Alert archive / South Carolina / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2019

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 123, NWS Columbia, SC

August 18, 2019Fairfield County, Kershaw County, Richland County, South Carolina

NWS Columbia, SC issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Aug 18, 2019, 3:40 PM EDT for Fairfield County, Kershaw County, Richland County, South Carolina. It was in force for 35 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 18, 2019, 3:40 PM EDT (19:40 UTC)
Expired
Aug 18, 2019, 4:15 PM EDT
In force
35 min
Issued by
NWS Columbia, SC
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Fairfield County, SC, Kershaw County, SC, Richland County, SC

The radar

The Columbia radar (KCAE), 41 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:43 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA (KFFC), launched 12:00Z, 7.7 hours before the alert went out and 349 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 12:00Z on 2019-08-18Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 280 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 12:00Z on 2019-08-18The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -23 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
280 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-147 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1230 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
10 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-23 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-1 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Columbia, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Aug 18, 1:46 PM EDT, 1 hour 54 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 18, 1:46 PM EDT, 1 hour 54 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Columbia SC
146 PM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

.SYNOPSIS...
High pressure in the Atlantic will direct a moist flow into the
forecast area through much of the week. Weak troughing will
linger locally. The pattern supports a chance of mainly
afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Temperatures will be a
little above normal.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Surface ridge offshore with weak upper trough over the
Southeastern States. Temperatures have been a little slower to
rise through the day due to persistent stratus this morning.
Stronger heating occurring north of CAE. Meso- analysis at 17z
indicating moderate instability developing with ML cape around
2000 J/kg. Pockets of stronger instability also developing in
the area due to relatively steep low level lapse rates. Low-
level moisture pooling near west Midlands as dew points higher
near weak Piedmont trough. Models suggesting convection may
develop in the north Midlands where stronger heating located and
possible outflow from Mountain convection. Moisture appears
lower with dry mid level air/precipitable water lower than
previous days. Deeper moisture along the coastal plain so a few
showers/thunderstorms may develop to the southeast. Still
potential for isolated severe pulse storm especially in the
Piedmont and north Midlands where DCAPE above 1000 J/kg.
Continued low chance pops this afternoon and evening/scattered-
widely scattered coverage with weak upper level triggers.
Convection should diminish by mid to late evening. Expect
stratus to develop across the CSRA and spread north toward
daybreak. Fog threat lower due to stronger low- level jet in
south flow. Persistence with overnight temperatures with lows in
the low to mid 70s.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
Surface high pressure in the Atlantic will direct a south flow
into the forecast area. Persistent upper trough over the area
with ridge out west and offshore. Models suggest weak sub-
tropical low remnant over the Panhandle of Florida will move
north into GA and possibly SC. This will result in at least an
increase in low-mid level moisture with precipitable water
increase to above 2 inches especially in the southern CWA.
Continued forecast of scattered afternoon and evening
thunderstorms both days with temperatures remaining above
normal in the low to mid 90s. Max heat index near 100 degrees.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
The GFS and ECMWF indicate little change in the pattern through
midweek. The surface southerly flow is forecast to continue on
the backside of high pressure off the Southeast Coast. The
models depict a weakness in upper ridging over the forecast
area. Expect scattered mainly afternoon and evening
thunderstorms with temperatures a little above normal. There
may be increased thunderstorm coverage late in the period/next
weekend ahead of a northern stream shortwave trough and its
associated cold front. This is supported by blended guidance so
trended higher pops by Sat/Sun and slightly lower temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
17Z satellite showing stratus beginning to scatter out over portions
of the Midlands and CSRA early this afternoon.  Stratus hung around
a little longer than anticipated and will likely delay convection
initiation until mid afternoon in most areas. Radar is quiet at 17z.
Expect convective activity to begin after 19z.

Weak left over surface boundaries from Saturday evening's
thunderstorm activity coupled with afternoon heating should be
enough to initiate scattered convection.  Models also hinting at a
weak upper level trough moving across the area this evening. With
uncertain timing and location for initiation will hold off on
mentioning VCTS at TAF sites. Next shift can watch radar trends and
adjust as needed. Light surface winds will generally be out of the
south through the afternoon into the evening.

Both model guidance and persistence favors areas of stratus building
into the region from the south early Monday morning. Going to trend
ceilings down after 0819 Monday morning 10z and trend up again after
14z.

EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Seasonal conditions are expected with
periods of restrictions in the early morning from low stratus or
fog. Then additional restrictions possible in the afternoon and
evening from widely scattered convection.

&&

.CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
SC...None.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 18, 4:01 AM EDT, 11 hours 39 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Columbia SC
401 AM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035>038-041-115-116-
190945-
Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-Chesterfield-McCormick-
Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Edgefield-Saluda-Lexington-Richland-Lee-
Aiken-Sumter-Barnwell-Orangeburg-Calhoun-Clarendon-Bamberg-
Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster-
401 AM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Midlands of South Carolina
and the Central Savannah River area of Georgia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 18, 2:00 PM EDT, 1 hour 40 minutes before
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Local storm report, Aug 18, 2:01 PM EDT, 1 hour 39 minutes before
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      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
      <p id="message1">
        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
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Local storm report, Aug 18, 2:51 PM EDT, 49 minutes before
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</head>
<body>
  <main class="wrap">
    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
      <p id="message1">
        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
      </p>
      <p id="message2">
        Please try again in a few minutes.
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        If you are an administrator, restore upstream service and remove the redirect/fallback rule when normal operations resume.
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Special weather statement, Aug 18, 3:03 PM EDT, 37 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
303 PM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

SCZ021-022-181945-
Fairfield SC-Kershaw SC-
303 PM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of southeastern
Fairfield and west central Kershaw Counties Until 345 PM EDT....

...Boaters on Lake Wateree Should Seek Safe Harbor...

At 302 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Longtown, or 9 miles east of Winnsboro,
moving west at 10 mph.

  HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph and pea sized hail.

  IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
           light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
           trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
           unlikely.

Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Winnsboro, Lake Wateree Dam, Lake Wateree State Park, Longtown,
Ridgeway, Winnsboro Mills, Fairfield Elementary School, Smallwood,
Lake Wateree near Highway 97 and Fairfield County Detention Center.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Boaters on Lake Wateree should move to shore and seek shelter.
Strong, erratic wind gusts and lightning are possible. If you can
hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

This storm may intensify. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and
television stations for additional information and possible warnings
from the National Weather Service.

&&

This includes Interstate 77 between mile markers 31 and 45.

LAT...LON 3433 8064 3424 8108 3447 8116 3448 8089
      3446 8088 3448 8084 3448 8081
TIME...MOT...LOC 1902Z 084DEG 10KT 3437 8093

RC
Special weather statement, Aug 18, 3:24 PM EDT, 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
324 PM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

SCZ021-022-028-182015-
Fairfield SC-Richland SC-Kershaw SC-
324 PM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of east central
Fairfield...north central Richland and southwestern Kershaw Counties
Until 415 PM EDT....

...Boaters on Lake Wateree Should Seek Safe Harbor...

At 324 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Lake Wateree Dam, moving south at 5 mph.

  HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph, pea sized hail, excessive
           cloud to ground lightning and localized minor flooding.

  IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
           light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
           trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
           unlikely. All outdoor activities should cease. Move
           indoors immediately. Localized, minor flooding of low
           lying and poor drainage areas is also possible.

Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Camden, Lake Wateree Dam, Lugoff, Lake Carolina, Elgin, Longtown,
Pine Grove Fire Station and North Towne Square Shopping Center.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Boaters on Lake Wateree should move to shore and seek shelter.
Strong, erratic wind gusts and lightning are possible. If you can
hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Heavy rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may cause localized
flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

Move indoors immediately.  Excessive cloud to ground lightning is
occurring with this storm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.

This storm may intensify. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and
television stations for additional information and possible warnings
from the National Weather Service.

&&

This includes Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 92
and 99.

LAT...LON 3434 8089 3438 8068 3422 8054 3414 8092
TIME...MOT...LOC 1924Z 347DEG 6KT 3430 8076

RC
Special weather statement, Aug 18, 3:31 PM EDT, 9 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
331 PM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

SCZ021-182015-
Fairfield SC-
331 PM EDT Sun Aug 18 2019

...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of northeastern
Fairfield County Until 415 PM EDT....

...Boaters on Lake Wateree Should Seek Safe Harbor...

At 330 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Blackstock, or 11 miles north of Winnsboro,
moving southeast at 5 mph.

  HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph, up to penny sized hail,
           excessive cloud to ground lightning and localized minor
           flooding.

  IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
           light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
           trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
           unlikely. All outdoor activities should cease. Move
           indoors immediately. Localized, minor flooding of low
           lying and poor drainage areas is also possible.

Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Winnsboro, Winnsboro Mills, Fairfield Elementary School, White Oak,
Mitford, Blackstock and Fairfield County Detention Center.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Boaters on Lake Wateree should move to shore and seek shelter.
Strong, erratic wind gusts and lightning are possible. If you can
hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Heavy rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may cause localized
flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

Move indoors immediately.  Excessive cloud to ground lightning is
occurring with this storm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.

This storm may intensify. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio and
television stations for additional information and possible warnings
from the National Weather Service.

&&

This includes Interstate 77 between mile markers 39 and 51.

LAT...LON 3455 8100 3455 8092 3451 8088 3449 8090
      3447 8089 3444 8086 3432 8110 3454 8120
      3456 8116
TIME...MOT...LOC 1930Z 327DEG 6KT 3454 8108

RC

The office that day

Everything else NWS Columbia, SC issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 17, 8:18 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEFairfield, Newberry, Saluda42 min
Aug 17, 8:59 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEEdgefield, Lexington, Newberry, Richland, Saluda61 min
Aug 17, 10:32 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEEdgefield, McCormick58 min
Aug 18, 2:00 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEFairfield30 min
Aug 18, 3:03 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEFairfield42 min
Aug 18, 3:24 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEKershaw51 min
Aug 18, 3:31 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEFairfield44 min
Aug 18, 3:52 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELancaster38 min
Aug 18, 4:15 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEChesterfield, Lancaster30 min
Aug 18, 4:52 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAEChesterfield, Lancaster113 min
Aug 18, 5:03 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEChesterfield42 min
Aug 18, 4:27 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELincoln48 min
Aug 18, 4:32 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAELincoln28 min
Aug 18, 5:00 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAELincoln2 hr

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Carolina, 2019Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.