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On Sunday at 2:46 p.m. an updated flood advisory was issued by the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC in effect until 6 p.m. for Spartanburg County.

The NWS informs, "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues."

"Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. River or stream flows are elevated," explains the NWS. "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

This advisory is in effect until 6 p.m.

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, get out. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it. Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots South Carolina

Environmental group says public was misled on data center’s cancer-causing emissions

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Southern Environmental Law Center is asking the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services to reconsider its decision involving the Valara data center project in Spartanburg County, arguing the public did not have an opportunity to review updated information about the facility’s formaldehyde emissions.

SELC sent a letter to DES on Oct. 1 asking the agency to reopen the public comment period for Valara’s air permit.

The dispute centers on formaldehyde emissions from natural gas-fired turbines planned for the data center.

In its permitting documents, DES previously calculated controlled formaldehyde emissions at less than 10 tons per year. DES’ September permit sets a federally enforceable limit of less than 10 tons per year for any individual hazardous air pollutant, including formaldehyde. The permit also limits total hazardous air pollutants to less than 25 tons per year.

SELC argues updated calculations put Valara’s controlled formaldehyde emissions at 10.58 tons per year.

Frank Holleman, a senior attorney with SELC, said Valara’s original application relied on an emission reduction associated with technology the company was not using.

“They reduced the estimates of that by using a reduction based on a technology they were not using and is no longer marketed,” Holleman said.

DES later acknowledged that an incorrect emission factor had been used, according to SELC. The agency reviewed additional information provided by Valara and recalculated the emissions before issuing the permit.

Holleman said the public has not been given enough information to independently review the updated calculation.

“They also say they had some industry information that Valara provided, but they didn’t give the numbers. They didn’t show how they calculated it. And we’ve got this black box of additional information, all done behind closed doors,” Holleman said.

DES says its permitting staff reviewed the application, supplemental information and public comments before issuing the Sept. 18 permit. The agency says it is required by law to issue the permit if an application demonstrates compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and the conditions of the permit.

The permit places a limit of less than 10 tons per year on any individual hazardous air pollutant. Exceeding a permit limit could put the facility out of compliance and subject it to enforcement.

Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen.

Holleman said DES should give the public more information about how the updated emissions figure was calculated.

“And what we’re saying is, no, no, no. The law doesn’t allow that. Simple fairness doesn’t allow it,” Holleman said.

SELC is asking DES to reopen the public comment period.

FOX Carolina reached out to DES for a response. The agency said it would answer questions the following day.

Valara is also facing at least two active lawsuits, both led by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Valara had not responded as of the report.

The dispute comes as several Spartanburg County Council members and county officials traveled to Loudoun County, Virginia, an area known for its concentration of data centers about an hour and a half’s drive northwest of Washington, D.C.

According to officials, council members Monier Abusaft and Paul Abbott were joined by County Administrator Cole Alverson, Assistant County Administrator Kevin Stiens, and Planning & Development Director Todd Okolichany on a visit to Loudoun County from Oct. 4 through Oct. 6. Representatives of OneSpartanburg, Inc., the county’s economic development partner, also participated.

The trip was an opportunity to learn from community leaders, utility executives and industry experts about Loudoun County’s experience with data center development.

Monday’s schedule included a data center industry tour, discussions with Loudoun County supervisors and board members, a meeting with Amazon data center representatives and a session with other data center industry representatives.

Tuesday’s schedule included meetings with Loudoun Water, Loudoun County Economic Development and a state delegate.

County officials said they learned about data centers’ economic contributions in Loudoun County. According to Loudoun County, data centers generated $1.2 billion in real and personal property tax revenue in fiscal year 2026, representing 39% of its overall budget. The revenue reportedly helped lower real property and vehicle tax rates while supporting schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other community services.

According to our Spartanburg County officials, concerns raised during discussions in Loudoun County closely resembled those expressed locally. These included noise, aesthetics, proximity to residential neighborhoods, and setbacks.

Holleman, whose organization was told about the trip when it was announced Friday night, said he believes county leaders should hear from people who have raised concerns about data center development.

“It really is yet another disgrace. And here they have county councilmen traveling up to Virginia. And if you look at their agenda, they’re meeting with one industry representative after another. Why are they not meeting with environmental advocates, community advocates, people who are concerned? Who do they represent? Do they represent the people of Spartanburg? Or do they represent the data center operators, owners, and investors and hedge funds in major corporations?” Holleman said.

Loudoun County officials point to the tax revenue generated by the data center industry as a major economic benefit.

According to Loudoun County, data centers generated $1.2 billion in real and personal property tax revenue during fiscal year 2026, representing 39% of the county’s overall budget. The county’s adopted fiscal year 2027 budget projects $1.3 billion in data center revenue, or about 40% of the total budget.

Loudoun County also says more than 17,000 direct and indirect data center-related jobs have been created.

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Judge dismisses lawsuit over Spartanburg County data center

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DEVELOPING: Crews battle military aircraft fire in Bladen County

Updated: 9 hours ago

A military aircraft caught fire near Bladen County Thursday morning.

105th Fall Festival continues with day four Thursday

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105th Fall Festival continues with day four Thursday

Leslie Chapman live at 6:30 with Amanda Coburn at the Vanderburgh Humane Society booth

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Leslie Chapman live at 6:30 with Amanda Coburn at the Vanderburgh Humane Society booth

Leslie Chapman live at 8 with Stephanie Mara at the Thrive Dance Booster Club booth on Thursday

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Leslie Chapman live at 8 with Stephanie Mara at the Thrive Dance Booster Club booth on Thursday

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Leslie Chapman live at 7:30 with Nikki Webb at the Westside Improvement booth

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Leslie Chapman live at 7 with Leighann Drake at the Special Olympics booth

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SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. —

The data center debate continues in the Upstate one day after the Spartanburg County Council approved a temporary, one-year moratorium for nearly all data center developments.

One-third of South Carolina's counties have now approved or are considering temporary data center development moratoriums, with Spartanburg County now joining that list with a temporary ban.

“Residents are just hoping with a moratorium that we can have more open conversation, more open questions," Spartanburg County resident Eric Allison said Monday.

Along with Spartanburg County, in recent months, county leaders in Laurens, Greenwood and Newberry counties — as well as Asheville city leaders — also approved similar one-year data center development moratoriums, along with a six-month moratorium in Anderson County.

"There is no reason we have to be in such a hurry," said Dr. Stephen Smith with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. "Slowing down, letting information catch up."

Smith's organization is concerned about electricity demand unknowns with future data center developments.

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"We need to slow down. I don’t think the moratorium for a year is even enough time because this stuff is really complicated and we need to see how some of these things are going to play out," Smith added.

The Spartanburg County data center moratorium does not impact data centers that received a development permit within the past year, which is why the Valara data center is moving forward with construction.

In a recent op-ed, Josh Levi, president and CEO of the Data Center Coalition that supports the industry, said, “The cost of delaying all data center construction is greater than most realize. Data centers are the foundation for every industry in modern life: banking, hospitals, schools, medicine, logistics and government services, among many others.”

The 12-month moratorium on new data center developments in Spartanburg County does not apply to smaller-scale proposals that could go on existing industrial sites.

South Carolina lawmakers are working to determine how best to regulate artificial intelligence in relation to education, the environment and more.

Director of Government Affairs Christy Tarallo with the Southeast Data Center Coalition later released the following statement:

"Data centers power modern life—from telehealth and digital classrooms to banking, air travel, financial transactions, and online shopping. With the average household using more than , this infrastructure is not optional; it is foundational.

In South Carolina, data centers supported more than 44,120 jobs, contributed $5.6 billion to GDP, and generated $478 million in state and local taxes in 2024 — helping make life more affordable for South Carolinians across the state.

Rather than enacting moratoriums which will discourage investment and send a signal to the industry that the community is closed for business, the community and its local leaders should work with the industry and all stakeholders to establish reasonable regulatory frameworks that meet the needs of the community without deterring the industry and the benefits it can bring.

The data center industry is committed to being a good actor in localities where it operates, which includes the responsible use of key resources like water and energy. Data centers promote responsible water use and prioritize efficient water practices across their operations. Collectively, the data center industry used significantly less water than other essential industries in 2025, including the agriculture, power, food and beverage, and semiconductor sectors. Data centers are also committed to paying their full cost of service for the electricity they use.

The data center industry remains committed to working with communities, local officials, and state leaders to ensure the continued responsible development of this critical industry while protecting families and businesses.”

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SPARTANBURG — A new space for local and not-so-local art has opened in the Upstate

Hot Eye Photography, a studio owned by Carroll Foster on Union Street, has opened a new gallery called Studio 232 Gallery. Its first exhibit, “Bench To Blue Chip,” opened Sept. 23.

The exhibition features the private collection of Joseph McMillan, who followed 16 Philly and NYC graffiti artists and writers from the 1970s to 2000s. Featured works include “COPE2” by Fernando Carlo, “CORNBREAD” by Darryl McRay, “A-ONE” by Anthony Clark, “TOXIC” by Torrick Ablack, “LADY PINK” by Sandra Fabara, “LA2” by Angel Ortiz, “FUTURA 2000” by Leonard McGurr, “RIME” by Joseph Tierney, “REVOK” by Jason Williams, and “DR. DAX” by Dax Rudnak.

The gallery, featuring the personal collection of Joseph McMillan, focuses primarily on urban and NYC graffiti art. Foster has aimed to display art to the public to encourage creativity in the area and support for local artists and galleries.

Foster, a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, is a Spartanburg local who has had his works featured in Times Square and the New York Yankees stadium, along with various books and magazines.

Foster said that while other galleries have their own line of focus in the art world, he hopes to provide a new space for a new area of artwork.

Studio 232 Gallery is not the building’s only treasure. Foster also runs a private photography business within the studio and hosts private and public events. These events range from private birthday parties to public concerts with international bands. Foster explained that the studio is frequently packed during these events.

The studio will soon have a new gallery, “POP CYANS,” a solo exhibit by owner Carroll Foster. The exhibit opens 5-9 p.m. Oct. 15, and runs through Jan. 1. It will be free upon entry. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and learn more about the gallery and all the intricacies of Hot Eye Photography.