The dangerous climate is expected to impact the north of the state on Thursday, with the main threats being winds, hail and potentially even tornadoes.
NEW: Threat of bad weather has eased in the interior of South Carolina
A dangerous climate forecast indicating the risk of bad weather is in effect across the state, western North Carolina and northeastern Georgia, according to the National Weather Service.
The Wednesday afternoon forecast showed that strong winds and isolated hail are the biggest threats on Thursday morning, with some tornadoes possible, according to the NWS.
Meteorologist William Martin, from the NWS office in Greer, said the greatest risk for the most dangerous climate locally is from the southeast edge of Upstate further south-east through the Midlands and the rest of the state.
“Potential wind damage is what concerns us,” he said.
Precipitation from an inch to an inch and a half can reach the area.
Here’s when to expect the worst weather in Greenville, Pickens and Anderson
Late morning through early Thursday afternoon is expected to bring the worst weather in Greenville, Pickens and Anderson counties, Martin said.
At 9 am and 10 am, there is a possibility of severe storms.
As soon as the approaching cold front passes through the area at around 2pm, conditions will become less severe. Lighter baths are expected before the area begins to dry out.
Greenville County Schools still plans to maintain vaccine clinics for teachers
Greenville County school staff will still be able to receive their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, despite weather conditions, a school district spokesman said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Teri Brinkman said there are emergency plans that can be put in place if the weather gets worse. If clinics at Greer High School and Woodmont High School are due to close for a time during the day due to bad weather, they will remain open until later when they reopen, Brinkman said.
Clemson University changes COVID test dates
Clemson University canceled its previously scheduled COVID-19 test on Thursday at Memorial Stadium. Those who are enrolled have been notified to reschedule their test.
Clemson students and employees who planned to take the test, but did not enroll, can register for a test on Friday or Saturday.
FEMA offers advice to prepare for a possible tornado
The authorities recommend that people create emergency plans so that they know what to do, where to go and what is necessary in case of bad weather. Recommended supplies include medicines and chargers for phones and other devices.
Ready.gov, a national public service campaign by the Federal Emergency Management Agency designed to help people prepare for disasters, offers this advice in the event of a tornado:
- If you are on a tornado alert, find a safe haven immediately.
- If you can safely reach a robust building, do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement or basement against storms.
- If you are in a building without a basement, go to a small indoor room on the lower level.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
- Do not stand under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- If you are unable to stay home after a tornado, make plans to take shelter with friends and family. If necessary, go to a public shelter. Shelters are taking precautions to protect people from COVID-19.
- Take the precautions of COVID-19, such as masking and washing your hands when taking shelter with other people.
Come back to learn more about this development story.
– Ariel Gilreath and Zoe Nicholson contributed to this report.
Follow our coverage as The Greenville News reports on Thursday’s potentially severe weather threats in the interior of the state. Subscribe to The Greenville News by visiting greenvillenews.com/subscribe.