News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Greenville and Spartanburg counties as strong storms approach. Residents are advised to seek shelter as intense winds of up to 60 mph and hail of one inch are anticipated. The warning is in effect until 6:45 p.m. on June 1, with areas at risk including Reidville and Greer. While the threat is expected to decrease, caution is still advised in the aftermath of the storm.
Greenville, SC – A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Greenville and Spartanburg counties by the National Weather Service (NWS) as strong storms approach the area. The warning was activated at 5:53 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, and remains in effect until 6:45 p.m. Meteorologists predict intense weather conditions, including winds reaching speeds of up to 60 mph and hail measuring as large as one inch.
A significant severe thunderstorm was reported to be approximately 11 miles northeast of downtown Greenville, progressing southeastward at a speed of 15 mph. The areas directly impacted by this warning include Reidville, Five Forks, Lake Robinson, Lyman, Greer, GSP Airport, Duncan, Taylors, Wellford, and Moore.
The NWS has advised residents in affected areas to seek shelter, recommending that individuals move to an interior room on the lowest floor of their homes to avoid potential risks posed by the storm.
Prior to the severe thunderstorm warning, a weather alert was issued at 5:33 p.m. for strong thunderstorms affecting Greenville and Spartanburg counties until 6:00 p.m. This alert predicted pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph. At that time, Doppler radar indicated storm activity occurring 13 miles northeast of downtown Greenville, particularly near Greer.
The NWS also cautioned that these storms could generate gusty winds capable of toppling tree limbs and displacing unsecured objects. Experts noted the potential for minor hail damage to outdoor items such as vehicles and garden furniture. Regions that experienced the strong thunderstorm alert included Chester State Park, Richburg, Leeds, Cornwell, Edgemoor, Great Falls, Chester, Lesslie, Catawba, and Lockhart.
As the situation developed, the severe thunderstorm warning was assessed to weaken, indicating that there was no immediate threat to life or property. However, residents should still be aware of possible gusty winds that may continue in the aftermath of the storm.
Annually, approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur across the United States, with the summer months being the most active. These strikes lead to around 20 fatalities each year. The chances of lightning increase as storms approach, peaking when the storm is directly overhead before decreasing as it moves away.
To ensure safety during such thunderstorms, the NWS provides guidelines and recommendations. For those unable to find shelter indoors, it is critical to stay away from windows, avoid using corded phones, and refrain from touching electrical appliances.
Motorists are particularly cautioned about the dangers of hydroplaning during heavy rains, defined as a vehicle sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. Hydroplaning occurs when water in front of a tire accumulates at a rate faster than what the vehicle can displace, leading to a loss of traction. The NWS identifies three primary factors that contribute to hydroplaning and offers advice on how to handle such situations.
Residents of Greenville and Spartanburg counties are urged to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions and take appropriate precautions as severe thunderstorms approach the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spartanburg Hosts Safe Kids Day to Promote Bicycle Safety
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties
Spartanburg Residents to Receive Free Newspaper Samples
Greenwood Student Achieves Prestigious Academic Recognition
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Greenville and Spartanburg Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Greenville and Spartanburg Counties
Historic Home Listed for $1.45 Million in Spartanburg
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts for Greenville and Spartanburg Counties
Discover Local Art at Spartanburg’s Open Doors Studio Tour
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Greenville and Spartanburg
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Greenville Online: Weather Alert
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
- Herald Online: Severe Weather Developments
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- WYFF4: Tornadoes and Severe Weather Possible
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- GoUpstate: Weather Alert Update
- Google News: Thunderstorm Safety
