News Summary
Severe thunderstorms hit Columbia, SC, on Sunday morning, leaving over 10,000 customers without power. The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings as wind gusts reached 60 mph. Following prior severe weather the night before, residents faced hazardous conditions and potential further storms on Monday. Authorities are advising residents to stay informed and safe as additional severe weather is expected throughout the week.
Columbia, South Carolina
Severe thunderstorms swept through Columbia and surrounding areas on Sunday morning, leading to power outages affecting over 10,000 customers in the Midlands region. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued its first severe thunderstorm warning for the area at 10:40 a.m., indicating that hazardous weather conditions were expected to last until 11:15 a.m., with wind gusts projected to reach up to 60 mph and the possibility of hail.
The storms followed a previous round of severe weather on Saturday night, where gusts of 60 mph caused destruction, including downed trees and utility poles. Residents reported hazardous driving conditions across the region, as heavy rains accompanied the powerful winds, making roads slick and dangerous. Following the initial warnings, authorities advised Columbia residents to brace for another series of storms expected to impact the area between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, emphasizing that damaging winds were the primary threat.
Severe Weather Alerts
In addition to Columbia, Lexington and West Columbia were included in the severe thunderstorm warnings, which extended into Saluda, Edgefield, and McCormick counties. The NWS urged boaters on Lake Murray to seek safe harbor and recommended that individuals engaging in outdoor activities take shelter until the storms pass.
Despite only a 40% chance of rain being forecast, localized downpours are likely during the storms, creating further challenges for residents and emergency services managing the aftermath of Saturday’s severe weather.
Ongoing Weather Concerns
Weather experts warned that more severe conditions are anticipated for Monday, with predictions of tornado threats and damaging winds extending through the afternoon and into the evening. Meteorologists caution that Monday’s storms could resemble Saturday night’s severe conditions and may cover a larger area, heightening the risk for additional damage.
The forecast indicates that as much as an inch of rain could accumulate by Monday night, compounding the issues already faced by utility crews working to restore power. The NWS continued to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.
Looking Ahead
Columbia residents should prepare for a week of unsettled weather, with rain and thunderstorms expected nearly every day, except for a brief respite on Wednesday. Temperatures are projected to remain high, hovering around 90 degrees for most of the week, adding to the discomfort and potential dangers posed by the continued severe weather patterns.
With ongoing storm warnings and the likelihood of further power outages, communities in the Midlands are urged to stay informed and heed the safety advisories issued by weather officials.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington, SC Prepares for National Night Out at Virginia Hylton Park
Severe Weather System Causes Tornadoes and Damage Across Missouri
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit the Midlands
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Lexington and Richland Counties
Columbia Unveils Major Downtown Redevelopment Plans
Columbia Prepares for a Weekend of Family Fun and Events
EF-1 Tornado Causes Damage in Chapin, South Carolina
The Vacuum Center Reopens After Lightning Strike Damage
Increased Southern Copperhead Sightings Reported in South Carolina
South Carolina Prepares for Thunderstorms Amid Summer Heat
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Weather Warning
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Columbia Weather Alerts
- NBC Right Now
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Columbia
- WACH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WLTX
- Google News: Columbia Thunderstorm
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.
