Columbia, SC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in effect until 9 PM for multiple counties in Columbia, SC. Residents should anticipate damaging winds up to 60 mph, isolated large hail, and potential flash flooding. Outdoor activities are discouraged as rain and thunderstorms are predicted throughout the day, particularly in the southeastern Midlands. Temperatures are expected to remain below normal this weekend with the possibility of severe storms on Wednesday. Stay informed and secure outdoor items to prepare for these conditions.
Severe Weather Alert in Columbia, SC
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 9 PM for Calhoun, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg, and Sumter Counties. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant as damaging winds with gusts of up to 60 mph are expected, alongside the risk of isolated large hail and flash flooding as thunderstorms approach. Spotty showers are likely to persist late into the evening before conditions clear up overnight.
Throughout the day, rain and thunder are forecasted, particularly affecting the southeastern portions of the Midlands. The afternoon hours will witness the highest chances for scattered downpours and thunderstorms. While there is a low risk for severe weather, outdoor activities should be approached cautiously and umbrella use is advised.
Forecast for Sunday and Monday
Looking ahead, both Sunday and Monday are expected to feature below-normal temperatures, accompanied by wet weather. On Sunday, widespread showers and embedded thunderstorms could lead to localized flooding, with rainfall amounts potentially heavy due to slow-moving showers throughout the day.
Monday’s weather forecast predicts a more scattered arrangement of clouds and occasional showers, although the intensity of the storms may lessen compared to Sunday. Temperatures are expected to remain cool, with highs reaching into the 60s and 70s.
Wednesday Storms and Their Potential Impact
Severe storms may move into the Columbia area on Wednesday, with impacts anticipated to begin around 6 AM. The storms could bring rain showers and strong winds, with the potential for isolated tornadoes. Damaging wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph are also forecasted for the day, along with a 100% chance of rain, which could result in precipitation totals of up to three-quarters of an inch.
Following Wednesday’s weather, conditions are expected to clear up by Wednesday night, leading into a dry weekend. The high temperature for Wednesday is projected to be 73 degrees, but a slight cool down is expected afterward, with highs dropping into the 50s and 60s on Thursday and Friday respectively, before warming back into the 70s for the weekend.
Key Weather Alerts and Recommendations
Residents are encouraged to prepare for possible severe weather and stay updated on any alerts issued by local authorities. It’s advisable to secure outdoor items that could be affected by strong winds and to stay indoors during severe weather events. If traveling, exercise caution driving through areas known to flood quickly.
Summary of Key Weather Features
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: In effect until 9 PM for several counties
- Damaging Winds: Expected gusts up to 60 mph
- Potential for Hail: Isolated large hail possible
- Flash Flooding: Risk of heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding
- Scattered Thunderstorms: Highest chance in the afternoon
- Weather for Sunday/Monday: Below-normal temperatures and lingering wet weather
- Severe Storms on Wednesday: Strong winds and potential tornadoes expected
- Drying Up by Wednesday Night: Conditions will improve into the weekend
FAQ Section
What areas are under the Severe Thunderstorm Watch?
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Calhoun, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg, and Sumter Counties.
What severe weather should we expect today?
Damaging winds with gusts up to 60 mph, isolated large hail, and flash flooding are the primary concerns.
When will the storms clear up?
Conditions are expected to clear overnight after the storms, with dry weather returning by Wednesday night.
What should residents do to prepare for the severe weather?
Residents should secure outdoor items, stay indoors during severe weather, and remain updated on weather alerts.
Weather Features Summary Chart
| Date | Weather Feature | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Today | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | Damaging winds, hail, flash flooding |
| Sunday | Widespread showers and thunderstorms | Localized flooding potential |
| Monday | Scattered clouds and showers | Cooler temperatures |
| Wednesday | Severe storms | Strong winds, potential for tornadoes |
| By Wednesday Night | Conditions clearing | Return to dry weather |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: South Carolina Labor Day 2025 Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Weather
- WLTX: Southeastern South Carolina Weekend Weather
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alert Columbia SC
- The State: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- WACH: Weather Blog – Columbia SC
- Google News: Columbia SC Weather Updates
- WIS TV: Cool Mother’s Day Weekend Ahead
- Weather.com: Columbia SC
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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.
