News Summary
Severe thunderstorms have impacted Columbia, SC, resulting in flash floods and significant power outages. Over 145,000 customers are without power, particularly in Richland and Lexington counties. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings, with some areas experiencing nearly 6 inches of rainfall. Emergency services are responding to stranded vehicles and downed trees, while residents are advised to seek shelter as gusty winds and potential further flooding threaten safety.
Columbia, SC
Severe thunderstorms have wreaked havoc across the Midlands of South Carolina, leading to flash floods and extensive power outages. As of 10:30 PM, over 145,000 customers were without power statewide, with Richland and Lexington counties being particularly hard hit. Torrential rainfall accumulated near 6 inches in parts of Sumter, contributing to dangerous conditions that included stranded vehicles and downed trees.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flood warning until 2 AM for several counties including Lexington, Richland, Lee, and Sumter. Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm impacting the Columbia Metro Airport at around 7:09 PM, which then moved north at a speed of 10 mph, generating significant rainfall.
Areas experiencing severe impacts include Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Forest Acres, and St. Andrews. Major highways, such as Interstate 126, Interstate 20, Interstate 26, and Interstate 77, reported various issues affecting travel and safety. Emergency services responded to numerous reports of stranded vehicles on streets including Oakland, Dalzell, East Owens Field, and Gervais Street.
In addition to the flooding, residents have been warned about potential wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph, increasing the risk of downed tree limbs and debris being tossed around. The winds were expected to be gusty from the south, with speeds between 5 to 10 mph, and the daytime high temperature was anticipated to reach around 89°F, with nighttime lows near 72°F.
Warnings of scattered thunderstorms extend throughout the evening, with cloudy skies anticipated after midnight. Residents are advised to seek indoor shelter if outdoors, as the conditions could lead to further localized flooding. The NWS recommends that individuals heed local alerts and proper safety recommendations during such severe weather.
Annual statistics show that in the U.S., thunderstorms result in approximately 25 million lightning strikes each year, causing an average of 20 fatalities as a direct consequence. This further underscores the importance of seeking safety during tornadoes and severe storm events.
Power grid services are currently working to restore functionality amidst dangerous conditions, and residents are encouraged to only dial 911 for emergencies. As the situation continues to develop, local authorities advise the public to remain vigilant and updated on weather conditions.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Storms and Flash Floods Soak Midlands
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- The State: Weather News
- Google Search: Severe Weather in South Carolina
- ABC Columbia: Power Outages across Midlands
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WKYC: Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Richland County
- Google News: Columbia SC Weather
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. 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.
