Tornado watch issued for the Midlands as destructive winds head to Columbia area
Powerful storms could whip into the Midlands earlier than previously expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Severe weather in the Columbia area of South Carolina is forecast to start at 9 a.m. Monday, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a morning briefing. A line of storms that could cause damaging winds and multiple tornadoes are expected to continue into the afternoon, moving out of the area by 3 or 4 p.m., according to the briefing.
A tornado watch has been issued for Richland County and Lexington County, as well as most of the Midlands, the National Weather Service said. The tornado watch will be in effect until 2 p.m.
All the Midlands are expected to be affected by the storms that are roughly moving along a line from Aiken County, along the state line with Georgia, up to Lancaster County in the Upstate border with North Carolina, the National Weather Service said. The most severe effects are forecast along and east of that line, in the northeast section of the Midlands, according to the briefing.
Weather threats
The main threats will be damaging (60 mph) to destructive wind (75 mph-plus) gusts and several tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service. Some of the tornadoes could be as powerful as an EF2 (111-135 mph) or even stronger, meteorologists said in the briefing.
Large hail, at least 1-inch, is also possible Monday. That sized hail could damage cars and roofs, the National Weather Service said. Isolated instances of severe hail are possible, but the hail threat overall is low.
As of 8 a.m., no warnings related to Monday’s storms had been issued for the Columbia area. That could change as the storms get closer.
In addition to the tornado watch, a lake wind advisory has also been issued as it went into effect at 4 a.m., and it’s scheduled to run through 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.
Strong winds could cause treacherous driving conditions, as they can significantly impact vehicle steering and control, reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of roadway hazards such as fallen trees as well as debris. Because of these threats, and challenges specific to high-profile vehicles such as buses, most Midlands school districts have either canceled classes Monday or switched to e-learning from home.
Up to half an inch of rain is possible Monday in Columbia, when there’s a 100% chance of precipitation, the forecast shows. Other parts of the Midlands could get between an inch or and inch-and-a-half of rain from the thunderstorms where lightning is prominent, according to the National Weather Service.
Localized amounts could be higher, especially during thunderstorms.
Widespread flooding is not expected, but nuisance flooding is possible, the National Weather Service said.
Winds blow in a change of temperature
Temperatures are expected to reach highs in the 70s during the storms, according to the forecast.
When the rain and powerful winds move beyond the area, temperatures are forecast to drop considerably. Thermometers could fall below the freezing point overnight Monday into Tuesday morning, as a low of 31 degrees is possible in Columbia, the forecast shows.
A freeze warning has been issued for overnight Monday, and it’s scheduled to run through 10 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Following a brief thaw during the day Tuesday, when temperatures could reach the 50s, the mercury is expected to fall again overnight Tuesday, the forecast shows. A freeze watch has been issued for Tuesday night, as temperatures could drop into the 20s, the National Weather Service said.
Icy roads are not expected, according to the National Weather Service. The combination of continued winds and rain stopping early enough in the day should help prevent any accumulation on the ground, where temperatures should remain warm enough to avoid a freeze, the National Weather Service said.
By the end of the week, and into the weekend, thermometers will rise into the 70s under mostly sunny conditions, according to the forecast.
Storm preparations and response
Prior to Monday’s severe weather, the City of Columbia urged residents to take certain safety precautions:
- Secure any loose outdoor materials, furniture, or structures
- Bring inside any unsecured items that could be blown away and cause damage to property or pose a safety hazard
- Be aware that strong winds may result in downed trees, power lines, flying debris, and structural damage, which could lead to power outages, transportation disruptions, and potential injuries
- Stay away from downed power lines
If trees are down and blocking roadways, call the City of Columbia Forestry Division at 803-545-3860, or 803-545-3300 if it’s after 5 p.m.
To report power outages or downed power lines, contact Dominion Energy at 888-333-4465.
Source: City of Columbia
After the storm
If you are impacted by severe weather, there are a few important things to remember:
- Listen to local officials
- Remain updated on the forecast
- Contact loved ones by text or social media
- Use flashlights, not candles
- Be mindful of debris and downed power lines
Source: National Weather Service Columbia Office
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This story was originally published March 16, 2026 at 8:27 AM.
