News Summary
South Carolina faced severe weather over the weekend with thunderstorms and tornado warnings issued for multiple counties. The National Weather Service alerted residents of potential hazards, including strong winds and hail. As the storms moved through the area, reports indicated significant power outages and damage, affecting thousands of residents. Emergency services responded quickly to the situation, working to restore power and ensure safety. The unpredictable nature of the weather serves as a reminder for residents to stay prepared for future severe conditions.
Thunderstorms and Tornado Warnings Hit South Carolina – What You Need to Know!
Wow, what a wild ride for the folks in South Carolina recently! If you were in the area, you probably noticed that the skies opened up with some serious storms over the weekend. On Sunday evening, the National Weather Service was on the ball, issuing a thunderstorm alert for Richland, Sumter, Calhoun, and Clarendon counties just as the clock struck 6:05 p.m. The alert was expected to last until 6:30 p.m., warning everyone to brace for wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph and even penny-sized hail – that’s 0.75 inches for those keeping score.
Strong Thunderstorm on the Move
Just before the alert, at 6:04 p.m., Doppler radar noticed a robust thunderstorm brewing near Poinsett State Park, located about 15 miles southeast of McEntire Air Base. This storm was on the move, heading southeast at a steady 15 mph. As the winds picked up, experts were concerned about potential damage. They predicted that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying. If you had patio furniture outside, it might have been a good idea to bring it in!
Areas like Poinsett State Park, Pinewood, Fort Motte, Lone Star, Low Falls Landing, and Rimini were all on high alert. The NWS recommended that anyone outdoors should find shelter indoors – don’t take any chances when nature turns angry!
Don’t Forget About Lightning!
Alongside the wind and hail, an uptick in lightning strikes was reported. It’s pretty startling to think that in the U.S., there are around 25 million lightning strikes each year, which can lead to about 20 fatalities. Lightning is particularly dangerous when a storm is directly overhead, so if you were out and about during this time, it was best to hunker down until the storm passed.
The Morning Warnings
For those who live around Richland, Lexington, and neighboring counties, a tornado watch was in effect until 2 p.m., and a tornado had indeed been spotted heading toward Lake Murray around 7:43 a.m. It was a clear reminder of just how unpredictable Mother Nature can be!
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
As if the wind and lightning weren’t enough, the rainfall predictions for Columbia on Sunday predicted a hefty 90% chance of rain, with some areas possibly receiving over half an inch. Earlier thunderstorms had already caused significant power outages across South Carolina, with reports indicating around 140,000 outages statewide. This included about 16,000 outages in Richland County and nearly 30,000 in Lexington. A tough day for many!
Newberry County was also hit hard, reporting downed trees and power lines. Emergency services and power crews were quickly mobilized to tackle the situation and restore electricity to affected areas. The stormy weather definitely gave emergency responders a workout over that weekend!
What’s Next?
The severe weather was just one chapter in what looks like an ongoing saga of unsettled weather. For those in South Carolina, it’s a reminder to be prepared for more storms in the days to come. Keeping an eye on weather updates and having an emergency plan ready is always a smart move. Stay safe out there, friends!
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Richland County
- The State: Thunderstorm Alerts in South Carolina
- ABC Columbia: Power Outages Due to Severe Weather
- Effingham Radio: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Island Packet: Weather Updates in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Severe Weather South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Warnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- 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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