Sumter, South Carolina – Residents across central South Carolina face a tornado threat through the early afternoon Monday as strong thunderstorms push across the Midlands, placing eight counties under a Tornado Watch until 2 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, Tornado Watch 65 covers Bamberg, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Orangeburg, and Sumter counties. The watch remains active through 2 p.m. EDT as storms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging wind track east across the region.
Cities including Sumter, Orangeburg, Camden, Manning, and Bishopville could see sudden bursts of heavy rain, wind gusts over 60 mph, and isolated tornado development. Drivers along Interstate 20 near Camden and Interstate 95 through Clarendon County may encounter rapidly reduced visibility and ponding on roadways during the strongest storms.
Emergency managers across the Midlands urge residents to stay weather-aware through the late morning and early afternoon hours. Keep wireless alerts enabled, identify a safe interior room, and be ready to move quickly if a tornado warning is issued.
Schools, outdoor workers, and travelers should monitor conditions closely as storms pass through communities such as Lugoff, Elgin, Denmark, and Cheraw.
The tornado watch remains in effect until 2 p.m. Monday, and additional warnings could be issued with little notice if rotating storms develop across central South Carolina.
