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Weather Alert: Tornado Watch Issued for Columbia Area and South Carolina

Stormy sky over Columbia, South Carolina during a tornado watch

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Weather Alert: Tornado Watch Issued for Columbia Area and South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina—It’s a stormy Sunday morning here in Columbia, and residents are being urged to stay vigilant as a tornado watch is in effect for our area and much of South Carolina. According to the National Weather Service, this watch began early Sunday and is expected to last until 1 p.m. today. If you’re in Richland or Lexington counties, you’re included in this watch, along with other Midlands counties like Kershaw, Newberry, Lee, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Sumter.

Thunderstorms Make Their Presence Known

Alongside the tornado watch, a severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for several areas including Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, and Irmo. For those in Lexington and Irmo, this warning is active until 9 a.m., while folks in Columbia and West Columbia have until 9:45 a.m. to prepare for potentially severe weather. The meteorologists have indicated that the greatest threat from these thunderstorms is between 9 and 11 a.m., which means it’s crucial to stay informed and ready during these hours.

What to Expect

There’s a mixed bag of weather anticipated today. Besides the possibility of tornadoes, we might also see damaging wind gusts, hail, and some street flooding. The good news is that significant flash flooding isn’t expected. But keep an eye on the skies and stay tuned to local updates. For those of you planning any outdoor activities, be cautious as the lake wind advisory is also in place until 6 p.m. Expect winds between 10-15 mph, with gusts possibly reaching up to 30 mph.

Potential for Damaging Winds and Tornadoes

The National Weather Service warns that these powerful winds and potential tornadoes could lead to considerable damage around our town. Think about it—trees, branches, and even mobile homes could be at risk. Vehicles parked outside could also face challenges. The threat of downed power lines due to damaged trees is a valid concern, and it’s best to be prepared for possible outages.

Rainfall Predictions

As the storm rolls in, Columbia is facing a 100% chance of rain today. We could see up to 2 inches of precipitation, and some localized areas might experience even higher amounts. If you’ve got plans, be sure to have your umbrella at the ready!

Looking Ahead

Once today’s storms pass, the forecast looks brighter. Temperatures are expected to climb into the high 60s, and we’ll continue to enjoy mostly sunny weather on Monday and Tuesday. There might be just a slight chance of a few afternoon showers, but overall, it looks to be pleasant.

New Year’s Planning

As we gear up to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the forecast predicts a low of 43 degrees for Tuesday night. So if you’re planning an outdoor celebration, be sure to bundle up! New Year’s Day should bring cool, sunny weather, with a high around 59 degrees, making it a lovely day to kick off 2024!

Stay safe out there, Columbia! Keep an eye on the weather and make sure to check on friends and neighbors. Here’s to hoping for a smooth transition into the new year!