As thunderstorms move through the region, severe weather is set to impact western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and northeast Georgia, with a growing threat for powerful storms into Friday evening. Residents are warned of strong winds, dangerous lightning, and the possibility of falling trees and power outages, particularly in the foothills and mountain regions.
Increasing Thunderstorm Activity
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg, the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to intensify throughout the day, particularly in areas like Asheville, Hendersonville, Spartanburg, and Franklin.
These storms could produce dangerous lightning strikes, winds strong enough to knock down trees, and cause power outages. The storms may rapidly strengthen, especially in areas highlighted by the NWS radar.
The primary threats include frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, gusty winds of 50-60 mph, and potential flash flooding in some locations. Travelers along major highways, such as I-26, I-85, and U.S. 64, should be cautious of sudden visibility reductions, especially when storm debris like fallen tree limbs obstruct roads.
Safety Tips and Preparedness
Residents in counties like Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, Buncombe, and Cleveland are urged to prepare for potential power outages and other storm-related disruptions. Local emergency officials advise staying indoors and securing any loose outdoor items that could be blown away by the strong winds.
It’s also important to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, such as a weather radio or mobile app, and to keep electronic devices charged in case of a power outage.
Timeline and Additional Alerts
The severe weather threat is expected to last through the evening and into the night. Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect until at least midnight, with additional alerts possible if new storm cells develop. The situation is expected to be similar to severe weather events that have occurred in early August in previous years.
The growing severe thunderstorm threat in the Carolina Mountains and northeast Georgia calls for increased preparedness as strong storms move through the area. Residents should stay alert, secure outdoor items, and be prepared for power disruptions and hazardous travel conditions as the storms intensify. Keep an eye on local weather updates and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this stormy period.
