Severe Weather Hits Upstate South Carolina with Tornado Warning

News Summary

Upstate South Carolina is on high alert this weekend due to severe weather warnings, including a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service. A tornado was detected near Campobello, compelling residents to seek immediate shelter. The region is also facing severe thunderstorm warnings with gusts up to 60 mph. Authorities urge locals to stay informed and take necessary precautions as conditions remain favorable for tornado activity throughout the day.

Severe Weather Pounding Upstate South Carolina: Tornado Warning and Thunderstorm Alerts Issued!

Residents of Upstate South Carolina, buckle up! The weather has taken a wild turn this weekend, with severe weather alerts flashing across the region. Whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or walking the dog, safety should be top of mind as tornado and thunderstorm warnings swirl through the area.

Tornado Warning in Effect

This Sunday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning at 7:58 a.m., which is valid until 8:30 a.m. Just 12 miles south of Columbus, right near Campobello, a fierce storm capable of spinning off a tornado was detected, hurtling northeast at an alarming speed of 55 mph. Residents in the Campobello and Lake Bowen areas are encouraged to take immediate safety precautions as the tornado could touch down as early as 8 a.m.

Prepare for Potential Damage

With a tornado on the move, residents are advised to seek shelter right away! Flying debris from a tornado can be deadly, making sturdy buildings the safest option. If you do not have a basement, find an interior room on the lowest floor, away from all windows. Don’t take risks by staying outside, in mobile homes, or in vehicles. Instead, head to a solid structure nearby!

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Following Close Behind

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one morning, the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 8:29 a.m., effective until 8:45 a.m. This storm is no joke either, packing wind gusts up to 60 mph and swirling through areas from Forest City to Union. It’s best to stay indoors if you’re in towns like Pacolet, Cowpens, Mayo, and Buffalo during this high-velocity storm.

Stay Informed!

The NWS has issued a Tornado Watch that remains in effect until 1 p.m. for western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. This means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to occur. Residents are urged to keep their ears to the ground by monitoring local news channels or turning on a NOAA Weather Radio for timely updates.

Lightning and Other Threats

Just a quick reminder: lightning is another risk associated with thunderstorms. The U.S. experiences around 25 million lightning strikes every year, mainly in the summer, leading to about 20 fatalities annually. The chances of lightning strikes increase significantly as the storm pushes closer, peaking when it’s right overhead. Don’t forget to keep yourself safe inside during these turbulent times!

Report Any Damage

If you see severe winds, hail, or even flooding, the NWS would appreciate any reports. Your input helps them understand and address the storms better. Reporting such events can contribute to the safety of yourself and your community. Let’s all work together!

Final Thoughts

As the skies continue to grow ominous, keep your loved ones close and stay alert. Remember, rapid action is crucial during severe weather. Your safety comes first, so please take these warnings seriously and don’t underestimate the impact of Mother Nature. Make sure to stay safe!