Columbia, South Carolina – Muggy air and stormy skies are making a comeback in central South Carolina today, just hours after training thunderstorms dumped up to 5 inches of rain across parts of Richland County Friday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, Saturday brings additional afternoon and evening storm chances, especially across the Midlands. The atmosphere remains primed with high humidity, pushing heat index values back toward 100°F through sunset.
Yesterday’s storms dropped between 1 to 2.5 inches of rain near the Columbia Metro area, with isolated totals of 3 to 5 inches reported in southern Richland County. That rainfall caused localized street flooding and could prime the region for flash flooding with any additional downpours today.
Residents in Columbia, Lexington, and Sumter should be prepared for brief heavy rain, gusty winds, and rapidly reduced visibility through early evening. Outdoor events should monitor changing conditions and seek shelter during storms. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways and allow extra time for travel.
Storms may linger into tonight before tapering off. More advisories may be issued later today if rainfall rates increase.
