Alert archive / Georgia / Special Weather Statements in 2026

Special Weather Statement, NWS Columbia, SC

August 6, 2026Edgefield County, South Carolina; Columbia County, Richmond County, Georgia

NWS Columbia, SC issued this special weather statement at Aug 6, 2026, 3:20 PM EDT for Edgefield County, South Carolina; Columbia County, Richmond County, Georgia. It was in force for 55 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, 3:20 PM EDT (19:20 UTC)
Expired
Aug 6, 2026, 4:15 PM EDT
In force
55 min
Issued by
NWS Columbia, SC
Hail
0.00 in
Wind
55

Counties Columbia County, GA, Richmond County, GA, Edgefield County, SC

The radar

The Columbia radar (KCAE), 122 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:23 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.

The nearest sounding before it

Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA (KFFC), launched 12:00Z, 7.3 hours before the alert went out and 210 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, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 12:00Z on 2026-08-06Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1414 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, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 12:00Z on 2026-08-06The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 5 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
1414 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-36 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
633 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
8 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
5 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-20 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

318 
WWUS82 KCAE 061920
SPSCAE

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
320 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026
 
GAZ063>065-077-SCZ018-025-030-062015-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-McDuffie GA-Columbia GA-Aiken SC-McCormick SC-
Edgefield SC-
320 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
McDuffie, Columbia, northwestern Burke, Richmond, southwestern
Edgefield, west central Aiken and southeastern McCormick Counties
through 415 PM EDT...

At 320 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Fort Gordon, moving northeast at 25 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...
Aiken, North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Fort Gordon, Augusta,
Clearwater, Martinez, Aiken Mall, Belvedere, Edgefield, Hephzibah,
Harlem, Glendale, South Augusta, Clarks Hill Recreation Area,
Summerville, Augusta Mall, Daniel Field, and Village Plaza Shopping
Center.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 180 and 201.
 Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 20.
 Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 15.
 Interstate 520 in South Carolina between mile markers 16 and 23.

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 8207 3360 8156 3315 8224 3317 8226
      3323 8223 3327 8226 3327 8229 3330 8231
      3331 8234 3331 8239 3333 8242 3334 8247
      3336 8250
TIME...MOT...LOC 1920Z 222DEG 21KT 3344 8213 

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

$$

PL

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this special weather statement 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 special weather statement went out at Aug 6, 1:36 PM EDT, 1 hour 44 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1. Diurnal strong showers and storms each day through the period.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 6, 1:36 PM EDT, 1 hour 44 minutes before
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

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 6, 2:14 PM EDT, 1 hour 6 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
214 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCZ021-022-027-028-031-037-061915-
Fairfield SC-Lexington SC-Calhoun SC-Richland SC-Kershaw SC-
Sumter SC-
214 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Fairfield, northwestern Calhoun, northeastern Lexington, west central
Sumter, Richland and southwestern Kershaw Counties through 315 PM
EDT...

At 213 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Arcadia Lakes, or over Forest Acres, moving northeast at 15 mph.

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...
Columbia, Sumter, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Forest Acres,
Springdale, St. Andrews, Dentsville, McEntire Air Base, Oak Grove,
Pine Ridge, Arcadia Lakes, Lugoff, Oakland, Columbia International
University, Harbison State Forest, Sesquicentennial State Park, Lake
Carolina, 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 61 and 94.
 Interstate 26 between mile markers 99 and 127.
 Interstate 77 between mile markers 0 and 35.

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 3375 8104 3420 8124 3444 8080 3398 8048
TIME...MOT...LOC 1813Z 238DEG 12KT 3405 8095

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

PL
Special weather statement, Aug 6, 2:20 PM EDT, 1 hour before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
220 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

GAZ040-063>065-SCZ018-025-030-061915-
Richmond GA-McDuffie GA-Lincoln GA-Columbia GA-Aiken SC-McCormick SC-
Edgefield SC-
220 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of McDuffie, Columbia,
Lincoln, Richmond, western Edgefield, west central Aiken and eastern
McCormick Counties through 315 PM EDT...

At 220 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Mistletoe State Park, or 16 miles northwest of Evans, moving
northeast at 15 mph.

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

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...
North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Thomson, Fort Gordon, Augusta,
Clearwater, Martinez, Belvedere, Hephzibah, McCormick, Harlem,
Lincolnton, Glendale, South Augusta, Clarks Hill Recreation Area,
Elijah Clark State Park, Mistletoe State Park, Summerville, and
Wrightsboro.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 166 and 201.
 Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 6.
 Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 15.
 Interstate 520 in South Carolina between mile markers 16 and 23.

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 3380 8258 3398 8219
      3398 8210 3339 8183 3327 8228 3331 8234
      3331 8239 3334 8244 3335 8255 3341 8255
      3346 8259 3360 8265
TIME...MOT...LOC 1820Z 233DEG 13KT 3369 8233

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

PL
Special weather statement, Aug 6, 2:22 PM EDT, 58 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
222 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCZ027-030-037-135-136-061915-
Central Orangeburg SC-Lexington SC-Aiken SC-Calhoun SC-
Northwestern Orangeburg SC-
222 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Calhoun, southeastern Lexington, east central Aiken and northwestern
Orangeburg Counties through 315 PM EDT...

At 222 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southwest of Gaston, or 15 miles south of Red Bank, moving
north at 15 mph.

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...
Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Red Bank, Oak Grove, South Congaree,
Pine Ridge, Gaston, SC State Farmer's Market, Columbia Metro Airport,
Sandy Run, Swansea, North, Pelion, Perry, Woodford, Thor, Dixiana,
Lexington County Airport At Pelion, and Lexington Acres Pond.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 51 and 59.
 Interstate 26 between mile markers 111 and 117, and between mile
markers 124 and 131.
 Interstate 77 near mile marker 0.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3354 8104 3364 8135 3401 8128 3398 8108
      3382 8102 3380 8090
TIME...MOT...LOC 1822Z 194DEG 11KT 3370 8122

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

PL
Local storm report, Aug 6, 2:45 PM EDT, 35 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
245 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

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

0240 PM     Flash Flood      1 SSE Columbia          33.99N 81.03W
08/06/2026                   Richland           SC   Other Federal

            USGS camera at Whaley St near Rocky Branch
            showed multiple SUVs driving through water
            that was up to their chassis.

&&

BC
Special weather statement, Aug 6, 2:53 PM EDT, 27 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
253 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

SCZ027-028-031-037-135-136-062000-
Central Orangeburg SC-Lexington SC-Calhoun SC-Richland SC-Sumter SC-
Northwestern Orangeburg SC-
253 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Calhoun,
southeastern Lexington, west central Sumter, north central Orangeburg
and southeastern Richland Counties through 400 PM EDT...

At 253 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
St. Matthews, or 13 miles north of Brookdale, 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, Sumter, Orangeburg, McEntire Air Base, Brookdale, Shaw Air
Base, St. Matthews, Eastover, Congaree National Park, Hopkins,
Oakland, Claflin College, Horrel Hill, Sandy Run, Fort Jackson,
Gadsden, Woodfield, Cameron, Fort Motte, and Fort Jackson Wildcat
Road.

This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 128 and 152.

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 3347 8073 3354 8104 3407 8091 3400 8046
TIME...MOT...LOC 1853Z 193DEG 11KT 3371 8086

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

PL
Special weather statement, Aug 6, 3:20 PM EDT, 0 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
320 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

GAZ063>065-077-SCZ018-025-030-062015-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-McDuffie GA-Columbia GA-Aiken SC-McCormick SC-
Edgefield SC-
320 PM EDT Thu Aug 6 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
McDuffie, Columbia, northwestern Burke, Richmond, southwestern
Edgefield, west central Aiken and southeastern McCormick Counties
through 415 PM EDT...

At 320 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Fort Gordon, moving northeast at 25 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...
Aiken, North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Fort Gordon, Augusta,
Clearwater, Martinez, Aiken Mall, Belvedere, Edgefield, Hephzibah,
Harlem, Glendale, South Augusta, Clarks Hill Recreation Area,
Summerville, Augusta Mall, Daniel Field, and Village Plaza Shopping
Center.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 180 and 201.
 Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 20.
 Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 15.
 Interstate 520 in South Carolina between mile markers 16 and 23.

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 8207 3360 8156 3315 8224 3317 8226
      3323 8223 3327 8226 3327 8229 3330 8231
      3331 8234 3331 8239 3333 8242 3334 8247
      3336 8250
TIME...MOT...LOC 1920Z 222DEG 21KT 3344 8213

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 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, 1:18 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCAEAiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Orangeburg42 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, 3:32 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
Aug 6, 1:48 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCAEMcDuffie27 min
Aug 6, 5:42 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryCAEBurke107 min

Nearby

Special Weather Statements in Georgia, 2026Special Weather Statements in South Carolina, 2026Every special weather statement 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.