Tornado warning ends in Richland Co., but watch in place as Sally bears down on Midlands
A tornado warning issued for parts of Richland and Sumter counties has expired, but the potential for other severe weather, especially flash flooding, remained as the remnants of Hurricane Sally rumble through the Columbia area Thursday.
A tornado watch remains in place for most of the Midlands until 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The warning was issued for Richland and Sumter counties about 8 a.m. by the National Weather Service office in Columbia, which said one tornado had been confirmed. The warning expired by 8:45 a.m.
“A tornado is on the ground. Take cover now,” the weather service said in the warning.
The tornado was confirmed near Poinsett State Park, according to the National Weather Service. It was spotted heading northwest at 15 mph, toward McEntire Air Base, according to the warning.
The tornado warning was in also place for Hopkins, Gadsden, and Eastover until 8:45 a.m., the National Weather Service tweeted.
No damage was reported from the tornado, according to Sumter County Emergency Management and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Another tornado warning was issued for areas in Orangeburg, Clarendon, and Calhoun counties, according to the National Weather Service. That warning was set to expire at 10:45 a.m.
At about 10:45 a.m., a second tornado warning for Sumter County was issued to run through 11:30 a.m.
The tornado watch covers a large section of South Carolina, from the CSRA to the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions. Richland, Lexington, Kershaw and Sumter counties are included in the watch, which could affect more than 2 million people, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition to tornadoes, small marble-sized hail, and isolated wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible, it said in the watch.
The tornado was an effect of Sally, which has downgraded to a tropical depression, the National Weather Service said. Another potential threat of the powerful storm is flooding.
A flash flood watch was issued Wednesday for most of the Midlands, including Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Sumter, Calhoun, Lee, Aiken, Fairfield, Newberry and Saluda counties.
Significant, widespread heavy rainfall caused by the storm has elevated the threat of flash flooding, the National Weather Service said.
The areas most prone to flash flooding are along rivers, creeks and urban areas. Roads may become impassable and washouts are possible. Water may enter homes or businesses, especially in flood prone locations. Small streams and creeks may rise rapidly and overflow their banks.
The flash flood watch is in effect from 8 a.m. Thursday through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
That is when Sally’s greatest impacts are forecast for the Midlands, and the heaviest precipitation is expected to last through early Friday morning.
The forecast shows 4-6 inches of rainfall is possible for most of the Midlands, including Columbia. There is 100% chance of rain Thursday, before tapering off to 40% Friday, and possible thunderstorms are in the forecast.
It’s possible some areas in the Midlands could see locally higher amounts of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
Minor to moderate river flooding is also possible on some area rivers Friday into early next week, the National Weather Service said.
Beyond the tornado, breezy conditions are possible Thursday, but wind is not forecast to be a significant impact of Sally, according to the forecast. Expected to be more powerful in the western part of South Carolina, peak wind gusts in the Columbia area are predicted to top out at 16 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Sally’s arrival in the Midlands caused temperatures to drop, with possible highs in the 70s for the rest of the week, according to the forecast. It’s expected to remain cooler over the weekend after the storm has moved north, when temperatures are predicted to be in the 60s and low 70s.
The Atlantic Ocean is busy with storm activity. Following Sally, there are four other storms that range in strength from a disturbance to an active hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The next closest to the East Coast are Hurricane Teddy and Tropical Storm Vicky.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published September 17, 2020 at 8:21 AM.
