By NC Weather Bot
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
An updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Saturday at 12:59 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 1:30 a.m. The alert is for Greater Rutherford and Eastern Polk as well as Cleveland County.
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are anticipated.
"At 12:59 a.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 4 miles southeast of Columbus to 4 miles southwest of Spartanburg to 4 miles north of Laurens to 14 miles north of Greenwood to 13 miles south of Abbeville. Movement was east at 35 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is possible."
Locations impacted by the alert include Coronaca, Lake Bowen, Cross Hill, Ware Shoals, Lake Greenwood State Park, Lake Greenwood, Cokesbury, Gaffney, Cowpens and Enoree.
The NWS states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."
This alert is in effect until 1:30 a.m.
What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
- To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.
- If the sky grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.
- Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
- Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
- When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
- When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
- Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.
What to do in the rain on the road?
- Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
- While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
- Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
- Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
- Avoid flooded zones - If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:
- Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 11:30 PM.
