Alert archive / South Carolina / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 101, NWS Columbia, SC
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.
- 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.
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
$$
PL1 follow-up statement
712 WWUS52 KCAE 061756 SVSCAE Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Columbia SC 156 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026 SCC003-009-011-075-061806- /O.EXP.KCAE.SV.W.0101.000000T0000Z-260806T1800Z/ Barnwell SC-Bamberg SC-Aiken SC-Orangeburg SC- 156 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026 ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN BARNWELL... NORTHWESTERN BAMBERG...EAST CENTRAL AIKEN AND WEST CENTRAL ORANGEBURG COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 200 PM EDT... The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service Columbia. LAT...LON 3318 8118 3321 8143 3356 8137 3353 8101 TIME...MOT...LOC 1756Z 190DEG 12KT 3342 8123 $$ 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
PLSpecial 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
PLSpecial 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
PLThe 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, 1:21 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, 4:30 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CAE | Lexington, Newberry, Saluda | 2 hr |
| 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
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.