Weather Alerts Issued for Central South Carolina and Eastern Georgia

News Summary

Central South Carolina faces significant weather alerts this Sunday, with a lake wind advisory and a tornado watch impacting various counties. Strong winds of up to 30 mph are expected, creating hazardous conditions on lakes for boaters, while a tornado watch is in effect for Augusta and surrounding areas until 1 p.m. Thunderstorms could bring rainfall of up to 2 inches and damaging wind gusts throughout the day. Residents are urged to prioritize safety and stay informed as severe weather approaches.

Lake Wind Advisory and Tornado Watch for Central South Carolina and Eastern Georgia

Central South Carolina is bracing itself for some particularly interesting weather shifts this Sunday. The National Weather Service, based in Columbia, issued an updated lake wind advisory early in the morning, right at 10:13 a.m., signaling that folks in the Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Newberry, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, and Sumter counties should take caution. The advisory will remain in effect until 6 p.m. this evening, coinciding with our weekend plans and New Year’s celebrations.

Windy Conditions Ahead

So, what can you expect? Strong south winds are gearing up to hit speeds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts potentially reaching a whopping 30 mph. That means conditions on area lakes will likely be pretty rough, creating hazardous situations for boat operators out there. It’s certainly a wise call to exercise caution, as these strong winds could easily overturn small boats. If you’re planning on hitting the water, just remember to keep safety at the forefront!

Tornado Watch in Effect

As if that isn’t enough, a tornado watch has been issued for the Augusta area, impacting Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, and Richmond counties until 1 p.m. today. Thunderstorms are expected to roll through before 3 p.m., bringing with them a high temperature creeping close to 70 degrees. Winds will also be picking up in the area, with gusts potentially hitting 25 mph. And don’t forget your umbrella—rainfall could total around 2 inches!

Midlands Weather Warning

The Midlands aren’t getting off easy either! Severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep through from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with warnings targeted at Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, and Irmo. The tornado watch stretches across multiple counties in South Carolina, including Kershaw, Newberry, Lee, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Sumter, which keeps folks on their toes all day.

What to Expect After the Storms?

As the day progresses, the National Weather Service indicates a limited threat of severe weather into the afternoon, likely dissipating after 6 p.m. Sunday. However, for those in the path of these severe thunderstorms, the potential for damaging wind gusts, hail, and localized street flooding looms large. Thankfully, significant flash flooding is not expected, but it’s wise to be prepared and stay informed!

Don’t Forget the Rain Gear

Rain is practically a guarantee across the Columbia area, with a 100% probability forecasted to accumulate up to 2 inches—so make sure to grab that raincoat or umbrella if you’re heading out. High temperatures today are expected to hover in the high 60s, providing a mild winter day despite the chaos above.

Looking Ahead

When the storms clear, we can look forward to mostly sunny skies on Monday, giving everyone a break from this turbulent weather. However, as we celebrate New Year’s Eve, a drop in temperature to around 43 degrees is anticipated, and cooler conditions will carry into New Year’s Day and the week ahead.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it’s essential to remain informed and cautious as we navigate this unpredictable weather in Central South Carolina and Eastern Georgia this Sunday. Stay safe, keep your loved ones close, and don’t let a little storm dampen your spirits as we step into a brand-new year!