flooded roadways as road conditions may rapidly deteriorate. The public is reminded that lightning, which strikes the U.S. approximately 25 million times a year, poses serious risks, especially in summer months when storms are more frequent. On average, lightning causes around 20 fatalities annually.
The NWS strongly advises that individuals avoid open areas, seek shelter indoors, and remain away from windows when severe thunderstorms approach. The risk of lightning increases as a storm nears, peaks when it is overhead, and diminishes once it moves away.
Hydroplaning Risks
Rainfall can also lead to hydroplaning incidents—when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads. This occurs due to water accumulating in front of the tire faster than the vehicle can push it away, resulting in sliding on a layer of water. Factors contributing to hydroplaning include tire tread wear, vehicle speed, and the depth of water on the road surface.
Recent Thunderstorm Activity
This latest warning follows a previous severe thunderstorm warning issued on Monday, July 28 at 4:17 p.m. for Spartanburg County, with expectations of winds reaching up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. During that warning, severe thunderstorms were located approximately 6 miles south of Spartanburg, moving southeast at 15 mph. A notice from the NWS at that time advised residents to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for safety.
The areas affected during the earlier alert included Roebuck, Moore, Pauline, Croft State Park, and Spartanburg. Additionally, a broader warning was released for the region encompassing Rutherford and Spartanburg counties, expected to last until 9:15 p.m. on the same day.
Conclusion
These alerts serve as a crucial reminder of the potential hazards associated with severe weather in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, adhere to safety recommendations, and prepare for possible disruptions due to the impending storms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Laurens Arrests Reveal Diverse Criminal Activities
Clinton Braces for Thunderstorms and 5K Fun Run
Severe Thunderstorms Lead to Widespread Power Outages in Lowcountry
Series of Arrests Highlight Crime in Laurens County
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Go Upstate
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Greenville Online
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Warnings
- Island Packet
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
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.
