Severe weather expected to hit the Midlands beginning Sunday, according to NWS
A powerful storm system could bring back-to-back rounds of severe weather to the Midlands this weekend into early next week, according to a Saturday morning briefing from the National Weather Service in Columbia.
Forecasters said Sunday carries a “marginal” risk for severe storms between 2-8 p.m. Scattered thunderstorms may develop during the afternoon and evening, and while most storms should remain below severe limits, a few could produce damaging wind gusts.
The more significant threat arrives Monday, when the Storm Prediction Center is projecting a “slight to enhanced” risk for severe weather across the Midlands, the briefing said. The expected timing for the strongest storms is between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, as a strong cold front moves through the region.
Damaging winds and tornadoes are the primary hazards Monday, according to the NWS, adding that “a few strong (EF2 or higher) tornadoes are possible.”
Hail is also possible, though the threat for large hail — 1 inch or greater — is not expected to be high either day.
Even outside thunderstorms, strong winds could be seen Monday, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph possible ahead of and behind the cold front, the briefing said. The exact timing of the front will be “critical” in determining where the strongest storms set up and how intense they become.
The weather service said confidence is moderate for Sunday’s event and high for Monday’s.
After the storms move out, forecasters said very cold air will follow, bringing the possibility of widespread freeze conditions Monday night and Tuesday night.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, especially Monday, and to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including wireless emergency alerts, weather radios and local media.
