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Severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes forecast for parts of the Midlands

The National Weather Service is predicting a marginal chance for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes in the Midlands Saturday night and Sunday.
The National Weather Service is predicting a marginal chance for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes in the Midlands Saturday night and Sunday. National Weather Service

Severe weather is in the forecast for parts of the Midlands Saturday night into Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible Saturday evening, which forecasters said could strengthen into strong to severe thunderstorms into Sunday afternoon.

Aiken, Bamberg, Columbia, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg and Sumter are among the areas that could be affected, according to the National Weather Service.

The most severe weather is expected to be concentrated in the eastern Midlands.

As of Saturday morning, the threat is considered “marginal” by the National Weather Service. But the agency has warned residents in the eastern Midlands to be on the lookout for isolated tornadoes, as well as hail and severe wind across the entire region Sunday morning, which could cause isolated downed trees and possible property damage.

Localized flash flooding may occur following heavy rains late Saturday night and into early Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

On Saturday morning, the National Weather Service said a lake wind advisory may be needed Sunday and Monday, with gusty winds in excess of 25 mph.

The National Weather Service has, however, advised that there remains some uncertainty in the forecast.

The tornado threat this weekend will be lower further inland and severe thunderstorms may be “limited in coverage” late Sunday morning through the afternoon.

Ted Clifford
The State
Ted Clifford is the statewide accountability reporter at The State Newspaper. Formerly the crime and courts reporter, he has covered the Murdaugh saga, state and federal court, as well as criminal justice and public safety in the Midlands and across South Carolina. He is the recipient of the 2023 award for best beat reporting by the South Carolina Press Association.
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