Heavy thunderstorm ‘microburst’ downed trees, cut power for many in Forest Acres
Numerous trees fell onto streets and properties across Forest Acres Monday afternoon as a thunderstorm ‘microburst’ hit the small city to Columbia’s immediate northeast. Dozens of Forest Acres residents lost power from the afternoon storm, according to a statement from the city posted on Facebook Monday afternoon.
Heavy rain and winds can accompany a microburst, which is a sinking column of air within a thunderstorm that hits a concentrated area and can cause severe damage. Wind speeds within a microburst can reach up to 100 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
More than five trees fell across Forest Acres Monday afternoon, with many being ripped from the ground by the roots. Dominion Energy, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and the Forest Acres Police Department took chainsaws to the downed trees Monday afternoon to clear multiple blocked roadways.
The microburst was confirmed by WIS chief meteorologist Adam Clark.
