News Summary
Residents in South Carolina and Missouri are preparing for severe thunderstorms, as the National Weather Service issues alerts for potential wind gusts of up to 50 mph. Areas impacted include Newberry and Columbia in South Carolina, and Columbia County in Missouri. People are urged to seek shelter and avoid open water due to lightning risks. Reports on damages and power outages are emerging as the storms pass through. Safety remains a top priority as communities brace for the worst.
Severe Thunderstorms Strike South Carolina and Missouri
Columbia, SC – The atmosphere is buzzing right now as severe thunderstorms roll over South Carolina and parts of Missouri. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia has put out a weather alert, letting residents know to brace themselves for some intense storms that are expected to hang around until about 6:15 p.m. Thursday. This alert covers several counties, including Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, and Richland, so if you’re in those areas, it’s time to pay attention!
What’s Coming Our Way?
According to NWS reports, we could be seeing wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. Just as a peek behind the curtain, Doppler radar has already detected a strong storm near Jenkinsville, which is about 7 miles southeast of the VC Summer Nuclear Station. This storm is moving eastward at a brisk pace of 40 mph. So, if you live in Columbia or any nearby areas such as Irmo, Forest Acres, Camden, or Dentsville, you might want to batten down the hatches.
These gusty winds can do a number on our surroundings, leading to downed tree limbs and possibly sending unsecured objects flying. Watching your patio furniture and recycling bins become airborne is not a fun experience!
Get Prepared!
Some affected highways include Interstate 20 (between mile markers 68-92), Interstate 26 (between mile markers 87-103), and Interstate 77 (between mile markers 14-31). If you have travel plans, consider this an excellent time to stay informed on road conditions, as the storms could make driving a lot more challenging.
Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors and avoid being near any open water. If you’re in the vicinity of Lake Murray, it’s best to steer clear, as the risk of lightning hazards increases significantly with the approaching thunderstorms. Each year, the U.S. faces about 25 million lightning strikes, which result in an average of 20 fatalities. Safety first!
Missouri’s Thunderstorm Alert
Meanwhile in Missouri, the NWS issued another weather alert at 1:07 p.m. on Friday for Columbia County lasting until 2:00 p.m. With expected wind gusts of up to 40 mph, another strong thunderstorm is brewing near Austerlitz, located 7 miles north of Great Barrington. Just like South Carolina, areas like Great Barrington, Lee, and Lenox are encouraged to keep an eye on their surroundings and seek indoor shelter if needed, especially if you’re attending any outdoor events such as Tanglewood.
Driving Responsibly
If you must hit the road, remember to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and reduce your speed during heavy rain, which can lead to hydroplaning. It’s a reminder that caution goes a long way in stormy weather!
Storm Aftermath
There have even been reports of minor injuries related to a potential tornado in New Bloomfield, with patients receiving treatment from EMS. Additionally, power outages have left thousands without electricity in Boone and Cole counties, so it may be prudent to check on friends and family in those areas.
With multiple counties in Missouri under Tornado Warnings and Watches, the community is advised to stay alert and informed. It’s definitely a time to keep safety as the number one priority!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Sweep Through Greenville-Spartanburg Area
Severe Heat and Thunderstorms Expected in Maryland and New York
Heat Advisory Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Barnwell County
Strong Thunderstorm Warning Issued for South Carolina and Georgia
Severe Thunderstorms Lead to Widespread Power Outages in Lowcountry
Heat Advisory Issued for Greater Oconee and Pickens Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston, SC
Strong Thunderstorm Alerts Rumble Through Laurens County, SC
Aiken County Faces Severe Weather with Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Additional Resources
- Silive
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- The State
- Google Search: thunderstorm precautions
- NBC Right Now
- Google Scholar: severe weather preparedness
- KOMU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- ABC Columbia
- Google News: thunderstorm alerts
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.
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