Alert archive / South Carolina / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 113, NWS Columbia, SC

August 11, 2026Lancaster County, South Carolina

NWS Columbia, SC issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Aug 11, 2026, 7:17 PM EDT for Lancaster County, South Carolina. It was in force for 28 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 11, 2026, 7:17 PM EDT (23:17 UTC)
Expired
Aug 11, 2026, 7:45 PM EDT
In force
28 min
Issued by
NWS Columbia, SC
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
0.88 in
Wind
60.0 mph

County Lancaster County, SC

The radar

The Columbia radar (KCAE), 112 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:19 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

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 12:00Z, 11.3 hours before the alert went out and 154 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, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 12:00Z on 2026-08-11Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1951 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, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 12:00Z on 2026-08-11The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -96 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
1951 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-89 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
941 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
18 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-96 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
47 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

234 
WUUS52 KCAE 112317
SVRCAE
SCC057-112345-
/O.NEW.KCAE.SV.W.0113.260811T2317Z-260811T2345Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Columbia SC
717 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northwestern Lancaster County in central South Carolina...

* Until 745 PM EDT.

* At 717 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Indian Land,
  and is nearly stationary.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and powerlines.

* Locations impacted include...
  Indian Land, Andrew Jackson State Park, Van Wyck, Carolina Commons
  Shopping Center, and Community of Almond Glen.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

LAT...LON 3493 8078 3483 8080 3483 8089 3484 8087
      3486 8088 3490 8088 3493 8086 3496 8087
      3501 8091 3503 8090 3505 8091 3507 8090
TIME...MOT...LOC 2317Z 009DEG 3KT 3497 8086 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

BC
1 follow-up statement
609 
WWUS52 KCAE 112345
SVSCAE

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
745 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

SCC057-112355-
/O.EXP.KCAE.SV.W.0113.000000T0000Z-260811T2345Z/
Lancaster SC-
745 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN LANCASTER COUNTY
HAS EXPIRED...

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 has been allowed to expire.

LAT...LON 3493 8078 3483 8080 3483 8089 3484 8087
      3486 8088 3490 8088 3493 8086 3496 8087
      3501 8091 3503 8090 3505 8091 3507 8090
TIME...MOT...LOC 2345Z 009DEG 3KT 3495 8086 

$$

BC

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 11, 2:05 PM EDT, 5 hours 12 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1. Storms with strong downburst winds possible through Thu
  • 2. Above normal temperatures likely, Heat Advisory possible, through early next week.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 11, 2:05 PM EDT, 5 hours 12 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Columbia SC
205 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Diurnal shower and thunderstorm coverage appears isolated over
the next few days. However there is a chance for more organized
convection and severe weather to enter the northern FA late
today and Wednesday.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1. Storms with strong downburst winds possible through Thu

- 2. Above normal temperatures likely, Heat Advisory possible,
  through early next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
- 1. Storms with strong downburst winds possible through Thu

Upper level ridging to our west will allow several disturbances
to dig into the Carolinas today through early Thursday. In
addition to typical diurnally driven storms, there is some
potential for organized convection from decaying MCSs upstream.
Mid-level dry air will allow for DCAPE values in excess of 1000
J/kg today and Wednesday so any diurnally driven pulse-
convection will pose a threat of isolated downburst winds.

In terms of a more widespread wind threat, MCSs are expected to
develop in the Midwest and dig into the Mid Atlantic States by
the late evening time frame. In this setup, we typically see a
decaying MCSs digging into the northern FA well after peak
heating. However, there are times when convection persists
longer than models anticipate leading to a cold pool driven line
of storms causing scattered power outages and wind damage.
These lines of storms will be possible this evening and again
Wednesday morning or mid-day.

- 2. Above normal temperatures likely, Heat Advisory possible,
  through early next week.

Northwest, downslope flow and rising heights favor above normal
temperatures through much of the 7 day forecast period. If
convection does not hamper heating, we will likely have highs in
the mid 90s to upper 90s. The NBM may be too warm given its
verification through the spring/summer season however highs of
around 100 degrees can't be ruled out late this week and early
next week as ridging builds overhead. Heat Index values should
range from 100 to 105 through Friday with values in the 105 to
110 range possible Thursday and Friday. That said with
convection possible both days confidence in reaching Heat
Advisory is low at this time.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Relatively high confidence in VFR conditions through much of the
TAF forecast period.

Showers and thunderstorms have begun to develop in portions of
GA at the time of this update. Confidence has increased that
this activity could affect AGS, DNL, and/or AIK this afternoon.
Expect gusty and erratic winds and typical restrictions should a
storm affect these terminals. The probability of CAE, CUB, and
OGB being affected by showers and storms this afternoon and
evening remains low at this time. There is some guidance
suggesting additional activity overnight, but confidence is too
low to include in the TAFs at this time. Outside of shower and
thunderstorm activity, generally west winds 5 to 10 kts can be
expected this afternoon and after about 15z tomorrow, with
lighter winds overnight. Additionally, VFR conditions are also
anticipated through the TAF period.

EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...A hot and drier weather pattern
develops through the week. Convective coverage will likely be
low and restrictions likely minimal as highs push into the upper
90s.

&&

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

&&

DISCUSSION...CJR
AVIATION...29

In the hours before

Local storm report, Aug 11, 1:34 PM EDT, 5 hours 43 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
134 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

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

0140 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     4 NNW Grovetown         33.50N 82.23W
08/10/2026                   Columbia           GA   Trained Spotter

            Trained spotter shared image on social media
            of tree down on powerline. Time estimated by
            radar.

&&

BC
Special weather statement, Aug 11, 3:07 PM EDT, 4 hours 10 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
307 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

SCZ030-035-111930-
Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-
307 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern
Barnwell and south central Aiken Counties through 330 PM EDT...

At 307 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Savannah River Site, moving southeast 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...
Savannah River Site, Snelling, Savannah River Site H Canyon, and
Savannah River Site K Complex.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3313 8173 3317 8177 3320 8176 3321 8178
      3321 8179 3333 8170 3323 8139 3314 8146
      3316 8154 3309 8162 3309 8165
TIME...MOT...LOC 1907Z 301DEG 13KT 3322 8169

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

CJR
Special weather statement, Aug 11, 3:41 PM EDT, 3 hours 36 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
341 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

GAZ065-077-SCZ030-035-112030-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-
341 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

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

At 340 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Jackson, or 12 miles southeast of Augusta, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts 40 to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Barnwell, Savannah River Site, Plant Vogtle, Jackson, McBean,
Snelling, Audubon's Silver Bluff Sanctuary, Savannah River Site Badge
Office, Savannah River Site H Canyon, Bennock Mill, Savannah River
Site K Complex, Shell Bluff Landing, and Barnwell County Airport.

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 3326 8201 3339 8186 3327 8133 3313 8144
      3316 8154 3310 8162 3307 8159 3306 8156
      3304 8156 3305 8154 3302 8158
TIME...MOT...LOC 1940Z 290DEG 21KT 3332 8186

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

HC
Special weather statement, Aug 11, 5:00 PM EDT, 2 hours 17 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
500 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

GAZ065-077-SCZ030-035-112145-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-
500 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Burke,
southeastern Richmond, southwestern Barnwell and southwestern Aiken
Counties through 545 PM EDT...

At 500 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Savannah River Site, moving southeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch 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, Plant Vogtle, Jackson, Snelling, Shell Bluff
Landing, Audubon's Silver Bluff Sanctuary, Savannah River Site Badge
Office, Savannah River Site H Canyon, Bennock Mill, and Savannah
River Site K Complex.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3324 8199 3340 8181 3329 8140 3306 8166
TIME...MOT...LOC 2100Z 300DEG 10KT 3324 8177

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

BC
Special weather statement, Aug 11, 7:02 PM EDT, 15 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
702 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

SCZ115-116-112345-
Northern Lancaster SC-Southern Lancaster SC-
702 PM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Lancaster County through 745 PM EDT...

At 701 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Central Charlotte, or near Uptown Charlotte, moving south at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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...
Indian Land, Waxhaw, Andrew Jackson State Park, Van Wyck, Carolina
Commons Shopping Center, and Community of Almond Glen.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3493 8078 3483 8080 3483 8089 3484 8087
      3486 8088 3490 8088 3493 8086 3496 8087
      3501 8091 3503 8090 3505 8091 3507 8090
TIME...MOT...LOC 2301Z 340DEG 22KT 3519 8093

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

BC

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 11, 3:07 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEBarnwell23 min
Aug 11, 3:41 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEBarnwell49 min
Aug 11, 4:08 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEAiken, Barnwell52 min
Aug 11, 5:00 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEBarnwell45 min
Aug 11, 5:38 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAEAiken, Barnwell2 hr
Aug 11, 7:43 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEChesterfield47 min

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.