News Summary
A tornado watch has been issued for Columbia and many counties in South Carolina, indicating severe weather is on the way. Residents should be prepared for thunderstorm warnings and heavy rainfall throughout the day. The storms are expected to bring damaging wind gusts and potential flash flooding. Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and ready for rapid weather changes as conditions develop.
Severe Weather Looms Over Columbia and Much of South Carolina
Attention, residents of Columbia! A tornado watch has been issued for your area and much of South Carolina, putting many on alert as severe weather approaches. The watch kicked in bright and early on Sunday and will remain in effect until 1 p.m., so it’s time to stay vigilant.
Counties Under Watch
Included in this watch are Richland and Lexington counties, but that’s not all! Neighboring Midlands counties such as Kershaw, Newberry, Lee, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Sumter are also keeping a close watch on the skies.
Thunderstorm Warnings and Threat Levels
For those living in Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, and Irmo, severe thunderstorm warnings are already in place. Residents in Lexington and Irmo should prepare for potentially stormy weather through 9 a.m., while those in Columbia and West Columbia have warnings stretching until 9:45 a.m. The most intense thunderstorms are expected to hit the Columbia area between 9 and 11 a.m.
While afternoon hours might present a limited threat of severe weather, the stormy conditions are anticipated to diminish after 6 p.m.
What’s Expected?
Expect these thunderstorms to pack a punch, potentially producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and localized street flooding. However, it’s reassuring to note that significant flash flooding isn’t on the list of concerns, as per the National Weather Service.
Wind and Tornado Risks
A lake wind advisory has already been put in place until 6 p.m., with winds anticipated to blow at 10-15 mph and gusts could rise to a swift 30 mph. It’s worth mentioning that high winds could lead to considerable damage, from uprooted trees and dislodged branches to impaired roofs, mobile homes, and outbuildings.
Automobiles parked outdoors may face challenges as well during a tornado, so it is a good time to move them if possible. Downed power lines could lead to unexpected outages, so keeping a flashlight handy wouldn’t hurt.
Rainfall Forecast
Rain is certainly in the forecast, with the chance of rain in Columbia projected at an impressive 100%. Depending on where you live, you could see up to 2 inches of rainfall, and in some locations, localized amounts may exceed that mark! So, do grab your umbrella, just in case.
Looking Ahead
If you’re curious about the weather after today, you’re in for a treat! Once the thunderstorms move out, high temperatures could reach the high 60s with a return to mostly sunny skies on Monday and Tuesday. It’s all looking cozy, though you might want to bundle up on New Year’s Eve, as temperatures are expected to dip to around 43 degrees.
And for the big New Year’s Day celebrations, expect a cool start, with a high of 59 degrees and lovely sunny conditions.
Stay Safe and Informed!
Remember, weather conditions can change quickly, so stay tuned for updates throughout the day. Keep your loved ones close and your safety gear ready. Here’s to hoping for calm skies ahead!
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Weather Warning
- Fox 56 News
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
- WKYT
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- Kentucky Kernel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Kentucky.com
- Google News: Severe Weather Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
