Greenville, South Carolina – Residents across the Upstate of South Carolina, western North Carolina and northeast Georgia should prepare for an increasing threat of severe thunderstorms early this week, with the greatest potential for damaging winds arriving Tuesday afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a favorable weather pattern will develop as organized clusters of thunderstorms form over the Ohio Valley before tracking southeast toward the Carolinas and northeast Georgia. A Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather is in place Monday night, followed by a broader Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) across much of the region on Tuesday.
Forecasters say widespread damaging straight-line winds will be the primary hazard, an unusually organized setup for late July. A more localized threat of large hail may also develop Tuesday afternoon and evening as stronger thunderstorms move across the region.
Communities including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Gaffney, Asheville, Hendersonville and nearby areas should monitor forecasts closely, especially if traveling or participating in outdoor activities Tuesday. Strong wind gusts could bring down tree limbs, cause isolated power outages and create hazardous driving conditions. Frequent lightning and brief heavy rainfall are also expected with stronger storms.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and trusted local media. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued or threatening weather approaches, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows until storms pass.
The severe weather threat is expected to continue through Tuesday evening before conditions gradually improve. Additional watches or warnings may be issued as confidence in the timing and intensity of the storm system increases.
