Thunderstorm Alert for Greenville Residents!

Thunderstorm Alert for Greenville Residents!

Hey there, Greenville! If you’ve been outside this evening, you may have noticed some dark clouds rolling in. Well, it turns out that the National Weather Service has just put out a **strong thunderstorm warning** for our area, so let’s get cozy inside!

What to Expect

As of 6:03 p.m., Doppler radar has spotted a powerful thunderstorm located about **five miles north of Easley**, moving east at around 25 mph. This weather mess is expected to stick around until about **6:45 p.m.**. So, hold onto your hats, because wind gusts could hit up to **40 mph**, and we might even see some **pea-sized hail** coming down!

Sounds a little scary, right? The NWS mentioned that these gusty winds could result in some downed tree limbs and might blow around your unsecured objects like patio furniture or those adorable garden gnomes. Plus, a little hail may cause minor damage to any outdoor items.

Where is it Happening?

If you’re wondering if you’re within the affected area, the thunderstorm is expected to impact several locations, including:

• Greenville Downtown
• Easley
• Greenville Eastside
• West Greenville
• Greer
• Taylors
• Berea
• Welcome
• Travelers Rest
• Liberty

Safety First!

If you find yourself outdoors when the storm hits, the NWS advises seeking shelter inside a building until the worst passes. Staying indoors is the best way to keep yourself safe from the unpredictable weather.

Lightning Strikes and Hydroplaning

Speaking of thunderstorms, did you know that lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times a year? Most strikes happen in the summer, and sadly, around 20 people lose their lives each year because of them. So, when a thunderstorm is headed your way, be mindful. The chance of lightning increases significantly as the storm approaches and peaks when it’s right over you.

If you’re a driver caught in a heavy downpour, hydroplaning can be a major concern. This slippery situation occurs when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads due to a thin layer of water building up between the tires and the road. The pressure forces the vehicle to rise, causing a loss of control. The top three factors contributing to hydroplaning include:

1. Water depth on the road
2. Tire tread (or lack thereof)
3. Speed of the vehicle

What to Do If Your Car Hydroplanes

If you find yourself hydroplaning, remember the following tips:

• Stay calm!
• Don’t slam on the brakes.
• Gently lift your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go.

Wrapping Up

So, Greenville friends, as the storm approaches, let’s all be smart and stay safe. Keep yourself updated on the latest weather changes and take this chance to catch up on those indoor activities you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s a good book, a fun movie, or that puzzle you just can’t wait to crack open—let’s weather the storm together!