COLUMBIA, S.C. — A strong weather complex could have significant impacts on the Gulf States on Monday and then the Atlantic Southeast on Tuesday. Inclement weather is expected for most of South Carolina and all of the Midlands.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has issued up to an ENHANCED RISK for severe weather for both Monday and Tuesday.
This mid-winter severe weather complex will develop in the Southern Plains on Sunday overnight. It could quickly develop into a potential severe thunderstorm and tornadic outbreak in the central Gulf states, particularly coastal Louisiana, Mississippi and the western Florida Panhandle on Monday midday, lasting through the last evening.
By Tuesday, the threat moves into the Atlantic Southeast. Early in the day Tuesday, Alabama, Georgia and Florida, where there still is a possibility of both severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings.
South Carolina will have rainfall begin before daybreak. Rainfall intensity and gusty winds will increase throughout the morning. Although the tornado risk is low, it isn't a zero chance for the Palmetto State during the latter half of the day and into the evening.
WATCH: South Carolina Weather Radar
There will likely be sustained winds to 35 mph and gusts to 50 mph. Should severe thunderstorm warnings be issued by the National Weather Service, the greatest threat would be wind gusts exceeding 58 mph. Windy conditions will begin late morning and continue through the evening. Power outages are a possibility, not only in the Midlands but throughout the state.
Timing for the inclement weather to impact anywhere in the Midlands would range from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The greatest risk timeframe would be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Impact timing may shift earlier or later, but confidence for the Tuesday inclement weather continues to increase.
Plan accordingly. It is strongly advised to be weather aware on Tuesday throughout the day. The News19 Weather Team will continue to track the potential for inclement weather Monday night through Tuesday morning and will give vital updates on the Midlands impacts all day and night.