News Summary
Severe thunderstorms hit the western Carolinas, especially Spartanburg and Union, leading to power outages, emergency alerts, and damage from hail and flooding. The National Weather Service issued warnings as communities faced downed trees and road obstructions. Residents sought shelter, and emergency services saw an increase in calls. Over 1,000 were without power in nearby areas, highlighting the widespread impact of the storms. Restoration efforts are ongoing amid continued alerts for severe weather.
Spartanburg, SC – Severe thunderstorms swept across the western Carolinas on Tuesday, prompting significant damage, power outages, and emergency alerts in several counties, including Spartanburg and Union. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings throughout the day, alerting residents to the dangers posed by the severe weather.
The first weather alert was issued on Saturday at 3:19 p.m. for strong thunderstorms in Spartanburg County, lasting until 3:45 p.m. Residents were warned of pea-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Doppler radar identified a strong thunderstorm located 10 miles northwest of Spartanburg, near Boiling Springs, moving east at a speed of 30 mph. Issues such as potential downed tree limbs and flying unsecured objects were anticipated, alongside minor hail damage to outdoor items.
Communities affected by this initial thunderstorm included Boiling Springs, Cowpens, Inman, Mayo, Lake Bowen, Chesnee, and Fingerville. Residents were advised to seek indoor shelter if outdoors during the storm. At 5:26 p.m., another report confirmed the continuation of strong thunderstorms until 6 p.m. for both Union and Spartanburg counties. This second wave brought marble-sized hail and similar wind gusts, with the storm tracked about 15 miles west of Union and 7 miles east of Woodruff, moving southeast at 10 mph.
Alongside hail and wind, concerns about localized flooding grew due to torrential rainfall associated with the storm. Motorists were cautioned against driving through flooded roadways to ensure their safety.
The severe weather caused extensive damage, including downed trees and power lines across the region. As of Thursday at 7:15 a.m., Duke Energy reported numerous power outages linked to the storms, with restoration estimates provided ranging from noon to 7 p.m. Some local businesses, such as ACAC Greenville and Adventure Central, temporarily closed due to power outages caused by fallen trees.
The Easley Fire Department confirmed obstructed roads due to downed trees and power lines, particularly on Lynch Court. In Pickens County, fallen power lines blocked Farrs Bridge Road, while Spartanburg County reported trees obstructing Fairmont Avenue. To assist residents left without power, Spartanburg County Emergency Management opened a temporary shelter for those affected, operational until 7 a.m. on Thursday.
Emergency services in Spartanburg County experienced a significant influx of requests, responding to more than 40 calls during the storm. Additionally, the severe weather caused the postponement of a scheduled game for the Hub City Spartanburgers.
In Cherokee County, emergency management also reported downed trees and power lines in East Gaffney and Cherokee Falls. McDowell County faced similar issues, with downed trees reported on Yancey Road and Hankis Road near Lake James, alongside quarter-sized hail. Nickel-sized hail was noted in Henderson County, adding to the widespread impact of the storms.
Furthermore, over 1,000 customers experienced power outages in east Asheville, Buncombe County. By 6 p.m., most power outages were reportedly restored, with ongoing updates anticipated throughout the recovery efforts.
The National Weather Service highlighted the overall risk associated with thunderstorms, noting that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the U.S., particularly during the summer months. These strikes are responsible for about 20 fatalities each year, underlining the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during severe weather events.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Greenville Online: Greenville County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Fox Carolina: Damage Reported During Severe Storms
- WYFF: Power Outages from Storms
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Effects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Thunderstorm News
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.
