Columbia, South Carolina – Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to soak much of South Carolina through Sunday, with the greatest chance for severe weather arriving this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a slow-moving wet pattern will linger from Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8, bringing multiple rounds of rain and isolated strong storms. The Midlands, including Columbia, Lexington, and Orangeburg, are under a Slight Risk (2 out of 5) for severe storms on both Saturday and Sunday.
Residents should prepare for brief damaging wind gusts, localized flash flooding, and frequent lightning, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Highway travel on I-20 and I-26 may be affected by reduced visibility and water pooling. Summer heat will also fuel daily pop-up storms, making outdoor plans unpredictable.
The strongest activity is expected Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with scattered strong to severe thunderstorms likely to develop rapidly. Emergency managers urge South Carolinians to monitor alerts, charge mobile devices, and avoid flooded roads.
Rain chances remain elevated through Sunday night, and additional watches may be issued if conditions worsen.
