Columbia, South Carolina – Drivers along Interstates 20 and 26 could feel sudden 40 mph wind gusts starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, creating hazardous crosswinds through 10 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Wind Advisory covers central South Carolina and portions of east central Georgia, including Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties in Georgia and Lexington, Richland, Sumter, Aiken and Orangeburg counties in South Carolina. Northwest winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts exceeding 40 mph at times throughout the day.
In the Midlands, cities such as Columbia, Lexington, Cayce and West Columbia may see tree limbs snap and lightweight outdoor objects tossed into roadways. In the Central Savannah River Area, including Augusta, Evans and Martinez, unsecured patio furniture and trash bins could become airborne. High-profile vehicles on open stretches of I-20 near Aiken and along U.S. 1 may struggle with sudden gusts.
Residents should secure outdoor items early Sunday morning and prepare for isolated power outages. Charge devices and avoid parking vehicles under large trees.
Winds are expected to gradually ease after 10 p.m., but breezy conditions may linger into early Monday. Additional advisories could be issued if gusts trend higher during peak afternoon mixing.
