Early Wednesday thunderstorms and high gusts are in the forecast, with the windy conditions possible through early Thursday as a weakened storm system that brought tornadoes to Alabama continues moving east.

The National Weather Service warned that thunderstorms could develop in eastern Kershaw County, southeastern Richland County and Chesterfield, Lee, Calhoun and western Sumter counties through 10:15 a.m.

In addition, the service warned of winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts from 40 to 45 mph in Columbia and surrounding areas.

The wind direction is primarily southeast Wednesday morning becoming west in the afternoon. With rain accompanying the wind, driving conditions will be hazardous, complicated by the possibility of trees coming down on power lines or across roadways.

Kelly Davis