COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK, has issued a slight risk for severe weather in the Palmetto State, including all Midlands counties, for Friday, January 12, 2023. Model guidance has indicated that strong to severe storms are expected.
Timing of the storm activity could start in the Upstate by daybreak and continue through midday. Storms could then move into the Midlands by or after 1 pm and continue through 6 pm.
A second round of storms from the Upstate and the Central Savannah River Area could move into some Midlands communities after 6:00 pm and last through 11:00 pm.
The slight risk level was lowered from enhanced earlier Thursday from The Storm Prediction Center.
The severe and tornadic storms the Midlands experienced on Tuesday was under a forecasted enhanced risk.
Although the greater chance for tornadic activity has shifted well west, to areas east of the Mississippi River in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, South Carolina's risk of severe weather does include the potential for severe storms, capable of producing at least 45 mph wind gusts, up to 1.00 (quarter size) hail and a low chance, but still the risk, of isolated tornadoes.
Tuesday's storms dropped a lot of rainfall throughout the Midlands. Totals ranged from 1.00" to 2.00", with localized amounts exceeding 3.00". With that much rainfall, accompanied with the strong and severe wind gusts from Tuesday, Friday's storms may further weaken trees causing them to fall over. The immediate impacts could be power outages if this occurs over powerlines, loss of cable television and internet and blockage of roadways from fallen trees, debris, or overflowing storm drainage rainfall.
The threat from severe warned storms covers all of the News19 viewing area in the Midlands. Even if locations do not get a severe warned storm due to either wind gusts or hail, the inclement weather containing lightning, strong wind gusts, small hail and downpours could still impact your plans. Plan accordingly but stay weather aware starting midday and through the late evening until all the storms exit the Midlands.
