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Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Carolina: Stay Safe!

Dark storm clouds with lightning over South Carolina

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News Summary

The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of South Carolina, including Richland, Lee, Sumter, and Clarendon counties. Residents should expect strong winds up to 60 mph, heavy rain, and the possibility of localized flooding. Power outages have already affected over 10,000 customers, with further storms anticipated in the coming days. Safety precautions are urged, including staying indoors and avoiding travel during severe weather.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued in South Carolina: Stay Safe!

Well folks, it seems Mother Nature is whipping up quite the storm here in South Carolina! On Friday evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia issued an updated weather alert around 8:11 p.m., warning residents of strong thunderstorms that are expected to continue through 8:45 p.m. If you live in Richland, Lee, Sumter, or Clarendon counties, keep your ears open and your eyes peeled because it’s about to get windy!

What to Expect

As the clock strikes 8:11 p.m., Doppler radar spotted a fierce thunderstorm near a little spot called Oakland, moving east at a brisk 20 mph. Buckle up because these storms are packing some serious firepower! Wind gusts could reach up to a whopping 50 mph, which means tree limbs might go down and unsecured items could be sent flying. So, if you left your lawn chair out, it might just take a little adventure on its own!

For those living in places like Sumter, Eastover, and Shaw Air Base, it’s time to hunker down and find some cover! Just take a look at the areas affected:

Sumter
South Sumter
Shaw Air Base
Eastover
Alcolu
Oakland
Mulberry
Sumter County Airport
Millwood
Poinsett State Park
Mayesville
Cane Savannah
Dalzell
Dinkins Mill
Brogdon
Wedgewood
Wateree River Correctional Institution
Cherryvale
Stateburg
Woodrow

And if you’re planning to hit the road, be aware that Interstate 95 could be affected between mile markers 123 and 127. It’s best to avoid traveling during the storm if you can!

Safety First!

Now, let’s talk safety. If you haven’t yet, you may want to seek shelter indoors because heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding in no time. Seriously, driving through flooded roadways is a big no-no! With storms brewing, hazards like lightning also become a concern. Did you know that lightning strikes about 25 million times in the U.S. each year, causing around 20 fatalities? Please take this seriously!

Key safety tips during these thunderous situations include staying indoors, moving away from trees, and, of course, steering clear of metal objects. Your safety is what matters the most!

Power Outages and Further Thunderstorms Ahead

Unfortunately, Saturday night’s storms resulted in over 10,000 customers in the Midlands facing power outages by Sunday morning. Those wind gusts weren’t playing around! Another severe thunderstorm warning was issued on Sunday around 10:40 a.m. for Columbia, Lexington, and West Columbia until 11:15 a.m. This time, winds could whip up to a staggering 60 mph along with some hail as well!

Damage has been reported across the region with downed branches, trees, and utility poles. Residents of Columbia should be on high alert as additional storms are expected late Sunday and into Monday. Watch out—those damaging winds are still a threat!

Weekly Weather Outlook

Looking ahead, the NWS predicts more storms rolling in on Monday, with a heightened risk of tornadoes particularly during the afternoon into the night. Rainfall could stack up to an inch by Monday night, so keep those umbrellas handy!

The weather for Columbia is likely to stay a little unsettled throughout the week, with daily chances of rain on tap and temperatures hovering around 90°F. So, whatever you do, stay prepared, keep an eye on the skies, and stay safe out there!