Stay Alert: Tornado Watch in Columbia, South Carolina

News Summary

A tornado watch has been issued for Columbia and much of South Carolina, prompting residents to brace for severe weather conditions. The watch will be active until 1 p.m. today, affecting several counties including Richland and Lexington. Severe thunderstorm warnings are also in place, with intense thunderstorms expected between 9 and 11 a.m. Residents are advised to prepare for heavy rain, potential hail, and damaging winds. Precautions should be taken to ensure safety as the weather is predicted to improve by New Year’s Day.

Stay Alert: Tornado Watch in Columbia, South Carolina

Residents of Columbia and much of South Carolina are bracing for a busy morning as a tornado watch has been issued. This watch went into effect early on Sunday morning and will be active until 1 p.m. today. The National Weather Service has included not just Columbia but also nearby Richland and Lexington counties in its watch area, along with several other counties.

What Areas Are Affected?

Along with Richland and Lexington, the tornado watch encompasses Kershaw, Newberry, Lee, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Sumter counties. If you live in any of these areas, it’s important to stay tuned to the latest weather alerts. After all, in a situation like this, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Effect

In addition to the tornado watch, severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, and Irmo. If you’re in Lexington or Irmo, the warning will remain active until 9 a.m., while the warning for Columbia and West Columbia will last a bit longer, staying in effect until 9:45 a.m. The National Weather Service predicts the most intense thunderstorms are likely to hit between 9 and 11 a.m.

What to Expect

So, what can you expect if you’re in the area? Be prepared for heavy rain, possible hail, and damaging wind gusts. While significant flash flooding is not anticipated, localized street flooding is still a possibility. Make sure your umbrellas and rain boots are handy! And don’t forget, there’s also a lake wind advisory in effect until 6 p.m. today, with wind speeds expected to be between 10-15 mph and gusts that could reach up to 30 mph.

Stay Safe!

With the potential for damaging winds and even tornados, it’s crucial to think about the safety of your home and belongings. Strong winds can impact trees, mobile homes, roofs, and vehicles, so consider bringing any outdoor furniture or decorations inside. There’s also an increased risk that downed trees and branches could knock out power lines, leading to outages.

It’s Going to Be Wet!

Prepare for rain! Meteorologists are anticipating a 100% chance of rain, with total precipitation possibly amounting to up two inches in some spots. Some localized areas might get even more than that, so keep your rain gear close by. Temperatures will be on the mild side, reaching the high 60s today, but the severe weather and heavy rainfall should start to ease up after 6 p.m. this evening.

Looking Ahead

As we approach New Year’s Eve, the weather is expected to take a turn for the better. Temperatures are predicted to drop to a cool 43 degrees on Tuesday night. However, those looking for a bright start to the New Year will be glad to know that sunny conditions are expected to return on New Year’s Day, with temperatures reaching a high of 59 degrees.

Take Precautions!

Residents are urged to stay informed by monitoring weather alerts and taking suitable precautions in case tornado warnings are issued. In times of severe weather, the safety of yourself and your loved ones should always come first. Make sure you’re prepared, and let’s ride this storm out together!