Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina faces a significant severe weather threat through midnight Wednesday, as powerful storms capable of producing 75 mph wind gusts and hail sweep across the state.
According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for all major regions of South Carolina, including Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach. The watch runs until 12:00 a.m. EDT Thursday, and covers 42 counties statewide, stretching from the Upstate to the Lowcountry.
The storms are forming within an unstable and humid air mass, with scattered cells expected to move southwest through the evening. Primary hazards include damaging straight-line winds, isolated large hail up to 1.5 inches, and extremely turbulent conditions for drivers and flights. The NWS warns some storm cores could become strong enough to cause localized power outages and downed trees.
Areas of concern include I-26, I-95, and I-85 corridors, where evening travel could become hazardous. Residents are urged to stay indoors during storms, secure outdoor items, and monitor weather alerts via NOAA radio or mobile apps.
This is the largest thunderstorm watch area issued in the Southeast this week, and further warnings may follow into Thursday.
