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An updated weather warning was issued by SC NWS Greenville-Spartanburg Sunday at 1:32 p.m. for severe thunderstorms until 2:15 p.m. in the Polk Mountains.
Residents are expecting wind gusts of up to 50 meters per second.
“At 1:32 p.m., Doppler radar detected severe thunderstorms along a line extending from 3 miles west of Columbus to 12 miles southwest of Brevard. The movement was southeast at 40 mph,” the NWS said. “Gusty winds can knock down tree limbs and sweep loose objects around.”
Locations affected by the alert include Pickens, Easley, Travelers Rest, Landrum, Slater-Marietta, Inman, Campobello, Six Mile, Saluda and Paris Mountain State Park.
According to the NWS: “If you are outdoors, consider finding shelter inside a building.”
This warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m.
What to do when a thunderstorm approaches?
Lightning strikes about 25 million times a year in the United States. Most strikes occur in the summer, resulting in 20 deaths each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as the storm approaches and peaks when the storm is already overhead. It decreases as the storm passes.
Here are some tips to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
- To minimize the risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, plan how to get to a safer location.
- If the sky becomes threatening and there is thunder, find a safe place to hide.
- Inside, avoid contact with corded telephones, electrical equipment, plumbing, windows and doors.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before heading back out.
If it is impossible to find shelter indoors:
- Stay away from open fields, hilltops and ridges.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees and other elevated objects. If you’re in the woods, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
- When in a group, keep your distance so that the current is not transmitted between people.
- If you’re camping in the open, camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Keep in mind that a tent will not protect you from lightning.
- Maintain a safe distance from water, wet objects and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, but conduct electricity effectively.
Tips for driving in rainy weather
- Turn on the headlights. Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
- On the road: Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate along the edges of roads.
- Avoid puddles. Driving into puddles or areas with low rainwater levels may result in hydroplaning or loss of vehicle control.
- Provide enough space for large vehicles. Trucks or buses can create water spray that reduces visibility.
- Avoid flooded areas. If you encounter a flooded road, turn 180 degrees and go back. Strong currents caused by floods can push drivers off the roadway. Driving through deep water can also negatively impact your vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a car begins to slide uncontrollably on a wet road.
This occurs when water accumulates in front of the tire faster than the weight of the vehicle can push the water off the road. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide through the thin layer of water between the tires and the road, causing the driver to lose control. The three biggest factors for hydroplaning are:
- Vehicle speed. As vehicle speed increases, tire traction and steering ability decrease. In wet weather, drive at a reduced speed.
- Water depth. The deeper the water, the faster the car loses traction. No matter how deep the water, even a thin layer can cause hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth. It is important to check your tire tread before heading out on the road, as low or no tread can cause you to skid.
Here’s what you need to know if your car hydroplanes:
- Release the gas pedal. Release the gas to slow the vehicle until the tires gain traction.
- Turn into a skid. Turning into a skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign and regain control.
- Make sure the tires are touching the road again. During a skid, wait until the tires touch the road again, then carefully straighten the wheels to regain control.
- If necessary, brake carefully. Brake normally if the car has anti-lock brakes, and bleed the brakes carefully if the car is older.
Source: National Weather Service
United Robots North Carolina
This story was originally published June 28, 2026, 1:38 pm.