Severe thunderstorm warning ends for parts of Upstate South Carolina
As of 9:00 p.m. EDT this Sunday, June 8, 2025, the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has officially allowed the severe thunderstorm warning to expire for Cherokee, Laurens, Spartanburg, and Union counties. According to meteorologists, the storms have weakened below severe thresholds and are no longer considered an immediate threat to life or property.
However, residents should remain cautious. Gusty winds may still accompany these diminishing storm cells, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. across Upstate South Carolina.
Understanding lightning hazards during summer thunderstorms
The United States experiences nearly 25 million lightning strikes every year, most of them during the summer months. The risk of being struck increases significantly as a thunderstorm moves directly overhead, and then decreases as it moves away.
To remain safe during a thunderstorm, it’s essential to identify shelter options ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to be outdoors. Once thunder is audible, it’s already time to head indoors. Inside, avoid touching corded phones, plumbing, or electrical appliances, and stay away from doors and windows. After the last thunderclap or lightning flash, wait at least 30 minutes before venturing outside again.
If indoor shelter isn’t available, remember these crucial precautions. Avoid open areas, stay away from tall trees or peaks, and don’t huddle in groups. In forests, it’s safer to stay close to lower-level vegetation, and in campsites, choose valleys or low terrain—never rely on a tent for protection. Stay clear of water and metal, as both are excellent electrical conductors.
Driving in rainy weather: key precautions
When rain hits the roads, visibility drops and road surfaces become slick. That’s when headlights become your best ally, even during daylight hours. Keep to the center lanes, where water accumulation is typically less severe, and be wary of puddles, which can lead to hydroplaning.
Stay clear of large vehicles like trucks and buses, which create splash zones that can hinder your visibility. Most importantly, never attempt to drive through flooded roadways—flash floods can sweep away vehicles in seconds and destroy critical systems inside your car.
Hydroplaning: what it is and how to handle it
Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle loses traction and glides uncontrollably on a thin layer of water, separating your tires from the road. This happens when water builds up faster than your tires can disperse it, causing a loss of steering and braking control.
The three major causes of hydroplaning are:
- Excessive speed: the faster you go, the less grip your tires have.
- Water depth: deeper water causes traction loss sooner.
- Tire tread: worn-out tires are much more likely to slide.
If you find yourself hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator, avoid sharp movements, and gently steer into the skid until your tires reconnect with the pavement. If you have anti-lock brakes, you can brake normally; otherwise, pump your brakes carefully to regain control.
Stay weather-aware, Upstate South Carolina, especially as storms continue to impact the region tonight.
