Greenville, S.C. – Residents across parts of Upstate South Carolina should be prepared for rapidly developing severe thunderstorms through 9 p.m. as storms capable of producing wind gusts over 60 mph, heavy rainfall and isolated hail move across the region this afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. EDT for portions of the Upstate. The greatest risk of severe weather is focused across southern Upstate counties, where damaging straight-line winds are expected to be the primary hazard. Hail up to quarter size is also possible with the strongest storms.
Communities including Greenwood, Laurens, Union, Chester and surrounding areas face the highest chance of severe weather, while Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and nearby locations could still see isolated strong to severe thunderstorms. Storms will also be capable of producing intense rainfall, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding, particularly in areas that received heavy rain earlier in the day.
Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly as thunderstorms pass, with sudden reductions in visibility, water-covered roads and scattered tree damage possible where the strongest wind gusts occur. Isolated power outages cannot be ruled out if trees or large limbs are brought down.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be ready to move indoors immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued. The watch remains in effect through 9 p.m., and additional warnings may be issued as storms strengthen across the Upstate this evening.
