Columbia Faces Tornado Watch Amid Severe Weather Alerts

Residents Brace for Possible Stormy Sunday

This Sunday, Columbia and a good chunk of South Carolina are on high alert as a tornado watch has been issued by the National Weather Service. Starting early in the morning and running through to 1 p.m., this watch is raising eyebrows and prompting locals to stay weather-aware.

Richland and Lexington counties are in the mix, along with several Midlands counties including Kershaw, Newberry, Lee, Clarendon, Fairfield, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Sumter. If you live in any of these areas, you might want to keep an ear tuned to the skies and a source of updates nearby.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Effect

Adding to the tension, parts of Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, and Irmo are under a severe thunderstorm warning. This warning came into effect at 9 a.m., and it’s set to last until 9:45 a.m. for Columbia and West Columbia, while residents of Lexington and Irmo can expect it to wrap up around 9 a.m.

The real heart of the storm threat is projected to hit between 9 and 11 a.m., according to meteorologists. Although the weather is expected to calm down a bit in the afternoon, a limited risk of severe weather will linger until around 6 p.m. It’s a good idea to stay informed as you make your Sunday plans!

What to Expect?

Along with the chance of tornadoes, these thunderstorms can bring some potentially dangerous weather, including damaging wind gusts, hail, and even flooding on the streets. Thankfully, significant flash flooding is not anticipated, which is a relief for everyone.

But that’s not all! A lake wind advisory is also in place until 6 p.m. Winds will be consistent at about 10-15 mph, with gusts possibly reaching up to 30 mph. So, if you’re planning a trip to the lake or outdoors, you might want to reconsider or at least secure all your items.

Potential Hazards on the Horizon

It’s worth noting that the combination of powerful winds and the potential for tornadoes could result in considerable damage. Think flying debris that might take down trees and branches, which could lead to downed power lines and outages. Your vehicles are best kept safe indoors if possible, as tornadoes can wreak havoc wherever they touch down.

Get Ready for Rain!

If you enjoy rainy days, you’ll definitely get your fill today. There’s a 100% chance of rain in the Columbia area, with total rainfall reaching up to 2 inches, although some localized areas could see even more! Expect the temperatures to hover around the high 60s before we settle into a cooler start to the new year.

New Year’s Eve & Day Outlook

Speaking of the new year, if you’re planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve, be prepared for a chilly night with a forecast low of 43 degrees. New Year’s Day will be cool, too, with a high around 59 degrees, but we’re looking at plenty of sunshine!

Even though the current weather situation is quite tense, it’s always best to stay informed and connected to updates. Stay tuned for further information as the day progresses and remember to keep safety as your top priority.

As always, be safe and stay dry!