Severe Thunderstorms Hit Laurens County

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News Summary

Laurens County is experiencing severe thunderstorms with warnings from the National Weather Service. Expect strong winds up to 40 mph, pea-sized hail, and potential damage. Residents in Clinton, Joanna, and Kinards are advised to seek shelter until the storm passes. Safety precautions include staying indoors and avoiding travel. Learn more about the impact of recent storms and safety measures to take during severe weather to ensure your protection.

Severe Thunderstorms Shake Laurens: Stay Safe with the Latest Updates

Laurens is bracing for action as strong thunderstorms roll into town! The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a warning for our area, particularly for those living in and around Laurens County. This storm is expected to bring all sorts of wild weather until about 5:30 p.m. today, so if you’re out and about, it might be time to head indoors!

What to Expect

You might want to keep an eye on the sky, as forecasters predict pea-sized hail measuring in at about 0.25 inches along with gusty winds reaching upwards of 40 mph. Radar is currently showing a strong thunderstorm making its way westward at a steady 10 mph, around 11 miles east of Laurens, particularly near Clinton. With conditions like this, we could see some tree limbs blown down and unsecured items flying around, just a heads-up for anyone with outdoor furniture!

Where is it Happening?

The storm’s impact is centered around the areas of Clinton, Joanna, and Kinards. If you’re in these locations, the NWS highly suggests you find shelter until the conditions improve. Those of you who might be outside during this time should take it seriously—it’s best to stay indoors and avoid any risks until the storm passes.

Remember the June 7 Storm?

Just a little reminder of what we’ve been through: On June 7, several counties, including Anderson, Greenville, Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburg, were issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 7:42 p.m. Winds were recorded at an alarming speed of up to 60 mph, coupled with hail that could be as large as 0.75 inches! Many were advised to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of their homes or buildings. Areas like Greenville Downtown and Easley were right in the line of fire.

Don’t Forget About the Latest Warnings

Another severe thunderstorm warning was dropped at 8:12 p.m. on June 17, impacting a range of counties from Elbert to Pickens. Just like the June 7 storm, meteorologists warned of winds hitting up to 60 mph along with some potentially dangerous hail. As the storms raged across the region, we saw reports of severe thunderstorms moving at 50 mph, impacting places like Spartanburg and Shelby in their path.

Storm Damage from Hurricane Helene

Remember the last storm? The remnants of Hurricane Helene did a number on Laurens County, toppling trees and power lines and leaving many residents in the dark. It just goes to show how volatile our summer weather can be! Did you know that the NWS estimates lightning strikes the U.S. around 25 million times a year, especially during the summer months? Sadly, this results in about 20 fatalities annually.

Safety First: What You Should Do

Given these storms, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. The NWS recommends that during thunderstorms, you should always seek indoor shelter whenever possible. **Avoid driving in these conditions**, especially since hydroplaning becomes a genuine danger during heavy rains. If you notice any hail, strong winds, or flooding, don’t hesitate to report it via their toll-free number or through their social media channels.

As severe weather continues to affect various counties, staying informed can significantly enhance your safety. Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to check in with local resources when you can.

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Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE CLINTON

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