News Summary
This Wednesday morning, residents of Columbia and Lexington County face severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings. With the tornado warning lasting until 8 a.m. and severe weather lasting until 8:30 a.m., wind speeds could reach 60 mph, potentially exceeding 74 mph in some areas. Residents in warning zones should seek shelter as storm fronts move quickly through nearby locations. The storm is expected to persist until around 11 a.m., with a 100% chance of rain and the possibility of hail.
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings Hit Columbia and Lexington Counties
Residents of Columbia and Lexington County were met with a jolt of reality this Wednesday morning, as both severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued. Things got serious, with the tornado warning set to last until 8 a.m. while the severe weather warning will give folks a bit more breathing room, set to expire at 8:30 a.m..
Wind Speeds to Watch
Hold onto your hats! Winds are expected to pick up speed, reaching a potential 60 mph in Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, and West Columbia. But don’t let your guard down just yet. There is even a small chance that wind gusts could exceed 74 mph in parts of the eastern Midlands—a prime area for possible tornado formation. Yes, you heard that right!
Areas Under Tornado Warning
If you live in or around Irmo, Chapin, South Congaree, Springdale, or Red Bank, it’s time to pay attention. The tornado warning is marching right through your neighborhood, with dangerous storms projected to make their presence known by around 7:40 a.m..
Next Stops on the Storm Route
The storm front is not in any mood to delay, anticipating to roar through regions such as West Columbia, Gaston, Pine Ridge, Oak Grove, and even the Columbia Metropolitan Airport by 7:45 a.m.. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the skies and check the latest updates as it approaches.
Where to Seek Shelter
Potential Damage in the Storm’s Wake
While we all love a good storm for the thrill, it’s important to remember that winds and possible tornadoes could wreak havoc. Prepare yourself for the possibility of damage to trees, branches, mobile homes, roofs, and even vehicles. Those pesky downed power lines could lead to outages and inconvenience for many.
A Wind Advisory in Effect
On top of this whirlwind of warnings, a wind advisory has also been put in place for the whole Midlands area, and it’s here to stay until 7 p.m.. Severe weather might not stop there, as regions including Richland County, along with Fairfield, Newberry, and Saluda counties, could also feel the storm’s effects.
Timing is Everything
So when can we expect the storm to wrap up its business in Columbia? The rough weather is anticipated to stick around until roughly 11 a.m., with lingering effects potentially lasting into the early afternoon. With regular winds blowing at around 25 mph and gusts that could nearly double that, driving could get tricky—especially for those high-profile vehicles.
Rain and Hail on the Horizon
Let’s not forget about the rain! With a 100% chance forecast for Wednesday, possible rainfall can reach up to three-quarters of an inch, though some localized areas might see even higher totals. Oh, and don’t be surprised if some pea-sized hail decides to join the party!
Stay Prepared
As this storm system continues to unfold, stay tuned for more updates, and don’t let your guard down. The weather is unpredictable, but with the right precautions, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe!
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Additional Resources
- The State: Severe Weather News
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- ABC Columbia: Storm Forecast
- WLTX: Severe Weather Impact
- Post and Courier: Tornado Watch in Midlands
