News Summary
Residents in Upstate South Carolina, particularly in areas like Spartanburg and Cliffside, are facing a severe thunderstorm warning. The storm is moving east with damaging winds and is expected to produce quarter-sized hail. Meteorologists recommend safety precautions as conditions worsen throughout the day, with scattered thunderstorms likely and a chance of hydroplaning on wet roads. The warning, effective until the morning, emphasizes caution for local communities and drivers alike.
Greenville, South Carolina – A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Upstate South Carolina, affecting several areas including Spartanburg, as weather forecasts predict the potential for damaging winds and hail. The warning was updated at 6:37 AM on May 17, 2025, and is in effect until 7 AM. Meteorologists indicate that a severe thunderstorm was located approximately 12 miles northwest of Spartanburg, near Lake Bowen, moving east at 40 mph, with expected wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (about 1 inch in diameter).
The storm is forecasted to affect various communities, including Cliffside, Cowpens National Battlefield, Lake Bowen, Chesnee, Harris, Spartanburg, Inman, Mayo, USC Upstate, and Green Creek. Residents in these areas should brace for the possibility of minor hail damage to vehicles as well as wind damage to trees and power lines.
Weather conditions throughout the day are expected to be partly cloudy with scattered strong thunderstorms developing later. The high temperature is anticipated to reach 89°F, with winds from the south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph. There is a 40% chance of rain, and as the day progresses, a drop in temperature to a low of 59°F is expected, with winds shifting to the west at 10 to 20 mph.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has provided safety recommendations for residents during this weather event. People are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building to reduce risk during severe thunderstorms. Additionally, drivers are urged to remain cautious, especially regarding the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle loses traction and slides uncontrollably due to water accumulation in front of the tires, influenced by factors like speed, water depth, and tire condition.
This severe thunderstorm watch includes several counties, namely Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, York, Polk, and Rutherford, and remains in effect until noon on May 17, 2025.
General lightning safety information is also highlighted, as thunderstorms often lead to increased lightning activity. The U.S. records about 25 million lightning strikes annually, with an average of 20 fatalities each year caused by lightning strikes. The risk of lightning tends to peak as a storm approaches and continues through its duration.
Residents are encouraged to follow local updates and utilize caution as storms approach. The weather service recommends staying informed through reliable sources and maintaining preparedness for changing conditions throughout the day.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- The State
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Go Upstate
- Google Scholar: Weather Warning Protocols
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- WSPA
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm
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.
