Alert archive / South Carolina / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 22, NWS Columbia, SC
NWS Columbia, SC issued this flash flood warning at Aug 6, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT for Lexington County, Newberry County, Saluda County, South Carolina. It was in force for 2 hr. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Aug 6, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT (20:30 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 6, 2026, 6:48 PM EDT
- In force
- 2 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Columbia, SC
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
Counties Lexington County, SC, Newberry County, SC, Saluda County, SC
The radar
The Columbia radar (KCAE), 66 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:33 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 6, 5:00 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 5 Nne Saluda, SC | Saluda Dept of highways reported water flowing across the roadway due to heavy rain causing a creek to come out of its banks. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this flash flood warning; the first came 30 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The nearest sounding before it
Charleston AFB, SC (KCHS), launched 12:00Z, 8.5 hours before the alert went out and 216 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 2265 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -12 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 798 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 17 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 27 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 68 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
832
WGUS52 KCAE 062030
FFWCAE
SCC063-071-081-062330-
/O.NEW.KCAE.FF.W.0022.260806T2030Z-260806T2330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Columbia SC
430 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northwestern Lexington County in central South Carolina...
Southwestern Newberry County in central South Carolina...
Saluda County in central South Carolina...
* Until 730 PM EDT.
* At 430 PM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between
2.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is
0.5 to 1.5 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2
inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing
or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Batesburg-Leesville, Saluda, Dreher Island State Park, Gilbert,
Summit, Hollywood Elementary School, Wyses Ferry, Circle Fire
Station, Delmar, Riverbend Boat Ramp, Emory, Saluda High School,
Hickory Grove, Saluda Co Sheriff's Office, Scurry Airport, Lake
Murray Shores, Cedar Grove Fire Station, Fairview Fire Station,
South Shore Marina and Fredonia.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive through a flooded
roadway or around barricades. Turn around, don't drown.
&&
LAT...LON 3421 8194 3412 8130 3411 8128 3390 8134
3399 8200 3404 8195 3408 8193 3410 8190
3413 8187 3415 8190 3416 8191 3418 8190
3418 8192 3419 8192 3420 8194
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...0.5-1.5 INCHES IN 1 HOUR
$$
MEG1 follow-up statement
922
WGUS72 KCAE 062248
FFSCAE
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
648 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
SCC063-071-081-062258-
/O.CAN.KCAE.FF.W.0022.000000T0000Z-260806T2330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Lexington SC-Newberry SC-Saluda SC-
648 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR NORTHWESTERN LEXINGTON,
SOUTHWESTERN NEWBERRY AND SALUDA COUNTIES...
The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
&&
LAT...LON 3421 8194 3412 8130 3411 8128 3390 8134
3399 8200 3404 8195 3408 8193 3410 8190
3413 8187 3415 8190 3416 8191 3418 8190
3418 8192 3419 8192 3420 8194
$$
CJRWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood 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 flash flood warning went out at Aug 6, 1:36 PM EDT, 2 hours 54 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1. Diurnal strong showers and storms each day through the period.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 6, 1:36 PM EDT, 2 hours 54 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 136 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... Update to the Key Messages. Aviation discussion updated for 18z TAFs. && .KEY MESSAGES... - 1. Diurnal strong showers and storms each day through the period. && .DISCUSSION... - 1. Diurnal strong showers and storms each day through the period. Showers are storms are starting to develop both here and in the coastal plain. These will continue to expand in coverage over the next several hours, with numerous showers and thunderstorms expected across the area by mid to late afternoon. Strong storms are again possible today as forecast soundings reveal a profile favorable for wet microbursts. These shouldn't be as widespread as the convection though, but rainfall rates are expected to be high and lightning copious. Beyond today, upper level ridging is forecast to slowly build through the beginning of next week. 90th percentile heights will foster highs climbing back into the mid 90s, while PWs in the 1.8-2.0" range will continue to foster daily chances at showers and thunderstorms. The typical threats will likely be associated with these, with storm coverage a bit lower than today for most of the period. && .AVIATION /16Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... Showers and storms around this afternoon and evening. Scattered showers and storm will move through the region this afternoon causing periods of restrictions. Convective activity will be widespread and likely impact each TAF site before weakening later this evening. Combination of tempo and prob30 groups cover this potential for all TAF sites. Winds outside of convection will be gusty and variable with numerous outflows from the convection. Overnight into Friday morning, low stratus is likely for much of the region especially given the rainfall expected this evening. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Diurnal thunderstorms expected this week with early morning restrictions possible. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. GA...None. && DISCUSSION...PL AVIATION...42
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Aug 6, 3:32 PM EDT, 58 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
332 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
SCZ020-021-025-026-062030-
Fairfield SC-Newberry SC-Saluda SC-Edgefield SC-
332 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Fairfield, Newberry, northeastern Edgefield and Saluda Counties
through 430 PM EDT...
At 332 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northwest of Saluda, or 18 miles southeast of Greenwood, moving
northeast at 25 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...
Newberry, Saluda, Whitmire, Prosperity, Saluda County Airport,
Newberry College, Blackstock, Newberry County Airport, Blair,
Monticello, Lake Greenwood, Pomaria, Silverstreet, Saluda Co
Sheriff's Office, US-176 and SC-
34 Crossroads, Good Hope, Henderson Island, Belfast Wildlife
Management Area, Hollywood Elementary School, and Emory.
This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 62 and 84.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3456 8111 3383 8177 3397 8200 3413 8187
3420 8194 3430 8190 3437 8178 3453 8164
3445 8154 3449 8149 3450 8142 3457 8142
TIME...MOT...LOC 1932Z 222DEG 21KT 3408 8186
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
PLLocal storm report, Aug 6, 3:49 PM EDT, 41 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
349 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0342 PM Flash Flood 1 NNE Augusta Daniel Fi 33.49N 82.03W
08/06/2026 Richmond GA Public
Public report of flash flooding on Wheeler
Rd near Highland Ave. Flood waters above car
tires.
&&
CJRSpecial weather statement, Aug 6, 3:50 PM EDT, 40 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
350 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
SCZ020-021-025>028-030-062045-
Fairfield SC-Lexington SC-Aiken SC-Newberry SC-Richland SC-Saluda SC-
Edgefield SC-
350 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern
Fairfield, southeastern Newberry, east central Edgefield,
northwestern Lexington, eastern Saluda, north central Aiken and
northwestern Richland Counties through 445 PM EDT...
At 350 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Aiken Municipal Airport, or 13 miles north of Aiken, moving northeast
at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Lexington, Irmo, Batesburg-Leesville, VC Summer Nuclear Station,
Highway 6 at Lake Murray Dam, St. Andrews, Johnston, Ridge Spring,
Jenkinsville, Edgefield County Airport, Harbison State Forest, Dreher
Island State Park, Ballentine, Aiken Municipal Airport, Blythewood,
Chapin, Gilbert, Summit, Little Mountain, and Monetta.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 16 and 52.
Interstate 26 between mile markers 81 and 104.
Interstate 77 between mile markers 28 and 30.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3357 8165 3371 8191 3437 8139 3425 8095
TIME...MOT...LOC 1950Z 210DEG 14KT 3373 8172
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
PLSpecial weather statement, Aug 6, 3:59 PM EDT, 31 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
359 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
SCZ016-022-029-116-062115-
Chesterfield SC-Southern Lancaster SC-Kershaw SC-Lee SC-
359 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Lancaster, northern Lee, Chesterfield and northeastern Kershaw
Counties through 515 PM EDT...
At 359 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Cassatt, or 12 miles northeast of Camden, moving north 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...
Camden, Cheraw, Bishopville, Pageland, Kershaw, Chesterfield,
Westville, Cheraw State Park, Northeastern Technical College,
Cassatt, Cheraw Municipal Airport, Lee State Park, Carolina Sandhills
Wildlife Refuge, Mt Pisgah, Goodale State Park, Mcbee, Jefferson,
Society Hill, Ruby, and Patrick.
This includes Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers
120 and 126.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3460 7981 3453 7983 3449 7988 3449 8005
3437 8029 3432 8024 3437 8018 3432 8017
3423 8011 3420 8011 3417 8015 3429 8067
3482 8055 3481 7994 3476 7993 3474 7989
3468 7986 3465 7980 3462 7978
TIME...MOT...LOC 1959Z 191DEG 15KT 3435 8043
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
PLLocal storm report, Aug 6, 4:05 PM EDT, 25 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
405 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0306 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 4 SSE Red Bank 33.88N 81.22W
08/06/2026 Lexington SC Emergency Mngr
Lexington County Emergency Manager reports
trees down on power lines on Pleasant View
Dr near Hwy 6. Time estimated from radar.
&&
CJRLocal storm report, Aug 6, 4:26 PM EDT, 4 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
426 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0240 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 NNW Mistletoe SP 33.69N 82.41W
08/06/2026 Lincoln GA Law Enforcement
Lincoln County Dispatch reports trees down
on Mount Zion Church Rd near Salem Church
Rd. Time estimated from Radar.
0250 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 5 NNE Mistletoe SP 33.71N 82.35W
08/06/2026 Lincoln GA Law Enforcement
Lincoln County Dispatch reports trees down
on Augusta Hwy near Cherokee Park. Time
estimated from radar.
0257 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 8 NNE Mistletoe SP 33.74N 82.32W
08/06/2026 Lincoln GA Law Enforcement
Lincoln County Dispatch reports trees ans
power lines down on White Oak Rd near Double
Branches Rd. Time estimated from radar.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Columbia, SC issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 11:49 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Lexington, Newberry, Saluda | 116 min |
| Aug 6, 1:37 AM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Aiken, Edgefield | 113 min |
| Aug 6, 3:28 AM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Aiken, Edgefield | 2 hr |
| Aug 6, 12:59 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Fairfield, Richland | 61 min |
| Aug 6, 1:01 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Barnwell | 59 min |
| Aug 6, 1:10 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Edgefield | 65 min |
| Aug 6, 1:18 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Orangeburg | 42 min |
| Aug 6, 1:21 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Clarendon | 54 min |
| Aug 6, 1:28 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Richland | 47 min |
| Aug 6, 1:56 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Lexington, Richland | 3 hr |
| Aug 6, 2:02 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Bamberg | 58 min |
| Aug 6, 2:14 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Richland | 61 min |
| Aug 6, 2:15 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Lexington, Richland | 3 hr |
| Aug 6, 2:20 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | McCormick | 55 min |
| Aug 6, 2:22 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Lexington | 53 min |
| Aug 6, 2:32 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CAE | Lexington, Richland | 3 hr |
| Aug 6, 2:34 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Aiken, Calhoun, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland | 41 min |
| Aug 6, 2:37 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Edgefield, McCormick | 38 min |
| Aug 6, 2:53 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Calhoun, Richland | 67 min |
| Aug 6, 3:10 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Calhoun, Lexington, Richland | 50 min |
| Aug 6, 3:11 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CAE | Lexington, Richland | 114 min |
| Aug 6, 3:18 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CAE | Aiken, Edgefield | 3 hr |
| Aug 6, 3:20 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Edgefield | 55 min |
| Aug 6, 3:32 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Newberry, Saluda | 58 min |
| Aug 6, 3:50 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Lexington | 55 min |
| Aug 6, 3:55 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Edgefield, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda | 50 min |
| Aug 6, 3:59 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Chesterfield, Kershaw | 76 min |
| Aug 6, 4:04 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Aiken, Edgefield, Lexington, Newberry, Saluda | 88 min |
| Aug 6, 4:40 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Chesterfield, Kershaw, Lancaster | 35 min |
| Aug 6, 5:18 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Fairfield, Newberry | 3 hr |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in South Carolina, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.