A band of showers and scattered thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front and moved through the region during the afternoon. Sufficient atmospheric instability and strong wind fields contributed to some of the storms producing strong straight-line wind gusts and some wind damage.
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.
A band of showers and scattered thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front and moved through the region during the afternoon. Sufficient atmospheric instability and strong wind fields contributed to some of the storms producing strong straight-line wind gusts and some wind damage.
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 Mar 28, 10:42 AM EST, 1 hour 53 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Columbia SC
1142 AM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
.SYNOPSIS...
An upper trough and cold front this afternoon brings showers and
chance of strong/severe thunderstorms. Much cooler and drier weather
expected for Monday as a ridge builds in. There's a chance of rain
Tuesday and then again Wednesday as a strong low pressure and front
swing through. A deep high pressure system builds in for the
remainder of the week and into the weekend.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Line of showers and storms is moving into the Upstate as of
11AM. We continue to watch as this approaches our area but will
note that the line produced sub-severe wind gusts as it passed
through the Atlanta metro, although we may destabilize a bit
more as we head into the afternoon. Forcing of this line is a
deep trough that has dug into the TN Valley today. As it pushes
east, the best synoptic scale forcing does look to remain north
of the area but much of the area will be in the right entrance
region of a strong jet streak through this afternoon and
evening which will at least lead to better forcing than
yesterday. Recent CAM runs have actually weakened this line as
it approaches the area, however, which is definitely not out of
the question with limited instability and some drier air
currently settling over our area with PWATs below an inch. The
caveat to all this is that winds today both at the surface and
just above the surface are fairly strong. At the Columbia
Airport, we continue to get gusts above 30mph as we increase
mixing. VAD wind profiler from CAE as well shows winds around
55mph at 3000 feet. Comparing this to Atlanta's VWP, we may
have slightly stronger low level winds, especially in northern
and western counties.
All in all, the main threat with this line will be isolated
damaging wind gusts with breezy winds continuing through much of
the day, even outside of any thunderstorm activity. Hail will
also be possible, although lapse rates are a bit more marginal
compared to yesterday. In addition, much of the ongoing
convection remains low-topped with MRMS showing limited
reflectivity around the freezing level with this line. The best
chance for anything severe will remain in the western and
northern forecast area where the forcing will be greatest.
Beyond the initial leading edge where any potential severe
weather would be, rain chances will continue for a couple hours
with some trailing stratiform precip. The main cold front will
push through this evening with winds remaining breezy as they
shift out of the west.
After the front moves through this evening, northwest winds at 5-10
mph quickly develop and skies are expected to clear out overnight as
much drier air fills in. Overnight lows should fall sharply, into
the mid 40s for most of the forecast area.
&&
.SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
The forecast becomes much more benign on Monday, with a high
pressure quickly traversing the region. This will be the result of
the cold front pushing through on Sunday, and will knock
temperatures back to near or below normal for this time of year. The
high will be quick to move through, reaching the Mid-Atlantic
Coastline by Monday evening. Much drier air will filter into the
region behind the front as well, so we should be pleasant and mostly
sunny on Monday. Highs are expected to be in the upper 60s and lower
70s. It really should be a beautiful day. Clear skies should
continue into Monday night, allowing lows to fall into the mid and
upper 40s.
Tuesday will be a weird day. The front on Sunday looks to settle in
across the northern Gulf of Mexico by Monday, and will begin lifting
northward as a warm front on Monday night. This will slowly approach
our region as a weak mid-level disturbance lifts into our region
ahead of a deeper trough across the central Plains. PWs will
gradually be increasing throughout the day as a result, and cloud
cover should increase as the front approaches. Guidance has trended
towards a less amplified/intense disturbance, and delayed its
passage through the region. As a result, the inverted trough along
the coastline doesn't look to be as intense. This + a less favorable
surface positioning of the departing surface high leads me to
believe we aren't gonna see an in-situ wedge develop on Tuesday.
Winds should generally remain easterly and southeasterly throughout
the day, and rain isn't expected until the afternoon now, and should
generally be light. Highs will likely be in the upper 60s and low
70s. Clouds will definitely remain in place for much of the day and
into the overnight hours, holding lows elevated into the upper 50s
and lower 60s. Rain chances will continue into the overnight hours
as the warm front approaches, moisture deepens, and lift increases
ahead of the next system.
&&
.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
The only real worry during the long term period will be on
Wednesday. Models are in good agreement that a deep trough will dig
into the Ohio and Tennessee Valley region, and force a surface low
over the Mid Atlantic and northeastern US. The warm front on Tuesday
is forecast to quickly push to the north as strong southerly and
southwesterly flow develop ahead of the trough and surface front.
Models differ on precip coverage on Wednesday morning, but generally
clear us out by Wednesday afternoon ahead of a strong cold front.
Given impressive wind fields with the deep trough, and GEFS/ECM
Ensembles showing good probabilities of >500 j/kg of CAPE, I will
continue to highlight Wednesday evening as a timeframe for possible
severe weather ahead of the front. CIPS analogs are not too
impressed, so I think we will just need to monitor the situation.
Strong southwesterly flow ahead of the front will help to push high
temps up into the upper 70s and lower 80s by Wednesday afternoon.
Lows will fall into the upper 40s and lower 50s.
Beyond Wednesday, a smooth forecast is expected. Highs will be well
below normal as a strong, Canadian high settles into the southern
US. This will be anomalously strong for this time of year, with
NAFES guidance indicating surface pressures nearing the max for time
of year. It is clear the high will at least be at or above 1028mb,
which is very strong for this time of year. Given this, I think
we'll need to start watching Thursday and Friday nights for a
widespread frost/freeze as the surface high settles into the area.
Highs likely won't get out of the upper 50s and lower 60s through
Saturday. On Saturday and Sunday, we should slowly begin moderating
temps back towards normal as the surface high shifts to our east.
The high will push very dry air in the region as well, so I don't
expect rain chances during this timeframe.
&&
.AVIATION /15Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
VFR expected through the morning. MVFR possible as a strong cold
front and thunderstorms move through later this afternoon.
Strong south-southwesterly winds will continue, sustained 15
knots and gusting to 30 kts. No visb restrictions expected
through this time with VFR cigs. Beyond the surface winds, the
main the feature of the day is the approaching cold front. The
band of showers and thunderstorms is expected to start impacting
AGS/DNL/CAE/CUB around 19z, followed an hour later at OGB. The
severity of this line is still somewhat uncertain, but the best
ingredients appear to be in the CSRA. Regardless, expecting
strong gusting winds, possibly to severe levels, visb and cig
reductions as the line passes for all terminals. The line is
expected to be fairly thin, and should not last more than an
hour or two when it passes. Some stratiform rain is likely
behind the initial thunderstorms, reflected in the TAFs.
EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...No restrictions expected Sunday
night through Monday as high pressure builds in. Another system
approaches Tuesday and Wednesday bringing restriction
possibilities.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
Heavy rainfall in the Upper Savannah, Broad, Catawba and Pee
Dee Basins over the past 24 hours is moving southward into area
rivers. Flooding is occurring on Midland and Pee Dee rivers.
For the latest river flood warnings, see our web page at
www.weather.gov/cae
&&
.CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Lake Wind Advisory until 5 AM EDT Monday for GAZ040-063>065-
077.
SC...Lake Wind Advisory until 5 AM EDT Monday for SCZ016-018-
020>022-025>031-035>038-041-115-116.
&&Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Columbia SC 535 AM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035>038-041-115-116- 290945- 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- 535 AM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021 ...LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 AM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Midlands of South Carolina and the Central Savannah River area of Georgia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Lake Wind Advisory. There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms across the forecast area this afternoon. The highest risk is across the western and northern counties of the CWA with damaging wind as the primary threat. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. 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
1233 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
GAZ040-SCZ018-281715-
Lincoln GA-McCormick SC-
1233 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of northwestern Lincoln
and northwestern McCormick Counties Until 115 PM EDT....
...Boaters on Lake Strom Thurmond Should Seek Safe Harbor...
At 1232 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Due West to
near Maxeys, moving east at 60 mph.
HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph.
IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects.
Some locations in the path of these storms include...
Lake Strom Thurmond, Bobby Brown State Park, Willington, Curry Hill,
Gill's Point, Mount Carmel Park, Bordeaux, Hester's Ferry Campground,
Chennault, Mount Carmel and Leroy's Ferry Recreation Area.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Boaters on Lake Strom Thurmond 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.
Persons in campgrounds should seek shelter until these storms pass.
&&
LAT...LON 3398 8265 3398 8264 3397 8264 3398 8261
3396 8256 3402 8259 3407 8253 3408 8248
3406 8245 3406 8233 3400 8232 3379 8257
3383 8260 3386 8257 3387 8258 3386 8261
TIME...MOT...LOC 1632Z 255DEG 51KT 3430 8245 3371 8317
fwaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
102 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
GAZ040-SCZ018-020-021-025-026-281800-
Lincoln GA-Fairfield SC-Newberry SC-McCormick SC-Saluda SC-
Edgefield SC-
102 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
...Strong Thunderstorms Will Impact Portions of northern Lincoln...
northwestern Fairfield...Newberry...McCormick...Saluda and
northwestern Edgefield Counties Until 200 PM EDT....
...Boaters on Lake Strom Thurmond Should Seek Safe Harbor...
At 101 PM EDT...National Weather Service doppler radar indicated
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Union to near
Clinton to 7 miles south of Bobby Brown State Park, moving east at 65
mph.
HAZARD...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph.
IMPACT...expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Small trees with compromised
root systems may also be blown over.
Some locations in the path of these storms include...
Newberry, VC Summer Nuclear Station, Edgefield, Saluda, McCormick,
Lincolnton, Whitmire, Prosperity, Elijah Clark State Park,
Monticello, Saluda County Airport, Newberry College, Blackstock,
Mccormick County Airport, Newberry County Airport, Blair, Lake
Greenwood, Little Mountain, Pomaria and Bradley.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Boaters on Lake Strom Thurmond 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.
&&
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 26 between mile markers 62 and 86.
LAT...LON 3406 8243 3406 8233 3397 8230 3402 8224
3397 8218 3396 8202 3413 8187 3420 8194
3430 8190 3437 8178 3453 8164 3445 8154
3450 8142 3457 8142 3455 8097 3380 8192
3380 8258 3383 8260 3386 8257 3388 8262
TIME...MOT...LOC 1701Z 252DEG 58KT 3477 8164 3450 8189 3388 8260
fwaThe Columbia radar (KCAE), 62 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:35 UTC.
22 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The AWOS unit at Newberry Co Airport measured a peak wind gust of 55 mph.
SCHP reported a tree down on US Hwy 176 and Brazelmans Bridge Rd. Time estimated.
Several trees were downed near the intersection of US Hwy 176 and Mollys Rock Rd. Time estimated.
A pine tree fell on a home on Hillcrest Dr in Johnston, causing minor damage to the roof and snapping a power cable. Time estimated.
Several trees were downed onto homes in the town of Wagener. One home was completely destroyed, one was moderately damaged, and seven homes experienced minor damage. Affected locations included Pine St and Railroad St W, Ables St, Columbia Rd, Main St N, and Lee St N. Time estimated.
The ASOS unit at Columbia Metropolitan Airport measured a peak wind gust of 41 knots (47 mph) at 1533 EDT (1433 EST).
The ASOS unit at Hamilton-Owens Field Airport in Columbia measured a peak wind gust of 50 knots (58 mph) AT 1543 EDT (1443 EST).
The ASOS unit at North Air Force Auxiliary Field in North measured a peak wind gust of 50 knots (58 mph) at 1547 EDT (1447 EST).
SCHP reported a tree down near the intersection of Old Hopkins Rd and Lykesland Trl. Richland Co Emergency Services also reported trees down nearby on Old Hopkins Rd at Montgomery Ln. Time estimated.
Richland Co Emergency Services reported a large tree down blocking road on Horrell Hill Rd in Hopkins. Time estimated.
A tree was downed near the intersection of Garners Ferry Rd (US Hwy 378) and Motley Rd. Time estimated.
SCHP reported trees down along Interstate 26 between mile markers 128 and 133. | Time estimated.
The ASOS unit at McEntire Joint National Guard Base near Eastover measured a peak wind gust of 52 knots (60 mph) at 1554 EDT (1454 EST).
SCHP reported trees down near the intersection of Congress Rd and Toms Creek Rd. Also, Richland Co Emergency Services reported a large tree down on Garners ferry Rd (US Hwy 378) and Chanwood Dr. Time estimated.
The ASOS unit at Shaw AFB near Sumter measured a peak wind gust of 55 knot (63 mph) at 1615 EDT (1515 EST).
Public and SCHP reported a large tree down on Eagle Rd just south of Broad St (US Hwy 378). Time estimated.
A river birch tree was downed along Shadow Trl. Time estimated.
A trained spotter reported numerous roof tiles blown off a home's roof on Trailwood Dr. A rotted tree trunk fell on a chain link fence, damaging a small section of the fence, at another home on Trailwood Dr. Another nearby home had a small metal gazebo blown over and damaged.
SCHP reported trees down near the intersection of Starks Ferry Rd and Kolb Rd. Time estimated.
Multiple trees were downed just NE of the town of Pinewood. Locations included Bethel Church Rd, Panola Rd, and Nazarene Church Rd. Time estimated.
Media shared a photo of a roof partially removed from a restaurant on Liberty St in Sumter. Time estimated.
SCHP reported trees down along 12 Bridges Rd. Time estimated.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in South Carolina, March 2021
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: 940113, 940453, 940455, 940467, 940465, 940300, 940115, 940116, 940456, 940473, 940457, 940466, 940117, 940458, 940118, 940459, 940460, 940472, 940461, 940462, 940463, 940464.