Greenville, S.C. – Residents across the western Carolinas should prepare for multiple rounds of thunderstorms this weekend, with the greatest threat developing during the afternoon and evening hours both Saturday and Sunday as conditions become favorable for severe weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, damaging straight-line winds will be the primary hazard with any severe thunderstorms that develop. A broad area including Upstate South Carolina, northeast Georgia and the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina is under a severe weather outlook for Saturday afternoon and evening. The threat continues Sunday afternoon and evening, with the greatest potential shifting into portions of the eastern Upstate and North Carolina Piedmont.
Communities including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Gaffney, Asheville, Hendersonville and surrounding areas should remain alert for rapidly changing weather. Strong wind gusts could down tree limbs, cause isolated power outages and make travel hazardous during heavier storms. Frequent lightning and torrential rainfall will also accompany thunderstorms, reducing visibility on area roadways including Interstates 85, 26 and 40.
Residents planning outdoor activities this weekend should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to move indoors quickly if storms approach. Secure loose outdoor furniture and avoid sheltering beneath trees during thunderstorms.
Storm timing will become clearer as the weekend approaches, and additional watches or warnings may be issued if confidence increases in the severity or coverage of storms. Stay tuned to the National Weather Service for the latest updates through Sunday evening.
