Greenville-Spartanburg Weather Alert: Strong Storms and Heavy Rain Threat Through Saturday Evening
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA – The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch as strong storms move across Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina Saturday evening. Forecasters warn that the system could bring damaging winds up to 60 mph, quarter-size hail, and flash flooding in low-lying areas.
Why the Storms Are Forming
The region sits ahead of a cold front sliding southeast across the Appalachians, colliding with warm, humid air across the Piedmont. This clash of air masses is fueling instability and thunderstorm development, with the strongest activity expected between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday.
Counties and Communities Most at Risk
The storm threat includes Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties in South Carolina, extending into Henderson, Buncombe, and Polk counties in western North Carolina.
Key travel corridors under risk include:
- I-85 through Greenville and Spartanburg
- I-26 through Hendersonville and Asheville
- U.S. 29 and U.S. 74 across the Piedmont
These highways could see sudden downpours, ponding on roads, and reduced visibility at peak commuting hours.
Hazards Expected Saturday
- Damaging Winds: Gusts near 60 mph could down trees and power lines, leading to scattered outages across rural and suburban neighborhoods.
- Large Hail: Quarter-size hail may damage vehicles and rooftops. Outdoor events are strongly discouraged during storm activity.
- Heavy Rainfall: Training storms could drop 1–2 inches of rain in localized areas, raising the risk of flash flooding in poor-drainage zones.
- Lightning: Frequent cloud-to-ground strikes pose a danger for anyone outdoors.
“Even short-lived thunderstorms in this environment can pack a punch, producing destructive winds and dangerous lightning,” NWS forecasters said Saturday afternoon.
Safety Guidance
Local emergency managers urge residents to:
- Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines, and loose items before storms arrive.
- Avoid driving through flooded intersections.
- Keep phones and flashlights charged in case of outages.
- Move to a sturdy indoor shelter if warnings are issued.
“When thunder roars, go indoors. Don’t wait for storms to be directly overhead to take action,” officials reminded.
Outlook Into Sunday and Next Week
By early Sunday morning, the storm line should shift east, leaving behind patchy fog and damp roads for drivers. Afternoon skies will gradually clear with highs near 79°F, offering a calm and sunny end to the weekend.
Extended Forecast for Greenville-Spartanburg Region:
- Sunday: Fog early, mostly sunny later. High 79°F, low 56°F.
- Monday: Sunny and mild. High 77°F, low 55°F.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, warm. High 77°F, low 57°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, breezy. High 79°F, low 59°F.
- Thursday: Warmer with isolated shower chances. High 82°F, low 60°F.
Are you in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Henderson County preparing for tonight’s severe storms? How do you stay safe during damaging winds and flash flooding threats? Share your thoughts, safety tips, or updates in the comments below and join the conversation with chicagomusicguide.com.