Columbia, South Carolina – Boaters have a tight window to secure small craft before southwest winds ramp up to 35 mph by 8 a.m. Thursday, churning area lakes and creating hazardous conditions through late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Lake Wind Advisory remains in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for central South Carolina and east central Georgia. Sustained southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph will frequently gust up to 35 mph, producing rough waves on Lake Murray, Clarks Hill Lake and other open waters.
Communities including Columbia, Lexington, Aiken, Augusta, Sumter and Orangeburg fall within the advisory area. Open stretches of water near Dreher Island, the Lake Murray Dam and along the Savannah River basin will experience the strongest gusts.
Strong crosswinds may also impact high-profile vehicles on bridges and exposed roadways near the lakes. Marina operators urge boaters to double-check tie-downs and delay non-essential trips on the water.
Conditions should improve after 5 p.m. as winds gradually ease, but additional advisories are possible if gusts remain elevated into the evening.
