News Summary
Severe thunderstorms hit Upstate South Carolina, leading to significant damage and widespread power outages, particularly in Spartanburg County. The National Weather Service warned of high winds and hail, prompting emergency shelters to open for affected residents. Although most power outages were resolved by the evening, the storms served as a reminder of the dangers of severe weather in the region.
Upstate South Carolina Faces Severe Thunderstorms, Causing Damage and Power Outages
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC – Severe thunderstorms swept through Upstate South Carolina on Saturday afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue warnings for Union and Spartanburg counties. The alert, which came into effect at 3:12 p.m., warned residents of potential winds gusting up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail.
The thunderstorm was tracked just 14 miles northeast of Laurens, moving east at 15 mph. Areas most affected by the storm include Enoree and Cross Anchor. Residents were advised to seek shelter indoors to ensure their safety during this severe weather event.
As the storms developed, numerous reports of damage began flooding in, particularly from Spartanburg County where downed trees and power lines became common sights. Duke Energy reported widespread power outages across several counties, impacting many residents. Emergency shelters were opened in Spartanburg County to accommodate those affected by the outages.
By 7:15 a.m. the following Thursday, Duke Energy reported varying outage numbers with estimates for power restoration ranging from noon to 7 p.m. The previous Thursday, a severe thunderstorm warning had also been initiated for Cherokee and Spartanburg counties, with predicted wind gusts reaching 60 mph and the possibility of quarter-sized hail.
The NWS explained that thunderstorms can produce dangerous conditions. Lightning strikes, which occur approximately 25 million times a year in the U.S., have an average of 20 fatalities annually. The risk of lightning increases as a storm approaches, peaking during the storm itself. Residents were reminded to be cautious, particularly on wet roads where hydroplaning could occur, and to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor when severe thunderstorms are present.
Impact on Community Events
The storms significantly disrupted local activities, prompting the postponement of a game scheduled for Wednesday night by the Hub City Spartanburgers due to storm-related issues. Reports of hail sizes confirmed included nickel and quarter-sized hail in areas such as Henderson County and Buncombe County.
Widespread Weather-Related Damage
Emergency management services received numerous calls related to storm damage throughout the region. Damage reports indicated downed trees and power lines in areas including Easley, Pickens County, and Cherokee Falls, contributing to the widespread impact of the weather system.
Despite the initial chaos brought by the storms, most power outages had been restored by 6 p.m. the same day, according to reports. Nonetheless, the severe weather serves as a reminder of the impact storms can have on safety, infrastructure, and community events in Upstate South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Goupstate: Spartanburg County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Greenville Online: Greenville County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- Fox Carolina: Damage Reported During Severe Storms
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- WYFF4: South Carolina & North Carolina Power Outages
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google News: Thunderstorm Damage South Carolina
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.
