News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for Greenville and Spartanburg counties, warning of strong winds, pea-sized hail, and the risk of lightning. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and seek shelter indoors until the storm passes. Doppler radar indicates the storm is tracking eastward, impacting areas like Forest City, Columbus, and Inman. Lightning strikes pose a considerable threat, increasing the importance of safety precautions during severe weather events.
Greenville, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg has issued an updated weather alert for strong thunderstorms affecting Greenville and Spartanburg counties. The alert was announced at 3:33 p.m. on Thursday, with an expiration time set for 4:30 p.m. Residents are advised to prepare for potential severe weather, including pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
Doppler radar indicates that the thunderstorms are currently tracking from near Columbus to approximately 15 miles southeast of Hendersonville, moving eastward at about 5 mph. Individuals in the affected areas should stay alert, as these gusty winds may result in fallen tree limbs and may displace unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor items is also a possibility.
The locations specifically impacted by this alert include: Forest City, Columbus, Landrum, Inman, Tryon, Campobello, Tigerville, Lake Bowen, Mill Spring, and Glassy Mountain.
The NWS strongly advises residents to seek shelter indoors if they are outdoors during this weather event. In addition to strong winds and hail, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring, posing a danger that can extend up to 10 miles from the storm itself. As these thunderstorms may become more intense, it is crucial to monitor local radio and television stations for real-time updates and additional warnings.
This alert emphasizes the significance of lightning, which strikes the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The summer months typically exhibit a surge in lightning activity. On average, more than 20 individuals are killed by lightning strikes in the U.S. each year, underlining the importance of taking necessary precautions during thunderstorms. The risk associated with lightning increases as a storm approaches, peaking when the storm is overhead.
Additionally, the NWS highlights the risk of hydroplaning during severe weather conditions, particularly when rainfall occurs. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle loses traction and slides uncontrollably on wet roads, often leading to loss of control. While the report does not detail specific causes, it is attributed to insufficient tire pressure to effectively push water away from the tires.
As the alert remains in effect until 4:30 p.m., residents are urged to take precautions and remain vigilant. Ensure that all outdoor furniture and other unsecured objects are brought indoors or secured, and have a plan in place for seeking shelter when severe weather strikes.
This weather advisory information was originally published on June 26, 2025, at 2:50 PM. The public is encouraged to stay tuned to the NWS and local news for updates regarding weather conditions and alerts in order to remain safe during this period of inclement weather.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: Severe Weather Safety
- Weather.com
- Google Scholar: Hydroplaning and Weather
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- WSPA Weather
- Google News: Upstate South Carolina Weather Alerts
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.
