Weather Story for Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Parts of Northeast Georgia

News Headlines

Insufficient winter recharge due to well below normal precipitation has resulted in widespread Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) drought conditions across all of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.

Severe Weather Possible through Early Afternoon

Know Where to Go During a Tornado Warning

Tornadoes and Road Safety

Straight Line Winds

Be Prepared for Nighttime Tornadoes

A line of storms will track across the area early this morning into early this afternoon, bringing strong to severe storms. The main hazards are damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

Isolated tornadoes are possible today as a strong line of storms tracks across the forecast area this morning and early afternoon. If a tornado warning is issued for you location, quickly move to your basement and bring your emergency supply kit. If you have no basement, move to an interior room with no windows. Top floors DO NOT protect you. Exterior rooms and room with windows DO NOT protect you. No place outside is safe from a tornado.

Isolated tornadoes are possible today as a strong line of storms tracks across the forecast area this morning and early afternoon. What to do if caught out driving during a tornado warning: Get off the road. The best option is to drive to a designated shelter, basement or safe room. The next best option is a small, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. 2) What No To Do: Do not seek refuge in a vehicle, outside or under an overpass. A highway overpass does not provide safety from a tornado. Do not seek shelter under an overpass or a tree. This puts you at greater risk of being killed or seriously injured by flying debris from the powerful tornadic winds.

Straight line damaging winds are possible today as a strong line of storms tracks across the forecast area this morning and early afternoon. Strong winds can knock over semi-trucks, trees and powerlines. Stay indoors away from windows. Avoid trees, power lines, and objects that could blow around.

A cold front will bring a line of strong to severe storms during the early morning hours today, mainly across the Georgia mountains and the southern North Carolina mountains. Be prepared for possible nighttime tornadoes.