News Summary
Central South Carolina faced severe weather this weekend, with intense thunderstorms leading to significant rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. Residents in Columbia, Lexington, and surrounding areas dealt with storm-related disruptions and damage, including widespread power outages. The situation escalated on Monday as tornado warnings were issued, confirming the presence of an EF-1 tornado near Lake Murray. Cleanup efforts are underway as forecasts predict continued storms throughout the week.
Intense Storms Sweep Through Central South Carolina
This weekend, residents of Columbia and surrounding areas in central South Carolina found themselves in the midst of quite a weather spectacle. Storm clouds gathered on Saturday, bringing with them a wave of muggy air that had locals feeling the heat. Just a day earlier, intense thunderstorms soaked parts of Richland County with up to 5 inches of rain, creating a soggy start to the weekend.
Friday Night Downpours
On Friday evening, the downpour was a sight to behold, with the National Weather Service (NWS) recording rainfall amounts that varied widely across the Columbia Metro area. While some areas saw a modest 1 to 2.5 inches of rain, a few lucky spots in southern Richland County were left drenched with isolated totals between 3 to 5 inches. Unfortunately, this heavy rainfall resulted in localized street flooding, raising concerns about flash flooding as more rain was expected.
Storm Warnings and Preparation
As Saturday afternoon approached, the NWS issued warnings ahead of potential severe weather, advising residents in Columbia, Lexington, and Sumter to brace for brief moments of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and reduced visibility. Drivers were cautioned to be vigilant and avoid flooded roadways while allowing for extra travel time.
Saturday Night Havoc
The stormy saga didn’t end there. As night fell on Saturday, powerful storms brought with them wind gusts reaching an impressive 60 mph, leading to extensive damage and knocking out power for as many as 10,000 customers by Sunday morning. A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for Columbia, Lexington, and West Columbia, with expectations of damaging wind gusts and the possibility of hail shortly before midday.
The Aftermath of the Storms
In the wake of these wild storms, communities reported downed branches, uprooted trees, and damaged utility poles. These conditions made driving treacherous, as debris cluttered roads and limited visibility. Unfortunately, the strong winds were not finished yet, as forecasts pointed to the potential for even more storms on Sunday and Monday.
An Isolated Tornado
By Monday evening, the storms escalated, leading to tornado warnings being issued for various areas, including those near Lake Murray. The NWS later confirmed that an EF-1 tornado had indeed made its presence known in the Midlands, with peak wind speeds recorded at around 95 mph. The tornado’s path began near Caro Lane on Lake Murray, traveling northeast and inflicting damage over a 6-mile stretch.
Ongoing Cleanup Efforts
Damage reports began to trickle in, detailing snapped tree limbs, scattered debris, and minor building damage in various locations throughout the region. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, allowing the community to focus on cleanup efforts. The National Weather Service has committed to conducting further assessments of the storm damage to keep residents informed and updated as necessary.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the forecast suggests that showers and thunderstorms may linger throughout the week, with daily occurrences expected until next weekend, save for a brief respite on Wednesday. On Monday, rainfall amounts of up to an inch are anticipated, raising concerns for additional flooding as another round of storms rolls in.
As central South Carolina continues to navigate this stormy chapter, staying informed and prepared will be essential for residents. Remember to keep an eye on the skies and stay safe out there!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Weather Hits Columbia: Thousands Left in Darkness
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Power Outages in Midlands, SC
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Power Outages in Columbia
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Columbia, SC
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Power Outages in Columbia, SC
Severe Weather in South Carolina Causes Major Power Outages
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- WLTX
- Google Search: Severe Weather South Carolina
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: South Carolina weather trends
- WIS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Storm
- QC News
- Google News: South Carolina storm news
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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