Severe weather is forecast for the Midlands. Here’s when it might be the worst
Severe weather is expected to affect the Midlands Sunday, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
While a line of storms are predicted to move through the Columbia area in the morning and early afternoon, the greatest threat for severe weather — including heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for flooding and tornadoes — could be overnight, according to the forecast.
The first round of storms will push into the area between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a second threat possible from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said in a morning briefing. In an update, the National Weather Service said the Midlands can expect the most severe storms between 1-5 a.m.
Damaging wind gusts over 60 mph are possible during the morning thunderstorms, while the National Weather Service said the severe storms at night will be capable of even stronger damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, that could be as strong as EF2+.
Wind damage possible
Even outside of the thunderstorms, gusty winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible, especially in the evening, according to the National Weather Service.
A lake wind advisory, a wind advisory, and a flood watch have been issued by the National Weather Service, while more watches and warnings are possible as the storms develop.
Powerful winds could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, which creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.
Winds could also down trees because of saturated ground conditions.
Flooding risk
The wind is not the only possible severe weather. Heavy rain is included in the forecast.
Excessive rainfall could begin in the morning, and there is a 100% chance of precipitation, according to the forecast.
Overall, 1-3 inches of rain are possible in the Midlands, according to the briefing. Higher amounts of rainfall are possible in certain areas affected by storms.
The combination of bursts of heavy rain and accumulation over the day makes the threat of floods possible.
The amount of rain in the forecast has caused concern about the potential for flash flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Some parts of the Midlands received up to 3 inches of rain last week and that could also lead to flooding issues.
Standing water on roads could create another threat for drivers, the National Weather Service said.
“Do NOT drive through high standing water. Turn around, don’t drown,” the Columbia Police Department warns in instances of road flooding or rising water.
No snow in forecast
Unlike storms in past Januarys, there is no chance of any snow created by these storms. Temperatures are expected to reach a high in the mid-70s during the day, while dropping no lower than the mid-40s overnight, the forecast shows.
The forecast for the rest of the week shows much cooler temperatures, with highs in the 40s or 50s during the day, but no snow is expected for at least the next seven days.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published January 2, 2022 at 10:04 AM.
