COLUMBIA, S.C. — Strong to severe storms are still possible for the Midlands tonight as a cold front that moved behind the remnants of Hurricane Zeta moves through the Southeast.
Zeta was the fifth named storm to make landfall in Louisiana this season. It became the 11th named storm to hit the continental United States this year. The old record for landfalling named tropical systems was nine. This was set in 1916.
Now that Zeta has moved out of the area, a cold front is moving in behind it. This cold front will bring us a chance for showers and storms/
Already it was a very windy day. Gusts of over 40 mph were reported and there were a number of power outages and limbs down across the Midlands due to the high winds.
It will continue to be breezy at times. A lake wind advisory is in effect for the Midlands until 5 AM Friday.
As the cold front approaches the area today. This will help spark off some showers and storms this afternoon.
The Storm Prediction Center has the Midlands under a marginal risk for severe weather. Damaging wind gusts will be the greatest threat, but a short-lived tornado cannot be ruled out.
Our forecast model brings the storms through the area from about 5 PM through 10 PM this evening.
There are currently no watches or warnings in effect for the Midlands.
Looking Ahead:
It will be much cooler and still breezy Friday. Skies will be sunny. Temperatures will top out in the lower 70s.
Halloween will be sunny, dry and even cooler. Highs will be in the middle 60s. If you have outdoor plans Saturday evening, temperatures will be in the middle to upper 50s.
Sunday will be partly cloudy and pleasant. Highs will be in the upper 60s to near 70 degrees.
We may have our first frost Tuesday morning. Lows are expected to fall into the middle to upper 30s.
