COLUMBIA, S.C. — A breakout of strong to severe weather triggered heavy rains and high winds, leading to flash flooding and some damage in areas.
As of 9:30 PM there were almost 3 dozen storm reports. Most of the reports were of tree and wind damage. There were also reports of some flooding and small hail with the storms.
According to radar estimates, portions of Lexington, Calhoun, and Clarendon counties saw in excess of 4 inches of rain. Across the rest of the viewing area many communities saw anywhere from 1-3" of rain.
There were multiple severe thunderstorm warnings for the area. A flash flood warning was issued for Lexington and Richland Counties but has since expired.
RC Winds, Richland County's Weather Information network said two inches of rain had fallen near the Riverbanks Zoo near Interstate 126 in Columbia. Higher totals were reported in other areas.
At Main and Whaley Street near the University of South Carolina's campus, the always flood-prone Rocky Branch Creek overflowed again. At least one driver got trapped in the floodwaters and had to be rescued by a member of the Columbia Fire Department.
News19 received a photo of an awning at a Columbia gas station which was brought down by high winds. There were other reports of trees down as well as small hail.
There were also some power outages reported.
High humidity and heat fueled the ingredients for the storms. The weather service said showers and storms started forming in the Upstate and in North Carolina Wednesday afternoon and pushed south.
News19's weather team will be tracking the storms through the evening. You can download the WLTX News App for alerts if they are issued.