News Summary
Columbia residents are warned to prepare for severe weather conditions as a strong storm is expected on Wednesday, bringing potential tornadoes and damaging winds. Heavy rainfall of up to half an inch with a 100% chance is anticipated, along with winds reaching 40 mph and a winter storm watch in effect. Residents are advised to stay informed and secure outdoor items to ensure safety ahead of this active weather day.
Severe Weather Heading to Columbia: Are You Prepared?
Columbia residents, brace yourselves! The weather forecast for the upcoming days is looking quite intense, with potential tornadoes and damaging winds predicted in the area. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, as this is when the storm is expected to hit. Get ready for a day that could lead to some wild weather!
What’s on the Weather Menu?
On Wednesday, expect periods of rain throughout the day, with temperatures peaking at a cozy 51°F. The rain is going to be steady with a 100% chance of it coming down and around half an inch of rainfall anticipated. Hold on to your umbrellas because they’re going to be getting quite the workout!
As the day rolls on, the wind will be making its presence known as well. Expect those north-northeast winds to blow in at 10 to 15 mph, giving a bit of a chill to the damp atmosphere. By the evening, as temperatures drop to around 38°F, it might feel even cooler. Wind speeds will shift slightly to the north-northwest at 5 to 10 mph, but there’s still a 60% chance of rain lingering. Weather enthusiasts, take note!
Severe Weather Alerts – What to Watch For!
The National Weather Service is waving a red flag for severe weather in the Columbia area. A strong cold front is moving across South Carolina and will affect the Midlands region starting Wednesday morning and running through early afternoon. Along with the rain, we’re looking at some damaging wind gusts that could reach speeds of up to 40 mph. And, that’s not all! There’s also the possibility of isolated tornadoes, especially in the eastern parts of the Midlands.
Rain totals could reach as much as three-quarters of an inch, but don’t be surprised if some areas see higher amounts. It’s definitely a good idea to keep an eye on weather updates and predictions as they come in.
Winter Storm Watch – A Turn for the Chill!
As if the storms weren’t enough, Columbia is also keeping a close watch on wintery conditions. A winter storm watch is currently in effect with forecasts predicting anywhere from 2 inches of snow at a 79% likelihood, and there’s even potential for 6 inches or more at a 52% chance. So, if you thought the rain was going to be the end of it, think again!
Stay Safe – Keep Informed!
With all the stormy weather expected, hazardous travel conditions could arise due to snow and ice accumulation on Wednesday. Columbia Public Works are zeroing in on priority snow routes to ensure efficient snow removal for those who need to travel. So, if you’re hitting the road, drive safely!
It’s critical for residents to stay informed about the changing weather conditions. Make use of your area’s weather alert system, and maybe consider preparing for potential power outages that could occur due to the strong winds and storm activity.
Prepping for Storms
This might be the perfect opportunity to secure any outdoor items that could become projectiles in the winds, and avoid any outdoor burning due to that high fire risk thanks to the gusty conditions. Remember, your safety is top priority!
Final Thoughts
As we head into an action-packed Wednesday, let’s keep our fingers crossed for the best while preparing for the worst. Stay safe, Columbia, and stay aware of those weather updates to ensure you navigate through the storms coming our way!
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Columbia Tribune
- Google Search: Severe Weather in Columbia
- Herald Online
- Google Scholar: Storm Preparedness
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecast
- WISTV
- Weather.com: Columbia, MO
