Lightning caused a structure fire.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS CAE wrote it up.
Lightning caused a structure fire.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Aug 18, 1:58 PM EST, 1 hour 25 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 258 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020 .SYNOPSIS... A surface trough will remain nearly stationary along/north of I-20 through the remainder of today and into tonight. This will continue to be the focus for showers and thunderstorms through the evening period. The surface trough will become diffuse Wednesday. Expect scattered mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms throughout the region. Rain chances will increase late week as some upper level energy combines with increased atmospheric moisture. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... Moisture gradient set up along an E-W line from Lincoln Co., GA to Lee Co., SC is the defining line between haves and have nots when it comes to storm development today. This boundary has moved very little over the previous couple of hours, and likely won't move much until tonight. With a weak shortwave noted in WV imagery over central GA moving towards us, expecting showers and thunderstorms to continue developing along and south of this line through the evening hours. Interestingly enough, deeper moisture and the surface boundary don't completely overlap, with PW ~1.5-1.6" a bit further southeast. MLCAPE in this area is 1500-2000 j/kg, so storms will have plenty of instability to work with. DCAPE is 800-900 j/kg, which is pretty decent so it wouldn't be surprising to get some gusty winds with any storm. The storms will primarily move slowly and along the boundary, but it'll take a good bit of training to overcome the weak PWs we have out there. Therefore, flash flooding isn't expected outside of significant training of storms. Temps will be in the mid to upper 80s as we head into the evening hours. Overnight, this pesky moisture gradient looks to stick around and possibly advect northward. Have kept chance POPs everywhere to account for some guidance holding onto showers overnight and possibly developing a few more towards early morning. Models are split on whether we see a weak shortwave move through as the larger scale trough digs to our west. Will keep an eye on it as we had some stuff hold on in the east last night. Lows should be in the upper 60s and lower 70s. && .SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/... Strong upper ridge to remain centered over the W CONUS, with upper trough over E NOAM with trough axis just to our west generally extending from E Can SW to the cntrl Gulf Coast. The surface trough really weakens through the day and surface winds will become more south/southeast across the area by afternoon. This will allow some moisture to gradually shift back west and north. Precipitable water (PW) values progged at 1.6 inches north to 1.9 inches south, near climatological average. Will generally expect good chance/scattered diurnal POPs. Models in good agreement for Thursday through Friday night with upper trough that will dig and cut off over the lower Mississippi Valley. Embedded upper disturbances coming through in a SW flow aloft, combined with moisture increases, with PW values back up around 2 inches will lead to increased pops through the period. WPC has most of the CWA in a marginal risk of rainfall exceeding flash flood guidance on day 3, which is Thursday/Thursday night. Model consensus indicates POPs in the likely range Thu/Fri. So main threat will be locally heavy rainfall from Thursday through Friday night. && .LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... Upper trough appears to gradually weaken and shift east Sat/Sun. This is indicated by both ECMWF/GFS. However, there are some uncertainties with regards to any specific pieces of upper disturbances, and surface features appear weak, but atmospheric moisture values appear to remain sufficient for scattered diurnal thunderstorms Saturday. By Sunday and Monday, some indications of moisture possibly pushing to our south and east, and latest consensus is trending down some on POPs for that time period, though some inherent uncertainty this far out. && .AVIATION /18Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... VFR conditions outside of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms and morning fog/stratus. Observations and satellite imagery showing broken MVFR stratus still over the CAE/CUB terminals as of 16Z. Expect ceilings to continue to improve over the next hour or two with a return to VFR conditions. A surface trough/boundary has stalled over the region with the best chance for showers and thunderstorms at the southern and eastern terminals this afternoon and evening, OGB/ DNL/AGS. Isolated to scattered convection still possible at CAE/CUB, but the chance was too low to include mention. Light and variable winds will pick up to around 5 to 6 knots from the southwest to south during the afternoon and will be light and variable again tonight. Models indicate potential for fog/stratus development again tonight given abundant low level moisture and light winds. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Restrictions will be possible during the remainder of the week due to diurnally driven convection. Early morning fog and stratus will also be possible. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... GA...None. SC...None. && SYNOPSIS...99 NEAR TERM...99 SHORT TERM...99 LONG TERM...99 AVIATION...99
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Columbia SC 305 AM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035>038-041-115-116- 190715- Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-Chesterfield-McCormick- Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Edgefield-Saluda-Lexington-Richland-Lee- Aiken-Sumter-Barnwell-Orangeburg-Calhoun-Clarendon-Bamberg- Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster- 305 AM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Midlands of South Carolina and the Central Savannah River area of Georgia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
302 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
SCZ027-030-181945-
Lexington SC-Aiken SC-
302 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of southeastern
Lexington and east central Aiken Counties Until 345 PM EDT....
At 302 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 6 miles south of Red
Bank to 12 miles northeast of Aiken State Park, moving northeast at
25 mph.
HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph, pea sized hail and excessive
cloud to ground lightning.
IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely. All outdoor activities should cease. Move
indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of these storms include...
West Columbia, Cayce, Springdale, South Congaree, Pine Ridge, Gaston,
SC State Farmer's Market, Columbia Metro Airport, Swansea, Wagener,
Pelion, Perry, Lexington County Airport At Pelion, Peachtree Rock,
Edmund, Cayce Riverwalk, Thor, Silver Lake, Guignard Park and
Dixiana.
Move indoors immediately. Excessive cloud to ground lightning is
occurring with these storms. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 26 between mile markers 113 and 119.
Interstate 77 between mile markers 0 and 2.
LAT...LON 3358 8143 3386 8126 3399 8105 3393 8102
3392 8102 3392 8103 3391 8102 3373 8113
TIME...MOT...LOC 1902Z 234DEG 20KT 3384 8125 3368 8134
fwaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
312 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
SCZ031-036>038-182000-
Orangeburg SC-Calhoun SC-Clarendon SC-Sumter SC-
312 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of eastern Orangeburg...
southeastern Calhoun...southwestern Clarendon and southwestern Sumter
Counties Until 400 PM EDT....
...Boaters on Lake Marion Should Seek Safe Harbor...
At 312 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Santee State Park, or 18 miles southwest of
Manning, moving northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph, excessive cloud to ground
lightning and localized minor flooding.
IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately. Localized, minor
flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas is also
possible.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Summerton, Elloree, Santee State Park, Santee, Poplar Creek Landing,
St. Paul, Stumphole Landing and Low Falls Landing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Boaters on Lake Marion should move to shore and seek shelter. Strong,
erratic wind gusts and lightning are possible. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Heavy rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may cause localized
flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Move indoors immediately. Excessive cloud to ground lightning is
occurring with this storm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.
Persons in campgrounds should seek shelter until this storm passes.
&&
This includes Interstate 95 between mile markers 95 and 112.
LAT...LON 3343 8050 3347 8060 3360 8061 3373 8038
3351 8019
TIME...MOT...LOC 1912Z 237DEG 13KT 3355 8050
LCVSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
336 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
GAZ077-182015-
Burke GA-
336 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of western Burke County
Until 415 PM EDT....
At 335 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 6 miles east of
Wrens to 6 miles southeast of Gough to 6 miles south of Wadley,
moving northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph, pea sized hail and excessive
cloud to ground lightning.
IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely. All outdoor activities should cease. Move
indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of these storms include...
Waynesboro, Hephzibah, Midville, Gough, Burke County Airport,
Vidette, Shell Bluff, Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area and Magruder.
Move indoors immediately. Excessive cloud to ground lightning is
occurring with these storms. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.
LAT...LON 3283 8231 3284 8231 3290 8229 3297 8222
3309 8229 3323 8223 3328 8214 3323 8210
3324 8206 3323 8203 3323 8198 3325 8192
3314 8188 3281 8219
TIME...MOT...LOC 1935Z 239DEG 15KT 3323 8227 3301 8216 3278 8237
fwaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
405 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
SCZ036-038-182045-
Orangeburg SC-Clarendon SC-
405 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of east central
Orangeburg and southeastern Clarendon Counties Until 445 PM EDT....
...Boaters on Lake Marion Should Seek Safe Harbor...
At 405 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm 7 miles west of Eastern Lake Marion, or 18 miles
south of Manning, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph, excessive cloud to ground
lightning and localized minor flooding.
IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately. Localized, minor
flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas is also
possible.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Holly Hill, Santee Cooper Regional Airport, Eutawville, Vance, Eautaw
Springs, Indian Bluff Recreation Park, Rocks Pond Campground and
Marina, Blounts Landing, Mill Creek Marina and Campground and
Foreston.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Boaters on Lake Marion should move to shore and seek shelter. Strong,
erratic wind gusts and lightning are possible. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Heavy rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may cause localized
flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Move indoors immediately. Excessive cloud to ground lightning is
occurring with this storm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.
&&
LAT...LON 3350 8010 3350 8012 3348 8015 3346 8013
3345 8015 3346 8016 3345 8017 3345 8020
3344 8020 3345 8022 3340 8022 3339 8024
3334 8025 3331 8040 3340 8048 3350 8042
3372 7998
TIME...MOT...LOC 2005Z 252DEG 21KT 3344 8031
LCVSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
410 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
GAZ065-077-SCZ030-035-182100-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-
410 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2020
...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of central Burke...
southeastern Richmond...southwestern Barnwell and southwestern Aiken
Counties Until 500 PM EDT....
At 410 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near McBean, or 9 miles north of Waynesboro,
moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph, pea sized hail and excessive
cloud to ground lightning.
IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely. All outdoor activities should cease. Move
indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Waynesboro, Savannah River Site, Plant Vogtle, Hephzibah, Jackson,
Sardis, Alexander, Burke County Airport, McBean, Girard, Audubon's
Silver Bluff Sanctuary, Savannah River Site Badge Office, Savannah
River Site H Canyon, Bennock Mill, Savannah River Site K Complex,
Shell Bluff and Shell Bluff Landing.
Move indoors immediately. Excessive cloud to ground lightning is
occurring with this storm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.
LAT...LON 3295 8182 3295 8186 3292 8196 3292 8201
3329 8212 3344 8172 3313 8157 3310 8162
3308 8161 3305 8157 3306 8156 3304 8156
3291 8176
TIME...MOT...LOC 2010Z 252DEG 22KT 3323 8200
fwaThe Columbia radar (KCAE), 12 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:23 UTC.
1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Columbia FD reported a structure fire due to lightning at 1801 Sunset Dr in the city of Columbia. Extent of damage unknown.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in South Carolina, August 2020
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 906390.