Alert archive / South Carolina / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 101, NWS Columbia, SC

August 6, 20264 counties in South Carolina

NWS Columbia, SC issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Aug 6, 2026, 1:18 PM EDT for 4 counties in South Carolina. It was in force for 42 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Aug 6, 2026, 1:18 PM EDT (17:18 UTC)
Expired
Aug 6, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT
In force
42 min
Issued by
NWS Columbia, SC
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
0.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Aiken County, SC, Bamberg County, SC, Barnwell County, SC, Orangeburg County, SC

The radar

The Columbia radar (KCAE), 69 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:18 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this severe thunderstorm warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

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, 5.3 hours before the alert went out and 125 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 2026-08-06Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2265 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 2026-08-06The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 27 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
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

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

639 
WUUS52 KCAE 061718
SVRCAE
SCC003-009-011-075-061800-
/O.NEW.KCAE.SV.W.0101.260806T1718Z-260806T1800Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Columbia SC
118 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northeastern Barnwell County in central South Carolina...
  Northwestern Bamberg County in central South Carolina...
  East central Aiken County in central South Carolina...
  West central Orangeburg County in central South Carolina...

* Until 200 PM EDT.

* At 117 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Barnwell
  State Park, or near Denmark, moving north at 15 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and prolific cloud to ground lightning 
           strikes.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and powerlines.

* Locations impacted include...
  Barnwell, Denmark, Williston, Blackville, Barnwell State Park,
  Springfield, Hilda, Neeses, Norway, Olar, Elko, Govan, and Barnwell
  County Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading
killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 3318 8118 3321 8143 3356 8137 3353 8101
TIME...MOT...LOC 1717Z 190DEG 12KT 3331 8125 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

PL
1 follow-up statement
712 
WWUS52 KCAE 061756
SVSCAE

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
156 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCC003-009-011-075-061806-
/O.EXP.KCAE.SV.W.0101.000000T0000Z-260806T1800Z/
Barnwell SC-Bamberg SC-Aiken SC-Orangeburg SC-
156 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN BARNWELL...
NORTHWESTERN BAMBERG...EAST CENTRAL AIKEN AND WEST CENTRAL ORANGEBURG
COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 200 PM EDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.  However, gusty
winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
Columbia.

LAT...LON 3318 8118 3321 8143 3356 8137 3353 8101
TIME...MOT...LOC 1756Z 190DEG 12KT 3342 8123 

$$

PL

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 6, 6:59 AM EDT, 6 hours 19 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1. Diurnal showers and storms each day through the period.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 6, 6:59 AM EDT, 6 hours 19 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Columbia SC
659 AM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Early morning showers and storms should diminish over the next
few hours. Heat and humidity continue, with diurnal chances for
showers/thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Aviation
discussion updated for 12z TAFs.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1. Diurnal showers and storms each day through the period.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
- 1. Diurnal showers and storms each day through the period.

Rounds of showers and thunderstorms continue to move through
the area from the west along remnant outflow boundaries.
However, convection has started to weaken, especially as it
approaches the I-20 corridor. Any lingering activity should
dissipate into the early morning hours.

Little change has been made in the overall forecast. The weak
upper level low that has been spinning over the southern
Appalachians is finally being absorbed into a digging longwave
trough extending south from the Great Lakes. In its wake,
guidance remains in good agreement that a low-amplitude,
seasonably strong ridge centered just to our south will build in
by the weekend. Deep-layer southwesterly flow will maintain
elevated PWATs through the end of the week. A classic summertime
pattern will persist as 500mb heights climb to around the 90th
percentile for early August. Highs will remain in the low to mid
90s with daily afternoon and evening showers/thunderstorms.
With PWATs generally between 1.8-2", expect typical summertime
convection. While a few stronger storms cannot be ruled out,
widespread severe weather is not expected. However, efficient
rainfall rates and slow storm motions may result in localized
flash flooding.

&&

.AVIATION /12Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
Ceiling and visibility restrictions possible once again through
sunrise this morning.  Otherwise expecting VFR conditions to
be likely outside of isolated storms.

Showers have finally dissipated this morning, with only some
left over mid and upper level cloudiness remaining around
sunrise. Although a brief mvfr restriction can not be completely
ruled out through 14z, expect enough cloudiness to remain to
keep conditions vfr at all locations.

For much of the daytime hours after 14z, ceilings should
continue to be vfr, with cumulus returning for most of the day.
Much like the past several days, similar coverage of isolated
afternoon and evening showers/thunderstorms is expected to
develop. Current probabilities support keeping the PROB30
group at least into the evening hours. After showers dissipate
tonight, winds will go light to calm, and with lingering low-
level moisture can not rule out a return of mvfr or lower
restrictions. Confidence is somewhat on the lower side right
now, so will only start lowering visibilities ever so slightly
to low end vfr towards midnight. Later issuances could end up
trending into mvfr late tonight.

EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Diurnal thunderstorms expected
this week with early morning restrictions possible.

&&

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

&&

DISCUSSION...ND
AVIATION...73

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 6, 12:59 PM EDT, 19 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
1259 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCZ021-022-027-028-037-061800-
Fairfield SC-Lexington SC-Calhoun SC-Richland SC-Kershaw SC-
1259 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Fairfield, northwestern Calhoun, central Lexington, western Richland
and west central Kershaw Counties through 200 PM EDT...

At 1259 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking multiple strong
thunderstorms over Lexington and Richland Counties, moving north at
15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Forest Acres,
Winnsboro, Springdale, St. Andrews, Dentsville, Oak Grove, Highway 6
at Lake Murray Dam, Red Bank, South Congaree, Pine Ridge, Arcadia
Lakes, Columbia International University, Harbison State Forest,
Sesquicentennial State Park, and SC State Fair Grounds.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 126 between mile markers 0 and 3.
 Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 50 and 78.
 Interstate 26 between mile markers 95 and 122.
 Interstate 77 between mile markers 0 and 39.

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.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3383 8097 3392 8131 3444 8122 3433 8078
TIME...MOT...LOC 1659Z 194DEG 15KT 3401 8114

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

PL
Special weather statement, Aug 6, 1:01 PM EDT, 17 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
101 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCZ030-035-041-135-136-061800-
Central Orangeburg SC-Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-Bamberg SC-
Northwestern Orangeburg SC-
101 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Barnwell,
northwestern Bamberg, east central Aiken and west central Orangeburg
Counties through 200 PM EDT...

At 101 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Barnwell, 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...
Barnwell, Williston, Blackville, Barnwell State Park, Springfield,
Hilda, Salley, Neeses, Norway, Snelling, Kline, Elko, Aiken Gopher
Tortoise Heritage Preserve, and Barnwell County Airport.

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 3316 8154 3360 8143 3353 8107 3311 8128
      3311 8136
TIME...MOT...LOC 1701Z 194DEG 15KT 3323 8139

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

PL
Special weather statement, Aug 6, 1:10 PM EDT, 8 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
110 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

GAZ040-064-065-SCZ018-025-061815-
Richmond GA-Lincoln GA-Columbia GA-McCormick SC-Edgefield SC-
110 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Columbia,
eastern Lincoln, central Richmond, southwestern Edgefield and
southeastern McCormick Counties through 215 PM EDT...

At 109 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Grovetown, moving north at 15 mph.

...Boaters on Lake Strom Thurmond Should Seek Safe Harbor...

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and numerous cloud to ground
         lightning strikes.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Martinez, Fort Gordon, Edgefield,
Harlem, South Augusta, Clarks Hill Recreation Area, Riverwood,
Augusta Mall, Daniel Field, Hamilton Branch State Park, Village Plaza
Shopping Center, Augusta National Golf Club, J. Strom Thurmond Dam,
Parksville, Poverty Hill, Glenn Hills, and Scott's Landing.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 185 and 201.
 Interstate 20 in South Carolina near mile marker 0.
 Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 6.

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 3383 8222 3377 8191 3354 8200 3353 8201
      3352 8201 3334 8208 3339 8232
TIME...MOT...LOC 1709Z 194DEG 15KT 3347 8217

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

PL

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 5, 11:49 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAELexington, Newberry, Saluda116 min
Aug 6, 1:37 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAEAiken, Edgefield113 min
Aug 6, 3:28 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAEAiken, Edgefield2 hr
Aug 6, 12:59 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEFairfield, Richland61 min
Aug 6, 1:01 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEBarnwell59 min
Aug 6, 1:10 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEEdgefield65 min
Aug 6, 1:21 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEClarendon54 min
Aug 6, 1:28 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEFairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Richland47 min
Aug 6, 1:56 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAELexington, Richland3 hr
Aug 6, 2:02 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEBamberg58 min
Aug 6, 2:14 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAERichland61 min
Aug 6, 2:15 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAELexington, Richland3 hr
Aug 6, 2:20 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEMcCormick55 min
Aug 6, 2:22 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELexington53 min
Aug 6, 2:32 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningCAELexington, Richland3 hr
Aug 6, 2:34 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEAiken, Calhoun, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland41 min
Aug 6, 2:37 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEEdgefield, McCormick38 min
Aug 6, 2:53 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAECalhoun, Richland67 min
Aug 6, 3:10 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAECalhoun, Lexington, Richland50 min
Aug 6, 3:11 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningCAELexington, Richland114 min
Aug 6, 3:18 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningCAEAiken, Edgefield3 hr
Aug 6, 3:20 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEEdgefield55 min
Aug 6, 3:32 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAENewberry, Saluda58 min
Aug 6, 3:50 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAELexington55 min
Aug 6, 3:55 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEEdgefield, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda50 min
Aug 6, 3:59 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEChesterfield, Kershaw76 min
Aug 6, 4:04 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAEAiken, Edgefield, Lexington, Newberry, Saluda88 min
Aug 6, 4:30 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningCAELexington, Newberry, Saluda2 hr
Aug 6, 4:40 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEChesterfield, Kershaw, Lancaster35 min
Aug 6, 5:18 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAEFairfield, Newberry3 hr

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Carolina, 2026Every severe thunderstorm 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.