Columbia, S.C. – Nearly 30 counties across South Carolina are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Friday, with damaging winds, large hail, and frequent lightning possible through the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch area includes much of the Upstate, Midlands, and parts of the Pee Dee region—from Greenville and Spartanburg down to Columbia and Orangeburg. Wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, and hail up to an inch in diameter is possible in stronger storms.
Communities including Aiken, Anderson, Sumter, and York should prepare for rapid storm development this afternoon. The storms could down trees, damage power lines, and temporarily disrupt travel along major routes such as I-20, I-26, and I-85. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and charge mobile devices in case of outages.
This is the first widespread severe weather watch of the month for South Carolina and comes as warm, humid air fuels instability across the region. The risk could expand if storms intensify.
More updates are expected later this afternoon. The thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 8 p.m., and additional warnings may be issued.
