Columbia, S.C. – Boaters across central South Carolina and parts of eastern Georgia should brace for hazardous lake conditions Saturday as strong northeast winds sweep the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday for areas including Columbia, Augusta, Sumter, and Newberry. Wind speeds will range from 10 to 15 mph with gusts peaking near 30 mph. A separate advisory from NWS Charleston covers Lake Moultrie, where gusts could reach 30 knots and waves may top 2 feet.
Small watercraft will be especially vulnerable to capsizing in these conditions. Boaters are urged to wear life jackets, avoid open water if possible, and secure gear against sudden shifts.
Communities around Lake Murray, Clarks Hill Lake, and Lake Moultrie should take extra precautions, particularly during afternoon hours when wind intensity is expected to peak.
The advisory covers more than 30 counties including Richland, Lexington, Lancaster, and Edgefield in South Carolina, and Columbia and Richmond in Georgia. This system mirrors similar summer wind surges seen in July 2022, which resulted in multiple boating incidents.
Wind conditions are expected to ease by Saturday evening, but additional alerts could follow if gusts persist.
