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Severe Thunderstorms Hit Central and Southeastern South Carolina

Dark storm clouds over South Carolina landscape before a thunderstorm

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News Summary

On a seemingly normal Sunday, Central Orangeburg and surrounding areas were jolted when the National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm warning. The alert indicated strong thunderstorms capable of producing pea-sized hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph. Communities including Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Clarendon counties experienced the storm, leading to thousands of power outages and reports of downed trees, particularly in Moncks Corner. Fortunately, while the storm caused chaos, it did not produce a tornado. Calm weather is expected to return in the days ahead.

Severe Thunderstorms Rock Central and Southeastern South Carolina

As the sun continued its ascent on a seemingly ordinary Sunday, residents across Central Orangeburg and surrounding areas were in for a surprise when the National Weather Service (NWS) sounded the alarm for strong thunderstorms. The alert rang out at precisely 11:29 a.m. on Sunday, sending a ripple of caution through Calhoun, Clarendon, and Bamberg counties.

The Thunderstorm Alert

The NWS revealed that the thunderstorm alert would remain in effect until 12:30 p.m., and they were not kidding around. Those in the path of this storm needed to brace themselves for impacts that could include pea-sized hail (about 0.25 inches, if you’re wondering) and some fierce wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph! Talk about a wild weather ride!

Doppler radar was showing strong thunderstorms moving swiftly from near St. Matthews to about 6 miles south of Bamberg, traveling east at 30 mph. This fast-moving storm promised to cause more than just a splash of rain—it had the potential to knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying around. Homeowners were warned to secure their patio furniture and anything else prone to going airborne.

Where’s the Storm Heading?

Orangeburg, Bamberg, Brookdale, Holly Hill, Branchville, Summerton, and even Santee State Park. Major highways, including Interstate 26 (between mile markers 146 and 169) and Interstate 95 (between mile markers 85 and 114), were in the storm’s firing line.

Safety First!

For those caught outdoors, the NWS strongly urged seeking shelter inside a sturdy building. Common sense really goes a long way during weather chaos, and seeking shelter is the name of the game when thunder and lightning roll in.

Aftermath Explained

9,000 in Lexington County and over 5,600 in Calhoun and Clarendon counties combined. People found themselves in the dark, some even enjoying the unique quiet that comes with a power outage.

Tree down reports flooded in from various counties, with one of the hardest-hit areas being Moncks Corner. As the afternoon progressed, it became apparent that while the storm had some teeth, it didn’t bring a tornado with it, despite earlier speculation.

Weather Rollercoaster Ahead!

Highway 21. Fortunately, the Storm Prediction Center had classified the severe weather threat as a moderate two on a five-point scale, so it could have been much worse.

As the weekend wound down, forecasts indicated a much-needed calm coming in after the storm’s tantrum. With daytime temperatures expected to cozy up in the low 80s, it looks like pleasant weather will take center stage in the following days. A little sunshine never hurt anyone, right?