News Summary

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Spartanburg County in the Western Carolinas. Residents are advised to seek shelter as thunderstorms bring pea-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph. The storm poses risks such as fallen tree limbs and property damage. The region is experiencing a broader pattern of severe weather with multiple counties affected, resulting in power outages and hazardous conditions. Local authorities are monitoring the situation and providing resources for public safety.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Multiple Counties in the Western Carolinas

Greenville, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Thursday at 3:19 p.m. for Spartanburg County. The alert is in effect until 3:45 p.m. and includes areas such as Boiling Springs, Cowpens, Inman, Mayo, Lake Bowen, Chesnee, and Fingerville.

These thunderstorms are generating pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Doppler radar indicated that a strong thunderstorm was located 10 miles northwest of Spartanburg, near Boiling Springs, moving east at approximately 30 mph. The gusty winds associated with this storm could lead to fallen tree limbs and potentially scattered unsecured objects, posing a danger to those outdoors.

The NWS advises that anyone outdoors should seek immediate shelter indoors during the storm. Minor hail damage to outdoor items is also possible. This warning comes as part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting the region, with additional reports of strong storms leading to power outages and hazardous conditions across multiple counties.

Current Weather Impact & Advisories

Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the United States, predominantly during summer months. On average, these lightning strikes result in about 20 fatalities each year, highlighting the dangers associated with thunderstorms. As storms approach, the likelihood of lightning increases and peaks when the storm is directly overhead.

To ensure safety during such thunderstorms, the NWS recommends seeking shelter in an interior room of a building. It’s crucial to take precautions against the risks of lightning strikes and powerful winds that can result in injuries or property damage. Hydroplaning, which occurs when vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads, is also a significant concern during these heavy rain events, primarily attributed to excessive speed and worn tires.

Recent Severe Weather Events

The severe weather experienced recently is not isolated. On June 17, an earlier severe thunderstorm warning had been issued at 8:12 p.m. for additional counties, including Elbert, Hart, Henderson, and Polk. Those storms produced wind gusts forecasted at up to 60 mph and hail reaching sizes of 0.75 inches. These storms traveled through several counties, including Greenville, Spartanburg, Shelby, and Gaffney, resulting in reports of damage to trees and power lines.

By Thursday morning, the aftermath of severe storms in the region was evident, with Duke Energy documenting various power outages and downed lines. Areas significantly impacted include Easley and Pickens County, in addition to Spartanburg County, where emergency management services have been activated to assist individuals affected by these weather conditions. An inclement weather shelter has been opened in Spartanburg County for residents left without power.

Community Response

Throughout the stormy evening, Spartanburg County officials received over 40 service calls related to weather damages. In a further response to safety concerns, a scheduled game by Hub City Spartanburgers was postponed due to inclement weather conditions. Reports of quarter-sized hail and ongoing power outages have also surfaced from neighboring Henderson County and Buncombe County, with Duke Energy crews engaged in assessments and repair operations to restore electricity to affected residents.

As residents brace for ongoing storm activity, local authorities continue to monitor conditions and provide resources for safety and recovery. Regular updates from the NWS are crucial for community preparedness during this tumultuous weather season.

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Additional Resources

• Go Upstate: Weather Alert
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
• Post and Courier: Spartanburg Operation Rolling Thunder Canceled

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.