Greenville, SC – Scattered thunderstorms are hammering western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and northeast Georgia Friday afternoon, bringing dangerous lightning and powerful wind gusts through this evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, coverage of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to increase over the next several hours—especially in the foothills and mountain regions around Asheville, Hendersonville, Spartanburg, and Franklin. The primary hazards include frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and wind gusts strong enough to cause power outages and downed trees. Some storms could rapidly intensify, particularly within the blue-highlighted zone on the latest NWS radar.
Travelers along I-26, I-85, and U.S. 64 should expect sudden visibility drops and possible road hazards from falling limbs. Residents in Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, Buncombe, and Cleveland counties should prepare for potential power disruptions and secure outdoor items. Emergency officials advise having multiple ways to receive warnings, charging electronic devices, and remaining indoors until storms clear. This severe weather is similar to early August events in recent years, with risks highest through late evening…