Weather
South Carolina Storm Alert Today: Heavy Rain, Tornadoes Possible Oct 10th
Columbia, SC – Portions of South Carolina face a potentially dangerous combination of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes Saturday, October 10, as storms intensify across the region
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-10T12:14:54.730Z
Columbia, SC – Portions of South Carolina face a potentially dangerous combination of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes Saturday, October 10, as storms intensify across the region during the afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday night for parts of the southern forecast area, where heavier rainfall is expected to develop late Saturday morning and continue into the afternoon.
The greatest flooding concern is across southern portions of the region , including areas near Aiken, Barnwell and surrounding communities.
Forecasters warn that periods of heavy rainfall could produce flooding in low lying areas, particularly where drainage systems become overwhelmed or water accumulates on roadways.
However, flooding is not the only concern.
A few embedded tornadoes could develop within thunderstorms Saturday afternoon through tonight , creating an additional hazard for residents across portions of central and southern South Carolina.
The Weather Service's severe weather outlook places areas around Columbia, Sumter, Orangeburg and Aiken within a Level 2 out of 5 Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms.
Communities farther north, including Lancaster and Camden, face a lower severe weather risk.
Breezy conditions are also expected throughout Saturday, with the greatest potential for wind gusts exceeding 40 mph across the Central Savannah River Area, including communities near Aiken and Augusta, Georgia.
Strong wind gusts could create hazardous driving conditions and potentially bring down tree limbs, particularly where soils become saturated.
Residents should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
Those living in flood prone areas should avoid unnecessary travel during heavier rainfall and never attempt to drive through flooded roads.
If a tornado warning is issued, residents should immediately move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.