News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm alerts for Greenville and Spartanburg counties, warning residents of damaging winds and hail. Initial alerts reported pea-sized hail and winds up to 40 mph, while updated warnings anticipate penny-sized hail and gusts up to 50 mph. Residents are advised to take precautions as storm threats, including tornadoes and flooding, loom over the region. Safety measures such as indoor shelter and emergency preparations are strongly recommended.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Greenville and Spartanburg Counties
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for Greenville and Spartanburg counties effective Thursday at 11:20 p.m., remaining in effect until 11:45 p.m. The alert warns residents of a storm that may produce pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
At the time of the alert, Doppler radar indicated a cluster of thunderstorms approximately 11 miles east of Downtown Greenville, close to GSP Airport. The storms were moving eastward at a speed of 40 mph, prompting the NWS to advise residents to seek shelter indoors.
Residents in areas such as GSP Airport, Reidville, Wellford, Pauline, Croft State Park, Roebuck, Cowpens, Lyman, Spartanburg, and Moore are particularly encouraged to take precautions as gusty winds may cause tree limbs to fall and could displace unsecured items. Minor hail damage is also possible for outdoor belongings.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Update
An updated alert was issued on Saturday at 5:49 p.m., with a duration lasting until 6:15 p.m. This new alert anticipates wind gusts of up to 50 mph and larger hail at penny-sized (0.75 inches). A strong thunderstorm was detected 7 miles east of Greenville, proceeding southeast at 10 mph.
Communities including Reidville, Simpsonville, Five Forks, the Greenville Eastside, Mauldin, GSP Airport, Taylors, Greenville Downtown, and Greer are specifically mentioned as being at risk. NWS has highlighted multiple storm threats that could include damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail as weather conditions remain unstable through the weekend.
Anticipated Weather Conditions
The NWS is forecasting heavy rains and potential flooding in various areas, particularly within the mountainous regions of South Carolina and North Carolina. The weather service’s models have also indicated a 5 percent chance of tornadoes for the Upstate, which has raised concerns among local meteorologists.
As severe weather approaches, the chances of lightning strikes also increase significantly. The NWS reports approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the United States, predominantly during summer months, leading to about 20 fatalities each year. The likelihood of such occurrences peaks when a thunderstorm is overhead and diminishes as the storm moves away.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, continuously monitoring local radio and TV for updates and additional warnings. They are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through the CodeRED alert system and to prepare an emergency kit in anticipation of severe weather conditions.
Drivers should also be cautious as hydroplaning risks increase during heavy rainfall. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads, creating hazardous driving conditions. Ensuring safety measures are in place can protect both residents and their property from the impending weather threats.
Conclusion
The current thunderstorm alerts highlight the importance of being prepared and responsive to severe weather warnings. As storms are predicted to impact the Greenville and Spartanburg regions, staying informed and taking appropriate safety measures can greatly reduce the risks associated with such dangerous weather conditions.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Severe thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: severe weather alerts
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: thunderstorm impacts
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: tornadoes
- WYFF4
- Google News: weather updates Greenville
