News Summary
Residents of Upstate South Carolina are advised to prepare for severe thunderstorms as the National Weather Service has issued a thunderstorm alert. The alert, effective until 6:30 a.m., warns of winds gusting up to 40 mph affecting areas around Greenville Mountains and southern Spartanburg. With storms moving rapidly at around 75 mph, residents should seek shelter and take precautions against flying debris. In addition, drivers are cautioned to be aware of hydroplaning risks while on the road during this storm.
Thunderstorm Alert for Upstate South Carolina: Brace for Strong Winds!
Good morning, Upstate South Carolina! It seems Mother Nature has some surprises in store for us today. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a thunderstorm alert this morning, and it’s one you don’t want to miss. The alert went into effect at 6:09 a.m., just a little while ago, and it’s set to last until 6:30 a.m., especially for our friends in the Greenville Mountains and southern Spartanburg areas.
What to Expect
Weather enthusiasts and residents alike should prepare for some serious weather. The NWS is warning of winds gusting up to 40 mph! With a storm tracking its way across our region, you can expect strong thunderstorms moving swiftly along a line, stretching from just near Spruce Pine to around Forest City and heading toward Spartanburg.
This storm is not creeping along; it’s moving at a rapid pace of about 75 mph! So if you’re outdoors and enjoying what started as a lovely day, it might be time to seek some shelter.
Know Your Area
If you’re living in or around the following areas, you need to take this alert seriously:
- Gastonia
- Rock Hill
- Uptown Charlotte
- Huntersville
- Hickory
- Spartanburg
- Statesville
- Shelby
- Lenoir
- Morganton
Gusty winds could send tree limbs crashing down and turn unsecured objects into flying missiles. It’s a good idea to bring in any patio furniture or decorations that you may have left outside to prevent any damage.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips
The time to act is now! The best course of action is to find yourself inside a sturdy building if you’re outdoors. However, if that’s not an option, be sure to follow safety measures for thunderstorms. Remember, safety comes first!
What About Lightning?
Did you know that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the United States, mostly during the summer months? Unfortunately, this makes thunderstorms not just a nuisance but potentially dangerous as well. On average, around 20 fatalities happen due to lightning strikes each year. The likelihood of being struck by lightning increases dramatically as a storm rolls in, peaking when it’s directly overhead and tapering off as the storm moves away. So please stay aware!
Driving Safety
If you’re on the road during this storm, be cautious. Hydroplaning is a real threat! This occurs when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to water piling up ahead of your tires. Several factors can contribute to hydroplaning, including your vehicle’s speed, the condition of your tires, and the depth of water on the roadway.
In summary, Upstate South Carolina, keep an eye on the sky and be mindful of the conditions around you. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and lightning are making their presence felt. Stay safe, stay informed, and look out for one another. We’re all in this together!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Greenville and Spartanburg
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Winter Weather Hits Western North Carolina: School Closures and Delays
Severe Weather Outbreak Causes Tornadoes and Tragedies Across Southern States
Severe Weather Warning: Tornado Watches for Georgia and South Carolina
Greenville Braces for Cold January Weather
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Greenville SC Weather
- The State: Weather News
- Greenville Online: SC Snow and Freezing Rain
- WSPA: Tropical Storm Helene
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Weather Alerts Upstate South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
