Tornado watch issued for Columbia area as severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit SC
A tornado watch was issued Sunday for the Columbia area and much of South Carolina, according to the National Weather Service.
The tornado watch, which went into effect early Sunday, is scheduled to run through 1 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
Both Richland and Lexington counties were included in the tornado watch. Other Midlands counties listed in the tornado watch were Kershaw, Newberry, Lee, Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Orangeburg, Saluda and Sumter — among other areas in across South Carolina.
Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia and Irmo were also areas in the Midlands where a severe thunderstorm warning was issued, according to the National Weather Service. The warning for Lexington and Irmo is active through 9 a.m., while it’s in effect until 9:45 a.m. for Columbia and West Columbia.
The greatest threat of severe thunderstorms in the Columbia area is between 9 and 11 a.m., National Weather Service meteorologists said in a morning briefing. A limited threat of severe weather remains in the afternoon, but is forecast to dissipate after 6 p.m., according to the briefing.
In addition to tornadoes, the thunderstorms could include other severe weather effects, such as damaging wind gusts, hail and some street flooding, according to the briefing. Significant flash flooding is not expected, the National Weather Service said.
A lake wind advisory was also issued and will run through 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Winds from 10-15 mph are expected, while some gusts could reach 30 mph, the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.
There is a 100% chance of rain in the Columbia area, and up to 2 inches of precipitation could be recorded, according to the forecast. Localized amounts in other areas could be higher.
Temperatures could reach the high 60s, where they could return on Monday and Tuesday, when conditions are expected to be mostly sunny, with only a slight chance of afternoon showers, the forecast shows.
For those looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve, a low temperature of 43 degrees is forecast for Tuesday night. New Year’s Day is expected to be cool, with a high temperature of 59 degrees, but sunny, according to the forecast.
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This story was originally published December 29, 2024 at 8:48 AM with the headline "Tornado watch issued for Columbia area as severe thunderstorms are forecast to hit SC."
