News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm alerts for Greenville and Spartanburg counties. Residents are warned of strong thunderstorms, wind gusts up to 50 mph, and the potential for hail. Areas including Landrum, Inman, and Campobello are advised to seek indoor shelter as localized flooding may occur. Additional alerts predict more strong storms throughout the day and into Thursday, raising concerns for lightning and hydroplaning risks. Residents should remain vigilant during this period of severe weather.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Greenville, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for Greenville and Spartanburg counties, warning residents of strong thunderstorms until 4:15 p.m. today. Wind gusts may reach up to 50 mph, with the possibility of penny-sized hail measuring 0.75 inches.
A Doppler radar update at 3:51 p.m. identified a strong thunderstorm 7 miles south of Columbus, near Landrum, moving eastward at a speed of 20 mph. The NWS indicated that gusty winds could potentially knock down tree limbs and cause unsecured objects to blow around, with minor hail damage expected to outdoor items.
Areas Affected by Thunderstorm Alerts
The current weather alert affects several communities, including Landrum, Inman, Campobello, Lake Bowen, Boiling Springs, Gowensville, and Fingerville. Residents in these areas are advised to seek indoor shelter as torrential rainfall may lead to localized flooding. Additionally, the NWS cautions against driving through any flooded roadways to ensure safety.
Lightning and Hydroplaning Risks
As thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning strikes significantly increases. In the United States, there are approximately 25 million lightning strikes each year, predominantly occurring during summer months, with around 20 fatalities attributed to these strikes annually. Hydroplaning is another concern during rainy conditions, where a vehicle can slide uncontrollably on wet surfaces due to water buildup in front of the tires. This hazard can arise from various factors, including tire tread depth, vehicle speed, and the depth of standing water on roads.
Additional Weather Alerts
Upcoming Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for August 1 indicates some sunshine but also the likelihood of showers and additional thunderstorms throughout the Upstate. Potential severe storms could result in heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and strong winds. As temperatures rise, locations such as Anderson may reach 101 degrees, Greenville 99 degrees, and Spartanburg 98 degrees. Weather experts classify today’s risk for severe storms as a Level 1 threat.
The NWS anticipates that localized storms may develop in the afternoon, increasing the potential for heavy rain and lightning. The upcoming weekend weather predicts cooler temperatures, with expected highs dropping into the lower 80s, along with chances for scattered afternoon showers or thunderstorms across the Upstate, particularly in areas including Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson.
Overall, residents should remain vigilant as varying weather conditions are predicted throughout the Upstate, with thunderstorms likely continuing through early August.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Severe thunderstorm
- WYFF4
- Google Search: thunderstorm safety
- Herald Online
- Google Scholar: thunderstorm impacts
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: thunderstorm
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.
