Columbia, South Carolina – Strong to severe thunderstorms could disrupt travel and utilities across central South Carolina Monday afternoon, with damaging winds posing the greatest threat from noon through the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, isolated storms may begin developing after 12 p.m., but conditions are expected to worsen after 3 p.m. as more widespread and potentially severe cells move through the region. Counties under a slight risk include Richland, Lexington, Sumter, Orangeburg, and Aiken, with the greatest concern for downed trees and powerlines due to wind gusts.
Cities like Columbia, Camden, and Newberry could experience scattered outages and hazardous driving conditions, particularly during the evening commute. Residents in Barnwell and Orangeburg should also prepare for the possibility of brief hail and fast-moving storms impacting outdoor activities and local roads.
The severity of today’s storms hinges on how much the atmosphere heats up and clears by midday. Forecasters note that early cloud cover could limit instability, reducing overall storm strength—but if the sun breaks through, severe weather could become more intense.
Warnings remain in effect through late Monday, with additional advisories possible if storm coverage increases. Stay weather-aware and avoid unnecessary travel after 3 p.m.
