Special Weather Statement, NWS Columbia, SC

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

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
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
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

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
121 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCZ031-037-038-136-137-061815-
Central Orangeburg SC-Southeastern Orangeburg SC-Calhoun SC-
Clarendon SC-Sumter SC-
121 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Calhoun, southwestern Clarendon, south central Sumter and
southeastern Orangeburg Counties through 215 PM EDT...

At 121 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Holly Hill, or 16 miles northeast of Saint George, moving northwest
at 20 mph.

...Boaters on Lake Marion 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...
Orangeburg, Manning, Brookdale, Holly Hill, Summerton, Bowman,
Elloree, Santee State Park, Santee Cooper Regional Airport, Claflin
College, South Carolina State University, Santee, Cameron,
Eutawville, Paxville, Vance, Poplar Creek Landing, Rimini, Stumphole
Landing, and Eautaw Springs.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 26 between mile markers 148 and 169.
 Interstate 95 between mile markers 85 and 120.

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 3348 8015 3346 8013 3345 8015 3346 8016
      3345 8020 3344 8020 3345 8022 3330 8025
      3326 8032 3328 8035 3326 8036 3326 8043
      3328 8048 3333 8050 3328 8060 3350 8086
      3382 8028 3351 8009
TIME...MOT...LOC 1721Z 151DEG 19KT 3330 8033

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

PL

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
148 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

GAZ040-063>065-061815-
Richmond GA-McDuffie GA-Lincoln GA-Columbia GA-
148 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of McDuffie,
southwestern Columbia, south central Lincoln and western Richmond
Counties through 215 PM EDT...

At 148 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Camak, or near Warrenton, 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...
Thomson, Harlem, Thomson-McDuffie County Airport, Wrightsboro,
Dearing, Loce, Leitner Lake Conference Center, Winfield, Sweetwater
Park, Arties Pond Public Fishing Area, McDuffie County Fire
Department, Adamsville, Thomson Fire Department, McDuffie Regional
Medical Center, Clay Hill Campground, University Hospital McDuffie,
White Oak Campground, Woodlawn, Autney, and Boneville.

This includes Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 166 and
183.

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 3364 8261 3363 8258 3365 8258 3364 8256
      3366 8251 3365 8249 3372 8253 3376 8246
      3336 8223 3331 8234 3331 8239 3334 8244
      3334 8250 3336 8255 3341 8255 3346 8259
      3360 8265
TIME...MOT...LOC 1748Z 244DEG 11KT 3349 8262

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

PL

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
202 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCZ030-035-041-135-136-061900-
Central Orangeburg SC-Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-Bamberg SC-
Northwestern Orangeburg SC-
202 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of eastern Barnwell,
Bamberg, eastern Aiken and northwestern Orangeburg Counties through
300 PM EDT...

At 202 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Denmark, 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...
Orangeburg, Barnwell, Bamberg, Denmark, Blackville, Barnwell State
Park, Rivers Bridge State Park, North, Springfield, Hilda, Neeses,
Norway, Olar, Kline, Cordova, Livingston, Cope, Govan, Edisto, and
Bamberg 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 3305 8110 3306 8113 3312 8119 3312 8124
      3311 8129 3311 8137 3366 8128 3358 8086
      3304 8106 3303 8108
TIME...MOT...LOC 1802Z 189DEG 11KT 3329 8116

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

PL