News Summary
Severe thunderstorms are affecting the Midlands and Charleston Counties in South Carolina, with significant power outages and dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch, advising residents in affected areas to prepare for damaging winds and hail. Over 10,000 customers are reported without power as conditions continue to worsen. Further storms are anticipated over the weekend, with risks of isolated tornadoes. Residents are urged to stay informed and alert, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Columbia, South Carolina – Severe weather is impacting the Midlands and Charleston Counties as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm watch effective until Sunday midnight. Affected counties include Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter, with residents advised to prepare for significant storms throughout the day.
As of Sunday morning, over 10,000 customers were reported without power due to severe thunderstorms that caused downed trees and utility poles across the Midlands region. Dangerous conditions persisted with a severe thunderstorm warning activated for Columbia, Lexington, and West Columbia at approximately 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, extending until 11:15 a.m.
Forecasts predict wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and potentially damaging hail in the warned areas. The NWS noted that during Saturday night’s storms, sustained winds of 60 mph for 20 minutes resulted in extensive damage and power outages, particularly in the Columbia area.
Residents are cautioned that more severe storms are anticipated both Sunday and Monday, with severe weather forecasts indicating the greatest risk occurring between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Increased impacts are expected south of the Interstate 20 corridor, extending to the CSRA toward the South Carolina-Georgia state line, as these areas are identified as being at higher risk.
More severe storms are predicted for Monday, potentially bringing stronger gusts and isolated tornadoes. The NWS warned that conditions on Monday may mirror Saturday’s storms but with more widespread effects. Gusts may exceed 60 mph, posing risks of damage to trees, vehicles, and local infrastructures.
The forecast for Sunday indicates a 40% chance of precipitation, with localized amounts expected to rise during thunderstorms. Additionally, Columbia is anticipated to experience rain each day, excluding Wednesday, leading up to the following weekend and temperatures around 90 degrees.
An updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued on Saturday evening at 9:10 p.m. for Allendale, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties, effective until 9:30 p.m.. The warnings advise residents in these areas to seek shelter inside well-constructed buildings while expecting damaging winds and severe weather.
As cleanup and repairs from Saturday night’s storms progress, residents are encouraged to utilize multiple methods for receiving weather updates due to rapidly changing conditions. The NWS highlighted that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the U.S., with an average of 20 fatalities each year, predominantly during the summer months.
Drivers should also be cautious, as hydroplaning may occur – a situation where a vehicle loses control due to water accumulation in front of tires, causing vehicle slippage on the water surface.
Damaging winds pose the threat of widespread damage to trees and power lines, which may lead to amplified power outages during storm events. Communities are advised to remain alert and prepared as they face additional storms this weekend.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: severe weather South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: weather impacts South Carolina
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WACH
- Google News: weather alerts South Carolina
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: thunderstorm warnings South Carolina
