News Summary
Columbia, SC experiences a severe thunderstorm warning for Lexington and Richland counties until 7:45 p.m. The National Weather Service alerts residents of strong winds, potential flooding, and safety precautions. Power outages affected over 54,000 customers as the storm made its impact felt across the Midlands. Residents are encouraged to seek shelter and stay safe as they prepare for the wild weather ahead.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Columbia, SC
Residents of Columbia, SC, brace yourselves! A severe thunderstorm warning has just been issued for Lexington and Richland counties, effective until 7:45 p.m.. This alert was raised at 7:09 p.m. on Sunday, ramping up the urgency for those who need to prepare for some wild weather ahead!
What to Expect
So, what exactly should you look out for? The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned us to expect wind gusts whipping at speeds of up to 55 mph. That’s no small feat! Doppler radar has picked up a strong thunderstorm making its way north at a steady pace of 10 mph over Columbia Metro Airport and Oak Grove. With winds this gusty, be prepared for the possibility of knocked-down tree limbs and various unsecured items being tossed around.
Affected Areas
Areas likely to feel the brunt of the storm include Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and surrounding neighborhoods. If you’re traveling in these regions, you’ll want to pay extra attention to the highways impacted:
- I-126 between mile markers 0 and 3
- I-20 between mile markers 53 and 73
- I-26 between mile markers 99 and 116
- I-77 near mile marker 0
Stay Safe!
If you happen to be outdoors during this storm, the NWS recommends that you seek shelter indoors immediately. The storm isn’t just bringing strong winds; it’s also set to unleash torrential rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. If you encounter flooded roadways, it’s best not to drive through them. Remember, safety first!
The Dangers of Thunderstorms
Did you know that lightning strikes the U.S. approximately 25 million times each year? Most of these strikes occur during the summer months. This fierce natural phenomenon is responsible for around 20 fatalities each year. So, it’s wise to stay alert during thunderstorms to avoid dangerous situations.
One of the unfortunate consequences of heavy rain is hydroplaning, which occurs when your vehicle uncontrollably slides on wet roads. To steer clear of danger during these storms, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Seek shelter indoors when possible.
- Know how to handle hydroplaning if you find yourself in such a situation.
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others while driving.
- Avoid parking near culverts or areas prone to flooding.
- Reduce your speed and improve visibility by using your headlights.
The Aftermath
While the severe thunderstorm warning has now expired, it’s important to note that the storm has already caused some serious disruption in the Midlands. Power outages were reported, affecting over 54,000 customers at the storm’s peak, with Richland and Lee counties particularly hard hit.
As we move forward, let’s keep our fingers crossed for calmer skies ahead. Stay safe out there, Columbia! Remember, you can never be too prepared when it comes to Mother Nature.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- WACH
- PennLive
- Patch
- KOMU
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Severe thunderstorm preparation
- Google Scholar: thunderstorm risks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Columbia weather updates
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.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.
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