Thunderstorm Alert for Columbia, SC Residents
Columbia, SC – If you’re in the Columbia area, particularly in Newberry, Fairfield, Lexington, and Richland counties, it’s time to pay attention! The National Weather Service (NWS) has just issued an updated weather alert at 7:07 p.m. this Thursday for strong thunderstorms that are expected to last until 8 p.m.. With gusty winds reaching up to 55 mph, it’s important for everyone to stay safe and be prepared.
What’s Happening?
According to the NWS, Doppler radar has tracked a strong thunderstorm moving north at 15 mph. This active storm was located just 7 miles north of Dreher Island State Park and around 8 miles southwest of the VC Summer Nuclear Station. Areas like Newberry, Prosperity, and Monticello are particularly at risk.
As the storm develops, residents can expect not only strong winds that might knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying, but also heavy rainfall. In fact, localized flooding is a real concern, so it’s wise to stay off the roads until the storm passes. Please remember, it’s never safe to drive through flooded roadways!
Areas Impacted
This thunderstorm alert affects several locations, including:
- Newberry
- VC Summer Nuclear Station
- Prosperity
- Monticello
- Newberry County Airport
- Jenkinsville
- Blair
- Newberry College
- Chapin
- Little Mountain
- Pomaria
- Peak
- Stoney Hill
- Newberry County Detention Center
- US-176
- SC-34 Crossroads
- Fairview Fire Station
- Henderson Island
- White Rock
- Mid-Carolina High School
- Maybington Fire Station
This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 67 and 96.
Safety Precautions
The advisories from NWS are clear: if you’re outdoors, please consider seeking shelter inside a building. Don’t underestimate the risks, as frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is a big factor right now. And remember, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from a thunderstorm!
For those who might find themselves in vehicles during the storm, be aware of hydroplaning. This can happen when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it away, causing a slippery layer of water that leads to loss of control.
What to Do During a Thunderstorm
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If you’re driving, try to safely pull over until the storm passes.
- Avoid using the phone or other electrical devices.
- Be aware of your surroundings to avoid falling tree limbs or debris.
Stay alert, Columbia! With thunderstorm warnings in effect, make sure you are taking the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe. Today might be a great day to cozy up at home with a good book or movie as the storm rolls through!
Remember, the storm alert is in effect until 8 p.m., so let’s all stay safe and sound this evening.
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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