COLUMBIA, S.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of South Carolina effective until 1 p.m. today as severe weather threatens the region again.
The watch covers 12 counties in South Carolina, including Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Edgefield, Lexington, McCormick, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter. Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert and prepared, as conditions are favorable for severe weather.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue to move into the watch area. Some of these storms could be strong enough to produce tornadoes. Even if tornadoes do not form, damaging wind gusts are possible with the thunderstorms. Hail is also possible, but not the main threat at this point.
The storms will quickly move through the Midlands, and by the mid-afternoon hours, the activity will be focused along the coastal region of South Carolina.
During a tornado watch, it is crucial for residents to have a plan in place in case of severe weather. This includes identifying a safe shelter, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and having an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies.
Officials also remind residents to stay informed and heed any warnings issued by local authorities. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately and stay away from windows and exterior walls until the threat has passed.
Storms have already impacted parts of Midlands this morning. A tornado warning was issued early this morning. Damage has been reported in Newberry, Fairfield, Richland, and Kershaw counties.
This was likely caused by a tornado, according to the NWS. However, they will not be able to send out a survey team until tomorrow, at the earliest.