News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Cherokee and Spartanburg counties, effective until 7:30 PM. The warning alerts residents to expect strong winds, hazardous thunderstorms, and increased risk of lightning. Doppler radar indicates a strong storm moving eastward at 15 MPH, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 MPH. Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors and stay informed about ongoing weather updates to ensure their safety.
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC — A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Cherokee and Spartanburg counties, effective until 7:30 PM on Sunday evening, as announced by the National Weather Service (NWS) at 6:59 PM. Residents in the affected areas should brace for significant weather conditions including damaging winds and the potential for hazardous thunderstorms.
The NWS reports that Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm located approximately 9 miles south of Forest City, near Chesnee, moving eastward at a speed of 15 mph. Wind gusts associated with this storm could reach speeds of up to 40 mph, creating risk factors such as downed tree limbs and the movement of unsecured objects. Locations that may experience these severe conditions include Chesnee, Cowpens National Battlefield, Mayo, Cliffside, Henrietta, Harris, and Caroleen.
During this warning, residents are advised to take precautionary measures. Those who are currently outdoors should seek shelter indoors to ensure their safety from lightning and strong winds. It is important to keep in mind that lightning can strike the U.S. approximately 25 million times annually, with the highest occurrences seen in the summer months. The average number of fatalities from lightning strikes in the U.S. is 20 people per year.
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm develops, peaking when the storm is overhead and then decreasing as it moves away. The NWS emphasizes the importance of staying indoors or finding appropriate shelter during thunderstorms to mitigate risks.
In addition to high winds and lightning, residents should also be aware of potential dangers on the roads due to hydroplaning, which occurs when vehicles lose traction and slide uncontrollably on wet surfaces. Factors contributing to hydroplaning include excessive speed, worn tires, and the presence of standing water on roadways. If drivers experience hydroplaning, it is crucial to remain calm and avoid making abrupt movements like slamming on brakes, which can exacerbate the situation.
This thunderstorm warning forms part of ongoing weather alerts issued by the NWS in the region as severe weather conditions persist. Residents are urged to stay informed about these alerts and to follow safety protocols to protect themselves and their property during severe weather events.
Overall, this warning highlights the unpredictable nature of spring and summer storms in the region and the need for continual monitoring of weather updates from reliable sources. Public safety must always be a priority during severe weather, and adhering to guidance from local authorities and meteorological services can significantly reduce risks.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Go Upstate
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
- WYFF4
- Google Scholar: Weather Safety Guidelines
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WYFF4 Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- WSPA
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. 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.
