News Summary
Residents of Columbia and Lexington Counties are being urged to prepare for severe weather, with tornado and thunderstorm warnings in effect. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous conditions, including potential tornadoes and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph. Safety precautions are advised, and residents are reminded to seek shelter if necessary. Expect significant rainfall and potential hail today, with impacts lasting until early afternoon. Stay informed and take safety seriously as storms approach.
Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Columbia and Lexington Counties
Columbia residents, buckle up! The National Weather Service has issued both severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for Columbia and Lexington Counties. If you thought today would just be about the usual hustle and bustle, think again. The storm threats are real and theyโre headed your way!
Tornado Warning Details
The tornado warning is in effect until 8 a.m., so itโs all hands on deck! Especially if you live in areas like Irmo and Chapin, you need to stay alert. The storm is expected to kick into high gear with dangerous weather forecasted to hit places like South Congaree, Springdale, and Red Bank by approximately 7:40 a.m. After that, the storm system will be marching towards West Columbia, Gaston, Pine Ridge, Oak Grove, and even the Columbia Metropolitan Airport around 7:45 a.m.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
The severe thunderstorm warning is also no jokeโit lasts until 8:30 a.m. Itโs anticipated that wind gusts may reach up to 60 mph in Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, and West Columbia. And just when you think it couldnโt get crazier, thereโs a potential for wind gusts surpassing 74 mph in parts of the eastern Midlands, which is where tornadoes are expected to form. If you hear that howling wind later today, donโt take it lightly!
Safety Recommendations
Safety first, folks! The National Weather Service advises everyone in tornado warning areas to find shelter in a basement or, if thatโs not available, stay in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Donโt be caught unpreparedโif youโre outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, seek substantial shelter right away. The storms mean business, and we want you to be safe!
Impactful Storms Ahead
These storms arenโt just about wind and rain. They could cause significant damage to trees, roofs, mobile homes, and outbuildings. That means downed power lines are a real concern, possibly leading to power outages as well. Not to mention, itโs risky for vehicles too, so proceed with caution!
Wind Advisory and Beyond
Donโt think itโs just Columbia and Lexington that need to worryโa wind advisory is in effect for all Midlands until 7 p.m. The severe weather could ripple outwards, affecting areas beyond Columbia like Richland County, Fairfield, Newberry, and Saluda counties. So, keep your guard up!
Rain and Hail Effects
As for rainfall, thereโs a 100% chance youโll be seeing some wet weather today. Luckily, significant rainfall amounts arenโt expected, with forecasts calling for up to three-quarters of an inch. But donโt be surprised if localized amounts exceed that! Thereโs also a possibility of pea-sized hail during the storms.
Lingering Effects
Storm effects might not clear out completely until around 11 a.m. or possibly into the early afternoon, so keep those umbrellas handy and stay tuned for updates as this weather saga continues to unfold!
Thanks for staying informed, and rememberโsafety first during this tumultuous weather. Keep your loved ones close, and make sure everyone is prepared for whatโs coming!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The State
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: tornado warnings midlands weather
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: severe weather alerts
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- AOL
- Google News: midlands storms
- WJBF
