Alert archive / Georgia / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 22, NWS Columbia, SC
NWS Columbia, SC issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 23, 2026, 3:11 PM EDT for Lincoln County, Georgia; McCormick County, South Carolina. It was in force for 32 min. 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
- May 23, 2026, 3:11 PM EDT (19:11 UTC)
- Expired
- May 23, 2026, 3:43 PM EDT
- In force
- 32 min
- Issued by
- NWS Columbia, SC
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Hail
- 1.0 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Lincoln County, GA, McCormick County, SC
The radar
The Greer radar (KGSP), 102 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 3:15 PM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sw Mccormick, SC | McCormick County dispatch reported several trees down within the county, including one on Hwy 378 West. |
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 severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 4 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
Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA (KFFC), launched 12:00Z, 7.2 hours before the alert went out and 203 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
- 371 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -37 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 630 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 26 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 125 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 204 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 1.2
The text
As transmitted.
100
WUUS52 KCAE 231911
SVRCAE
GAC181-SCC065-232000-
/O.NEW.KCAE.SV.W.0022.260523T1911Z-260523T2000Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Columbia SC
311 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northern Lincoln County in east central Georgia...
McCormick County in central South Carolina...
* Until 400 PM EDT.
* At 309 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Elijah Clark
State Park, or 19 miles south of Abbeville, moving northeast at 25
mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to trees and powerlines.
* Locations impacted include...
McCormick, Mccormick County Airport, Elijah Clark State Park, Plum
Branch, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Gill's Point, Bordeaux,
Hester's Ferry Campground, Mount Carmel, Baker Creek State Park,
Leroy's Ferry Recreation Area, Knox Scout Reservation, Willington,
Mount Carmel Park, Whitetown, Hawe Creek Campground, and Long Cane
Creek Picnic Area.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 3398 8261 3396 8256 3402 8259 3407 8253
3408 8248 3406 8245 3406 8233 3397 8230
3402 8225 3398 8220 3398 8212 3374 8227
3394 8263 3397 8264
TIME...MOT...LOC 1909Z 211DEG 21KT 3391 8241
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
MG1 follow-up statement
956
WWUS52 KCAE 231943
SVSCAE
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
343 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
GAC181-SCC065-231953-
/O.CAN.KCAE.SV.W.0022.000000T0000Z-260523T2000Z/
Lincoln GA-McCormick SC-
343 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHERN LINCOLN AND MCCORMICK
COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning has
been cancelled.
LAT...LON 3398 8261 3396 8256 3402 8259 3407 8253
3408 8248 3406 8245 3406 8233 3397 8230
3402 8225 3398 8220 3398 8212 3374 8227
3394 8263 3397 8264
TIME...MOT...LOC 1942Z 211DEG 21KT 3408 8228
$$
MGWhat 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 May 23, 1:45 PM EDT, 1 hour 26 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1. Widespread thunderstorms, a few of which may become strong to severe, and localized flash flooding through tonight.
- 2. Shower and thunderstorm chances continue through the upcoming week.
Area forecast discussion, May 23, 1:45 PM EDT, 1 hour 26 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 145 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... Widespread showers and storms are developing in the CSRA and will continue to push into the Midlands this afternoon and evening. Aviation discussion updated for 18z TAF. && .KEY MESSAGES... - 1. Widespread thunderstorms, a few of which may become strong to severe, and localized flash flooding through tonight. - 2. Shower and thunderstorm chances continue through the upcoming week. && .DISCUSSION... Key Message 1: Widespread thunderstorms, a few of which may become strong to severe, and localized flash flooding through tonight. Latest mesoanalysis indicates significant surface destabilization in the CSRA with sbCAPE exceeding 2500 J/kg. There remains a sharp gradient in instability associated with a wedge front in place in the northernmost portion of the forecast area leading to a notable temperature gradient as temperatures will generally be in the low 70s in the north/northwestern area to mid to upper 80s southeast. A shortwave moving through Georgia will continue to shift eastward which with plentiful instability leading to widespread storms continuing to increase in coverage through the rest of the afternoon. With PWATs around 1.8 to 1.9 inches, near the 99th percentile for this time of year and wet bulb zero heights around 13,000 feet, rainfall will be efficient. With areas north of I-20 receiving substantial rainfall yesterday, generally 2-4 inches based on CoCoRaHS and radar estimates, any training storms could cause localized flash flooding. Widespread severe weather is not expected as CAPE profiles are generally skinnier, with limited mid-level lapse rates. With increasing low level lapse rates, however, could see localized strong to potentially severe precip-loaded downdrafts develop. With forcing provided by the shortwave, convection will likely linger into tonight, although any severe threat will be limited. Key Message 2: Shower and thunderstorm chances continue through the upcoming week. Southwest flow persists over the area with a ridge offshore over the western Atlantic and deep troughing strengthening over the Gulf coast, ensuring a strong moisture source from the Gulf of America. PWATs will remain well above average with NAEFS mean indicating they will stay above the 90th percentile. There will several shortwaves pushing through the southwest flow with moderate destabilization expected each day. This will lead to an unsettled period with showers and thunderstorms likely developing each afternoon persisting into the evening. While the severe threat will be generally low, will continue to need to monitor a potential localized flash flooding threat, especially in the northwestern area which is most likely to be the location where shortwaves will push through the area and which has already received substantial rain so far this weekend. && .AVIATION /18Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... Mix of MVFR and VFR ceilings this afternoon with showers and storms possible. Rain chance diminish some tonight, but more restrictions are expected. As better mixing is occurring ceilings have generally lifted, but a mix of MVFR and VFR cigs remains across the TAF sites with bountiful low level moisture in place. A stalled front sits across the central Midlands so south of this boundary, light winds are more southeasterly, and north of this, winds a more easterly to northeasterly. Showers and storms are starting to fire across the region as well, though coverage is fairly scattered. Due to this, chances exist at each terminal through this evening to see restrictions from convection where gusty winds could be possible in any stronger storms. Majority of this activity is expected to begin diminishing between 23z-02z, but some showers and weaker storms may linger into the overnight period. A PROB30 group has been added after 00z to account for this. Guidance remains fairly aggressive in another round of cig restrictions that could move in as early as 23- 02z. Ceilings are expected to drop to MVFR during that time, before falling further to IFR late tonight into early Sunday morning. Patches of LIFR cigs will be possible as well. Restrictions are expected to linger through the end of the TAF period, but improvement is expected late Sunday morning into the afternoon toward MVFR. Another round of showers/storms will be possible just after this TAF period. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Abundant low level moisture will bring more rounds of morning restrictions from fog/stratus to finish the weekend and to start the next work week. Scattered afternoon showers and storms are possible each day into the middle of next week. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. GA...None. && DISCUSSION...96 AVIATION...DH
In the hours before
Special weather statement, May 23, 1:39 PM EDT, 1 hour 32 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
139 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
GAZ063>065-077-231815-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-McDuffie GA-Columbia GA-
139 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
McDuffie, southwestern Columbia, northwestern Burke and southwestern
Richmond Counties through 215 PM EDT...
At 139 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Wrens, or 13 miles east of Gibson, moving northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 45 mph and nickel 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...
Harlem, Blythe, Dearing, Keysville, Autney, Leitner Lake Conference
Center, Arties Pond Public Fishing Area, Adamsville, Bath-Edie, and
Pea Patch Aerodrome.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3348 8240 3336 8210 3322 8223 3326 8225
3327 8229 3330 8231 3331 8234 3331 8239
3333 8242 3333 8243 3334 8245
TIME...MOT...LOC 1739Z 223DEG 13KT 3327 8237
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MGSpecial weather statement, May 23, 2:30 PM EDT, 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
230 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
SCZ020-026-231900-
Newberry SC-Saluda SC-
230 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Newberry and
northern Saluda Counties through 300 PM EDT...
At 230 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Newberry College, or near Newberry, moving northeast at 20 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...
Newberry, Prosperity, Newberry College, Newberry County Airport,
Silverstreet, Newberry County Detention Center, and Bush River Fire
Station.
This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 68 and 81.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3425 8144 3416 8172 3424 8181 3443 8159
TIME...MOT...LOC 1830Z 235DEG 18KT 3424 8168
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MGSpecial weather statement, May 23, 2:47 PM EDT, 24 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
247 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
GAZ040-063-064-SCZ018-231915-
McDuffie GA-Lincoln GA-Columbia GA-McCormick SC-
247 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
McDuffie, northwestern Columbia, Lincoln and McCormick Counties
through 315 PM EDT...
At 246 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lincolnton, or 14 miles northeast of Washington, moving northeast at
25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel 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...
McCormick, Lincolnton, Elijah Clark State Park, Mccormick County
Airport, Lake Strom Thurmond, Plum Branch, Bordeaux, Knox Scout
Reservation, Double Branches, Curry Hill, Chennault, Modoc Boat Ramp,
Bussey Point Campground, New Hope, Long Cane Creek Picnic Area,
Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Loce, Gill's Point, Hester's Ferry
Campground, and Mount Carmel.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3396 8256 3402 8259 3407 8253 3408 8248
3406 8245 3406 8233 3397 8230 3402 8224
3401 8224 3368 8222 3370 8233 3365 8243
3364 8253 3366 8251 3365 8249 3382 8259
3386 8257 3386 8261 3397 8264
TIME...MOT...LOC 1846Z 229DEG 23KT 3384 8253
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MGSpecial weather statement, May 23, 3:00 PM EDT, 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
300 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
SCZ020-231930-
Newberry SC-
300 PM EDT Sat May 23 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central
Newberry County through 330 PM EDT...
At 300 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Newberry, moving east 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...
Newberry, Prosperity, Newberry College, Newberry County Airport,
Little Mountain, Newberry County Detention Center, US-176 and SC-
34 Crossroads, and Mid-Carolina High School.
This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 72 and 84.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3419 8165 3430 8168 3440 8145 3419 8142
TIME...MOT...LOC 1900Z 258DEG 9KT 3425 8160
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MGThe office that day
Everything else NWS Columbia, SC issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 1:39 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Richmond | 36 min |
| May 23, 2:04 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, Richmond | 41 min |
| May 23, 2:38 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Columbia, Richmond | 52 min |
| May 23, 2:47 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Lincoln | 28 min |
| May 23, 3:42 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Burke | 48 min |
| May 22, 10:17 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster | 4 hr |
| May 23, 2:30 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Newberry | 30 min |
| May 23, 3:00 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Newberry | 30 min |
| May 23, 3:51 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Saluda | 39 min |
| May 23, 4:29 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Lexington, Newberry, Saluda | 46 min |
| May 23, 4:57 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | CAE | Kershaw | 33 min |
| May 23, 5:13 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CAE | Lexington, Newberry, Richland, Saluda | 47 min |
| May 23, 5:18 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Lexington, Richland | 117 min |
| May 23, 6:23 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | CAE | Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Richland | 112 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Georgia, 2026Severe 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; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.