Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Central South Carolina Through 10:30 AM EDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for multiple counties in central South Carolina. The alert was issued at 9:41 AM EDT following radar-indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad portion of central South Carolina, including the following counties and specific locations:

• Counties: Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Richland.
• Cities and Communities: Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Forest Acres, Camden, Bamberg, Winnsboro, Denmark, Springdale, Dentsville, Oak Grove, Lake Wateree Dam, St. Andrews, McEntire Air Base, Highway 6 at Lake Murray Dam, Red Bank, Williston, and Blackville.
• Highways:
  • Interstate 126 between mile markers 0 and 3.
  • Interstate 20 between mile markers 35 and 98.
  • Interstate 26 between mile markers 94 and 142.
  • Interstate 77 between mile markers 0 and 51.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building immediately.

Because tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms, remain alert for changing conditions. If a tornado is spotted, seek shelter in a basement or a small central room.

Those on or near Lake Murray should move away from the water and take shelter, as these storms can produce large capsizing waves and frequent lightning.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Gusts up to 60 mph are expected.
• Hazards: Radar indicates the potential for damage to trees and powerlines.
• Storm Movement: At 9:41 AM EDT, a line of severe thunderstorms was located from near Great Falls to 10 miles southwest of Red Bank, moving east at 35 mph.
• Tornado Potential: Tornado development is possible.

Timeline

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning is effective until 10:30 AM EDT on March 12, 2026. Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for central South Carolina until 1:00 PM EDT.