Alert archive / South Carolina / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2024

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 104, NWS Columbia, SC

July 16, 2024Aiken County, Edgefield County, McCormick County, South Carolina; Columbia County, Richmond County, Georgia

NWS Columbia, SC issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 16, 2024, 4:44 PM EDT for Aiken County, Edgefield County, McCormick County, South Carolina; Columbia County, Richmond County, Georgia. It was in force for 31 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
Jul 16, 2024, 4:44 PM EDT (20:44 UTC)
Expired
Jul 16, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT
In force
31 min
Issued by
NWS Columbia, SC
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Columbia County, GA, Richmond County, GA, Aiken County, SC, Edgefield County, SC, McCormick County, SC

The radar

The Columbia radar (KCAE), 93 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:45 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

Charleston AFB, SC (KCHS), launched 12:00Z, 8.7 hours before the alert went out and 207 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, Charleston AFB, SC at 12:00Z on 2024-07-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1011 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, Charleston AFB, SC at 12:00Z on 2024-07-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 6 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 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
1011 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-72 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
899 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
12 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
6 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
22 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 Jul 16, 1:59 PM EDT, 2 hours 45 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 16, 1:59 PM EDT, 2 hours 45 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Columbia SC
159 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
Shower and thunderstorm chances increase during the mid-week
period as a trough sets up over the eastern US and a cold front
approaches from the northwest. This boundary is expected to stall
over the Southeastern US during the late week period keeping
elevated rain chances in the forecast. A gradual decrease in daytime
temperatures can be expected through Friday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Key Message(s):

- Hot and humid conditions once again with heat indices of 105+,
resulting in a Heat Advisory for the eastern central and  eastern
Midlands.
- Isolated to scattered thunderstorms possible once again this
afternoon and evening, with some strong winds possible.

Upper level trough over the upper Midwest this afternoon which
is expected to amplify a bit by this evening. A southern stream
low was located over TX with trough extending to the northeast
to TN. Short wave noted over north AL with convection developing
ahead of it in northwest GA. Upper ridging continues over
SC/east GA with axis over the Piedmont. At the surface, the
Piedmont trough remains in place with weak surface convergence
noted into the Midlands at 16z. Precipitable water remains high
near 2 inches with lower values to the west. The air mass is
moderately to strongly unstable at the moment mainly due to
strong diabatic heating and resulting steep low to mid level
lapse rates around 8.5C/km. With some mixing some drier low-
level air this afternoon, expect surface CAPE around 2500-3000
J/kg. The overall forcing today looks a little weaker than
yesterday with short waves mainly to the northwest of the area.
Convection may be focused near weak surface convergence near the
Piedmont trough/west Midlands/CSRA and sea breeze in the east.
Also, outflow boundaries from yesterday. The 12z HRRR shows
limited convective coverage, while the overall HREF suggests
scattered. NBM suggests scattered, so continued low chance pops
for the entire area this afternoon into the early evening then
diminishing. Temperatures running a little cooler than yesterday
at this time but expect highs in the mid to upper 90s. With the
high humidity, heat advisory for the east Midlands appears on
track. Muggy again tonight with lows in the mid to upper 70s.

&&

.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...
Key Message(s):

- Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms expected during
the afternoon and evening which may produce locally heavy rainfall
- A few thunderstorms may be strong with gusty winds as the primary
hazard
- Continued hot and humid but with lower Heat Index values

Upper trough will continue to dig into the eastern half of the CONUS
in response to a building ridge out west. Meanwhile, PWATs will
remain between 1.75 and 2.25 inches as moisture continues to move
into the region around the Bermuda High. The continued lack of
steering flow combined with the high moisture could result in areas
of localized heavy rainfall and potential hydrological issues due to
slow moving and/or training thunderstorms. The Day 2 CSU MLP
highlights a large area of higher wind probabilities that stretches
from the Pee Dee through Massachusetts. Given adequate instability
and inverted-V soundings, would not be surprised if we see a few
stronger thunderstorms which could produce locally gusty winds and
perhaps hail as well, similar to what we saw yesterday. Another hot
and humid day is expected with forecast peak heat index values just
below criteria. Will need to monitor for the possibility of one more
day of heat products but the likelihood appears lower at this time.
Having said that, time outdoors should be limited during peak
heating regardless of whether a Heat Advisory is issued.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Key Message(s):

- A stalled frontal bounday will keep shower and thunderstorm
chances in the forecast through the period
- Near to below normal daytime temperatures expected starting on
Friday

A cold front approaches the region on Thursday, stalling across the
Southeastern US. The front, combined with passing short waves, are
expected to promote the development of scattered to numerous showers
and thunderstorms each day through the extended with widespread rain
most likely Thursday and Friday. The potential for locally heavy
rainfall and possible flash flooding in addition to a few stronger
thunderstorms producing localized wind gusts will continue through
the long term. Due to the expected increase in cloud cover and
higher rain chances, temperatures are expected to be lower on
Thursday with near to below normal values likely for the remainder
of the period.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
VFR conditions generally expected through the TAF period.

Weak surface trough over the area may provide some convergence.
Air mass is moderately to strongly unstable. Scattered cumulus
will develop through the afternoon. Forcing for convection
limited to low level convergence. Expect scattered thunderstorms
this afternoon but confidence too low to include in terminals at
this time. Any convection should diminish after 00z. So
scattered cumulus with some higher mid level clouds by evening.
Winds southwest 10 knots with a few higher gusts this afternoon.
Models show a low-level jet tonight around 20 knots so south-
southwest winds may stay up overnight but less than 10
knots.

EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Typical summertime afternoon
showers and thunderstorms may cause periodic restrictions each
day with abundant moisture causing possible, brief early morning
restrictions around sunrise.

&&

.CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SC...Heat Advisory until 7 PM EDT this evening for SCZ016-022-
     027>029-031-037-038-041-115-116-135>137.
GA...None.

&&

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 16, 3:57 PM EDT, 47 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
357 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0237 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     9 W Saint Matthews      33.68N 80.93W
07/16/2024                   Calhoun            SC   Dept of Highways

            Reported a tree down near the intersection
            of Bull Swamp Road and Fringetree Road. The
            tree was across the road and was struck by a
            vehicle. Injuries unknown at this time.

&&

LCV
Special weather statement, Jul 16, 4:04 PM EDT, 40 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
404 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

GAZ065-077-SCZ030-035-162030-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-
404 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Burke,
eastern Richmond, west central Barnwell and southwestern Aiken
Counties through 430 PM EDT...

At 404 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Jackson, or 9 miles west of Savannah River Site, moving northeast at
15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Savannah River Site, New Ellenton, Jackson, Audubon's Silver Bluff
Sanctuary, Savannah River Site Badge Office, Savannah River Site H
Canyon, and Shell Bluff Landing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3322 8178 3321 8178 3321 8180 3325 8185
      3326 8185 3326 8183 3329 8186 3331 8184
      3330 8188 3333 8190 3334 8190 3332 8191
      3334 8192 3350 8169 3334 8149 3319 8176
TIME...MOT...LOC 2004Z 221DEG 12KT 3330 8182

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

MG
Special weather statement, Jul 16, 4:13 PM EDT, 31 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 16, 4:31 PM EDT, 13 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jul 16, 4:35 PM EDT, 9 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 16, 4:41 PM EDT, 3 minutes before
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The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 15, 8:15 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAERichland46 min
Jul 15, 8:47 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEOrangeburg43 min
Jul 15, 8:49 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEEdgefield41 min
Jul 15, 9:13 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEAiken, Edgefield32 min
Jul 15, 10:14 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAELancaster46 min
Jul 15, 10:43 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELancaster17 min
Jul 16, 2:56 AM EDTHeat AdvisoryCAEBamberg, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lancaster and 5 more14 hr
Jul 16, 2:08 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEAiken52 min
Jul 16, 2:29 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAERichland46 min
Jul 16, 2:39 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEKershaw, Richland, Sumter36 min
Jul 16, 2:41 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAECalhoun49 min
Jul 16, 2:54 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEKershaw, Lee, Richland, Sumter36 min
Jul 16, 3:12 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAECalhoun, Lexington, Richland33 min
Jul 16, 3:15 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEClarendon30 min
Jul 16, 3:23 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAELee, Sumter52 min
Jul 16, 3:49 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAECalhoun, Orangeburg56 min
Jul 16, 3:59 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAECalhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, Sumter46 min
Jul 16, 4:04 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEAiken26 min
Jul 16, 4:13 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELee47 min
Jul 16, 4:41 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEOrangeburg34 min
Jul 16, 4:47 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEClarendon58 min
Jul 16, 5:42 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEBamberg, Orangeburg63 min
Jul 16, 6:22 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELexington38 min
Jul 16, 7:09 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEBamberg, Barnwell36 min
Jul 16, 3:39 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEColumbia, McDuffie, Richmond51 min
Jul 16, 3:46 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELincoln29 min
Jul 16, 3:57 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEBurke, Columbia, McDuffie, Richmond48 min
Jul 16, 4:31 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEColumbia29 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Carolina, 2024Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Georgia, 2024Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2024

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.