⚠️ Severe thunderstorm warning for Upstate South Carolina
Saturday evening, the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Upstate South Carolina, including Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, and Anderson County. The alert, which was active from 7:05 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., warned of wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel-sized hail measuring approximately 0.88 inches.
🌩️ Affected areas and storm movement
At 7:05 p.m., Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near Walhalla, moving east at 30 mph. Impacted locations included Clemson, Seneca, Walhalla, Central, Pendleton, Six Mile, Norris, and the surrounding area of Lake Keowee.
The storm brought potential threats such as:
- Gusty winds capable of breaking tree limbs and displacing unsecured objects
- Minor hail damage to property and vegetation
- Lightning danger extending up to 10 miles from the thunderstorm core
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains active until 9 p.m. for the Upstate region.
🌩️ Lightning safety during a thunderstorm
With approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually across the United States, it’s essential to understand that the risk of lightning increases as a storm nears, peaks when it’s overhead, and then gradually decreases as it moves away. Still, lightning can strike even miles from the storm.
To minimize risk outdoors:
- Plan your route with access to a safe structure
- Seek shelter immediately when thunder is heard
- Avoid elevated areas, isolated tall objects, and open fields
- Disperse groups to prevent multiple injuries in the event of a strike
- Keep away from water and metal surfaces, which are excellent conductors
If shelter indoors:
- Do not use corded phones
- Avoid electrical appliances, plumbing fixtures, and windows
- Remain inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap
🚗 Road safety during intense rainfall
When driving under storm conditions, heavy rainfall can cause dangerous road conditions and limited visibility. To stay safe while on the road:
- Use headlights, even in daylight
- Avoid puddles, especially along road edges
- Stay in center lanes, where flooding is less likely
- Keep distance from trucks and buses to avoid water spray
- Never attempt to drive through flooded areas—turn around and find a safer path
💧 Understanding hydroplaning on wet roads
Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road and instead slide on a thin layer of water. This results in a loss of control, especially at high speeds.
Three main causes of hydroplaning:
- High speed: Less traction as speed increases
- Water depth: Even a shallow layer can cause hydroplaning
- Worn tire tread: Reduced grip increases risk
If your vehicle begins hydroplaning:
- Lift your foot off the accelerator
- Turn gently in the direction of the skid
- Wait for traction to return, then carefully steer straight
- If equipped with ABS brakes, brake normally; otherwise, pump brakes gently
The weather conditions in South Carolina tonight require extreme caution, especially for those in the Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens County areas.
