News Summary
The severe thunderstorm warning for Lexington County has officially ended as the storm weakens, according to the National Weather Service. While the immediate threat has passed, residents should remain cautious due to lingering gusty winds and the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. Additionally, the storm brought tornado warnings, with reports of two tornadoes touching down in the region, causing minor damage but no injuries. The forecast indicates improving weather conditions in the coming days, with warmer temperatures expected.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lexington County Comes to an End
Well, folks in Lexington County, it looks like the severe thunderstorm warning that had many residents on high alert has officially expired. The big storm that prompted all those worried glances at the sky has weakened and is no longer considered a threat to life or property, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia, SC.
What’s Still in Store?
While the storm may be calming down, don’t tuck away your rain gear just yet! There are still some gusty winds expected, even with the official warning behind us. The warning for severe thunderstorms was initially set to last until 6:45 p.m. today, but things have changed.
Lightning is another thing to keep in mind. Each year in the U.S., we experience about 25 million lightning strikes, mainly in the summer months. Shockingly, these strikes lead to around 20 fatalities annually, so stay safe! The chance of lightning really ramps up as storms approach, peaking when they’re overhead before tapering off once the storm passes.
Travel Cautions and Hydroplaning
If you’re out and about, be cautious on the roads. It’s important to be aware of hydroplaning, which happens when a vehicle skids on water pooling in front of the tires. This can result in a loss of control — not a fun situation! While we didn’t delve into the causes of hydroplaning, it’s definitely something to be conscious of when driving during wet conditions.
Earlier today, there was even a tornado warning for the Columbia area, set to be in effect until 8:15 a.m. This warning was distinct from the severe thunderstorm warning that did not lift until 8:30 a.m. Thankfully, the severe weather threats are easing up, although breezy conditions stuck around through most of the afternoon.
Tornado Watch and Sightings
For those keeping score, a tornado watch had been in place until 2 p.m. for both Richland and Lexington Counties. It extended its reach over nearly the entire Midlands, affecting areas like Kershaw, Sumter, Calhoun, Clarendon, Lee, and Orangeburg counties. The tornado threat notably heightened for the eastern Midlands, and at one point, a tornado was spotted moving towards Lake Murray.
During the uproar of weather events, strong gusts of wind — reaching up to 60 mph — rattled the Columbia area. Fortunately, the cold front’s impact was manageable; it brought with it the potential for localized flooding and those pesky gusty winds. Small craft operators on area lakes were advised about hazardous conditions created by winds blowing at around 25 mph, with gusts hitting 40 mph.
Rainfall Predictions and Future Forecasts
For those who love the rain, Columbia saw a 90% chance of thunderstorms today, with possible rainfall amounts expected to reach half an inch or more. But don’t let that spoil your week. Once these storms move out, we can look forward to some dry and warm weather. In fact, temperatures are set to rise from the cool 60s, reaching a pleasant high of 78 degrees by Wednesday.
Tornadoes Reported
In an interesting turn, the NWS confirmed that two tornadoes touched down across the area during the storms. An EF1 tornado hit Lexington County, primarily causing tree damage, while an EF0 tornado made a brief appearance in Barnwell County, taking down five large pine trees. Luckily, no injuries were reported from either tornado, and this marked the first recorded tornadoes of the year for South Carolina.
As residents reflect on the chaotic weather, one Lexington County homeowner shared her close call when a tree crashed into her bedroom. Thankfully, she was away at the time. With winds soaring as high as 90 mph, the area has seen its share of damage.
Staying Safe After the Storm
As a precaution, officials cut electricity to affected homes and have provided guidance on post-storm safety. Be sure to stay informed and keep your loved ones safe in the aftermath of these wild weather adventures!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lancaster University Issues Severe Thunderstorm Alert
Severe Thunderstorms Loom Over South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issue for South Carolina
Flash Flood Warning Initiated for Lexington and Saluda Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Midlands Area
Charleston Braces for Impact from Tropical Storm Chantal
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Sweep Across South Carolina
Water Service Disruptions in Lexington County
Strong Thunderstorms on the Horizon for Orangeburg County
Lightning Strike Injures Twenty Swimmers at Lake Murray
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- The State
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornadoes
- WIS TV
- Google News: Lexington County Weather
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impact
- WLTX
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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