Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Midlands, SC

News Summary

Residents in the Midlands of South Carolina are urged to prepare for severe thunderstorms expected this afternoon. The National Weather Service issued a warning for strong winds reaching 50 mph and the possibility of marble-sized hail. The affected counties include Richland, Sumter, Calhoun, and Clarendon. People in impacted areas should secure loose outdoor items and seek shelter during the storms. With ongoing weather fluctuations this week, including potential additional thunderstorms and high pollen levels, residents are advised to stay informed and cautious.

Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Midlands, SC

Attention, Midlands residents! A severe thunderstorm alert has officially been issued, and it’s time to buckle up and prepare for some wild weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) took action, sending out this weather warning at 4:25 p.m. on Thursday, letting folks know that strong thunderstorms are on the way until about 5:15 p.m. The affected counties include Richland, Sumter, Calhoun, and Clarendon.

What to Expect

You can expect wind gusts to reach up to 50 mph, which means you might want to secure any loose objects outdoors. Along with those strong winds, there’s also a chance of marble-sized hail measuring around half an inch. Yikes! The Doppler radar has already picked up some intense storms stretching from near Poinsett State Park to a spot about 6 miles northwest of Elloree. These storms are moving east at a steady clip of 20 mph.

The powerful gusts could send tree limbs crashing down, not to mention scatter unsecured items around your yard. So, if you’ve got outdoor furniture, garden decorations, or any other loose items, you might want to bring them inside to avoid any mishaps. Some minor damage to outdoor objects is likely, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How It Affects Your Area

Locations that are likely to be impacted include Poinsett State Park, Pinewood, Rimini, Creston, Lone Star, Low Falls Landing, Privateer, Lakewood, Paxville, and Sumter. If you find yourself outdoors during this time, it’s best to seek shelter inside. The NWS advises you to stay tuned to local radio and television for weather updates, as these storms could pick up intensity.

Stay Safe from Lightning

Keep in mind, thunderstorms often come with a lot of lightning. On average, lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times annually, mostly during the summer months. On average, this results in around 20 fatalities each year. The chances of lightning will increase as the storm approaches, peak when it’s directly overhead, and then lower as it moves away.

Driving Cautions

For those traveling, be aware of the risk of hydroplaning! This happens when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads due to water piling up in front of your tires. Keep that in mind if you have to be out and about during the storms.

What’s Next for the Weather?

Looking ahead, there’s a notable chance of more rain and thunderstorms later in the week. With temperatures expected to warm up, we’ve got to stay on our toes. Interestingly, there was an early morning tremor felt in Kershaw County on Thursday, registering at a magnitude of 2.3. No need to panic, but it’s just another reminder that Mother Nature has her quirks.

Seasonal allergy sufferers may want to take heed! Pollen levels from trees remain high even though there’s been a slight drop overall. If you’re struggling with those itchy eyes and sneezes, now you know why!

Brighter Days Ahead

As for the temperatures, they’ve been pretty typical for this time of year, with highs reaching around 81 degrees. Keep an eye on the forecast; another round of isolated showers and thunderstorms could make a comeback by Saturday afternoon and evening. However, ending your weekend on a high note, we can expect drier conditions to sweep in thanks to high pressure starting Sunday.

Current weather estimates show there’s been quite a mix of rainfall across the Midlands. Some areas are likely dealing with significant precipitation, while others have remained mostly dry. So stay tuned for updates and keep that umbrella handy just in case!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Thunderstorms Expected in Abbeville, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties
Strong Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Local Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Laurens, Union, and Chester Counties
South Carolinians Brace for Weather Shift as Cold Front Approaches
Fort Mill Grocery Store Incident Involving Armed Man
York County Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Weather Advisory Issued for Mecklenburg County
Chester County Braces for Severe Thunderstorm Chaos
Heartbreaking Loss in Rock Hill: Community Supports School
Heartbreaking Fire Claims Lives of Local Family and Affects School Community

Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• WLTX
• Google Search: thunderstorm alert South Carolina
• MSN Weather
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• WACH
• Google News: severe weather South Carolina

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.