Several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms developed in Central Georgia moving into the CSRA during the afternoon and evening hours.
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.
Several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms developed in Central Georgia moving into the CSRA during the afternoon and evening hours.
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 May 24, 1:45 PM EST, 4 hours 15 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 245 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024 .SYNOPSIS... A frontal boundary will approach the region Friday and is expected to stall near the area resulting in chances of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend. Another more organized system is expected to be crossing the eastern US Monday and Tuesday with additional chances for thunderstorms. Drier weather is expected to return Wednesday. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... A very low amplitude 500 mb shortwave continues to approach the area this afternoon with some scattered thunderstorms developing across central GA as of 18z. The primary axis of highest instability still remains to the west of forecast area, with generally between 1500- 2000 j/kg across the CSRA, falling to around 1000 j/kg in the Midlands. HREF members generally were too slow with convective initiation and are a bit too cool on temps and dew points, so slightly higher instability across the area has been realized this afternoon. While the HRRR and company were too slow with initiation, their depiction of thunderstorm propagation and further development seems very reasonable, spreading east into the CSRA between 20z and 00z. Convective coverage will likely increase across the entire area throughout the evening but the severe threat still will remain isolated in nature, so no surprise SPC continued the Marginal risk across the area; shear remains very weak despite the shortwave aloft and instability is borderline, with only minimal mid-level dry air. HREF members generally continue shower and elevated thunderstorm activity overnight thanks to moisture convergence with PWAT's over 1.6" and modest instability between 500-1000 j/kg MU CAPE. So PoPs remain elevated overnight but the severe threat will be limited. && .SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/... Saturday and Saturday Night: An upper shortwave trough over the region early in the day is expected to slide eastward and deepen as it moves over the coast. Behind it, northwest flow aloft is forecast to bring in slightly drier air; however, PWATs are anticipated to remain above 1.5" through much of the afternoon and evening as latest guidance indicates the drier air arrives a bit slower than previous model runs. Upper ridging is also forecast to begin building over the region, in general, but shortwave energy moving through the main pattern should be enough to kick off a round of isolated to scattered thunderstorms. There remains some question on how much coverage we'll see because of a general lack of triggering mechanism in the area. The potential for severe weather remains on the lower side, but strong winds would be the main threat with any stronger cells. Sunday and Sunday Night: The upper level ridging continues to strengthen over the region as southerly low-level flow becomes more established. As a result, moisture begins to increase again through the day and temperatures rise to the lower to mid 90s, causing heat indices to approach, or even exceed, 100F in the afternoon. Isolated to widely scattered showers and storms are again possible, though it may be difficult to get much coverage given the ridge overhead and another lack of triggering mechanism. The higher chance of activity remains over the northern portions of the forecast areas. If storms are able to form, there remains potential for them to become strong to severe with winds being the primary threat with the stronger storms. However, the potential for any storms to form has been on a downward trend. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... An upper trough over the central CONUS is forecast to begin moving towards the region on Monday. An associated frontal boundary is forecast to move through the area, sparking another round of showers and thunderstorms across the forecast area. With cooling heights aloft and a more pronounced triggering mechanism, the potential for severe weather returns for Monday. As it looks now, Monday looks to be the highest chance for severe weather. The trough continues to pass over Tuesday, bringing another round of showers and storms, but the severe threat looks low at this point. Drier air is then expected to move into the region for most of the rest of the period. Rain is thus not anticipated through the forecast period, but there is uncertainty between model guidance. && .AVIATION /18Z FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... VFR conditions generally expected during this forecast period, outside of any shower-storm activity. Convection is developing across central GA currently, slowing moving towards the Augusta terminals. Expecting possible thunderstorm activity to move into those terminals between ~19-21z, so a tempo group for TSRA has been included for those sites. Scattered thunderstorm activity is expected to linger into the evening for AGS and DNL, along with OGB. Confidence is still too low for a TAF mention at CAE and CUB due to the timing and coverage. Shower and storms are also possible for all sites through roughly 08z, but again confidence is too low for explicit TAF mentions but ran with VCSH overnight. Some scattered areas of fog and stratus are possible overnight outside and behind any showers. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Restrictions possible at times through early next week in afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. GA...None. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Columbia SC 505 AM EDT Fri May 24 2024 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-115- 116-135>137-250915- Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-Chesterfield-McCormick- Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Edgefield-Saluda-Lexington-Richland-Lee- Aiken-Sumter-Barnwell-Calhoun-Clarendon-Bamberg-Northern Lancaster- Southern Lancaster-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg- Southeastern Orangeburg- 505 AM EDT Fri May 24 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Georgia and central South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Scattered thunderstorms developing today with isolated damaging wind gusts possible in the strongest storms that develop. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. 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
519 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
SCZ027-030-035-037-041-135-136-242215-
Central Orangeburg SC-Lexington SC-Barnwell SC-Aiken SC-Calhoun SC-
Bamberg SC-Northwestern Orangeburg SC-
519 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Calhoun, northeastern Barnwell, northwestern Bamberg, southeastern
Lexington, east central Aiken and northwestern Orangeburg Counties
through 615 PM EDT...
At 519 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Aiken State Park, or 15 miles east of Aiken Mall, moving east at 30
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 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...
Williston, Blackville, Aiken State Park, Swansea, Wagener, North,
Springfield, Salley, Neeses, Norway, Perry, Elko, Woodford,
Livingston, Windsor, Cope, Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve,
Perry Airport, and Thor.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3335 8155 3365 8163 3377 8103 3337 8098
TIME...MOT...LOC 2119Z 270DEG 24KT 3353 8145
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
CJRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
614 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
GAZ040-SCZ018-242245-
Lincoln GA-McCormick SC-
614 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Lincoln and
McCormick Counties through 645 PM EDT...
At 614 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Lake Strom Thurmond, or 16 miles east of Elberton, moving southeast
at 35 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...
McCormick, Lincolnton, Elijah Clark State Park, Mccormick County
Airport, Lake Strom Thurmond, Bobby Brown State Park, Plum Branch,
Bordeaux, Broad River Campground, Knox Scout Reservation, Double
Branches, Fishing Creek Public Hunting Area, Curry Hill, Chennault,
New Hope, Long Cane Creek Picnic Area, Hickory Knob State Resort
Park, Gill's Point, Hester's Ferry Campground, and Mount Carmel.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3398 8261 3396 8257 3402 8259 3407 8253
3408 8248 3406 8245 3406 8233 3397 8230
3402 8224 3398 8221 3398 8215 3397 8214
3370 8231 3384 8258 3387 8258 3386 8260
3387 8261 3398 8265
TIME...MOT...LOC 2214Z 296DEG 32KT 3402 8260
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CJRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
618 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
GAZ063-242300-
McDuffie GA-
618 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of McDuffie County
through 700 PM EDT...
At 618 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Sharon, or 10 miles north of Warrenton, moving east at 20 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...
Thomson, Thomson-McDuffie County Airport, Wrightsboro, Dearing,
Sweetwater Park, McDuffie County Fire Department, Thomson Fire
Department, McDuffie Regional Medical Center, University Hospital
McDuffie, White Oak Campground, Boneville, Ansley Mill, and Amity
Recreation Area.
This includes Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 167 and
178.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3361 8264 3361 8263 3364 8261 3363 8258
3365 8258 3364 8256 3366 8251 3364 8246
3365 8243 3363 8244 3359 8241 3355 8244
3353 8239 3349 8240 3343 8235 3340 8235
3340 8255
TIME...MOT...LOC 2218Z 273DEG 16KT 3356 8270
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CJRPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
636 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0532 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 5 ESE Aiken State Park 33.52N 81.42W
05/24/2024 Aiken SC Law Enforcement
Aiken County Sheriff reported two trees down
in this area. Time estimated by radar.
0451 PM Hail 2 S Murphys Estates 33.57N 81.94W
05/24/2024 U0.25 Inch Aiken SC Public
Report from mPING: Pea (0.25 in.).
0459 PM Hail 2 S Murphys Estates 33.57N 81.93W
05/24/2024 U0.25 Inch Aiken SC Public
Report from mPING: Pea (0.25 in.).
0507 PM Hail 2 SW Murphys Estates 33.59N 81.96W
05/24/2024 M0.75 Inch Edgefield SC Public
Report from mPING: Dime (0.75 in.) Social
media report from the same location reported
pea to dime sized hail and 1 inch of rain in
15 minutes.
0548 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 SSE Springfield 33.48N 81.27W
05/24/2024 Orangeburg SC Dept of Highways
SCDPS website reported a tree on roadway on
SC-3. Time estimated by radar.
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
638 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
SCZ031-037-135-136-242315-
Central Orangeburg SC-Calhoun SC-Sumter SC-
Northwestern Orangeburg SC-
638 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Calhoun,
southwestern Sumter and north central Orangeburg Counties through 715
PM EDT...
At 637 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
St. Matthews, or 9 miles north of Brookdale, moving east at 20 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...
Orangeburg, Brookdale, St. Matthews, Cameron, Creston, Lone Star, and
Wilkinson Heights.
This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 132 and 153.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3358 8100 3375 8093 3369 8056 3347 8064
3347 8066 3346 8065 3343 8066
TIME...MOT...LOC 2237Z 288DEG 17KT 3364 8089
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CJRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
656 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
SCZ021-022-028-242330-
Fairfield SC-Richland SC-Kershaw SC-
656 PM EDT Fri May 24 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Fairfield, north central Richland and west central Kershaw Counties
through 730 PM EDT...
At 655 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Killian, or 9 miles southwest of Springdale, moving east at 5 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...
Columbia, Forest Acres, Dentsville, Woodfield, Sesquicentennial State
Park, Lake Carolina, Villages at Sandhill, Fort Jackson, Killian,
Blythewood, Ridgeway, Upper Richland Fire Station, Smallwood, and
Cedar Creek Fire Station.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 73 and 79.
Interstate 77 between mile markers 15 and 34.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3415 8113 3432 8105 3428 8078 3403 8089
TIME...MOT...LOC 2255Z 290DEG 6KT 3421 8101
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CJRThe Robins AFB radar (KJGX), 119 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:00 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Pictures and video show tree damage including a downed tree at this location due to strong winds. Time estimated by radar.
Columbia County EM relayed several reports of damage in the area. Approximately 25-30 downed trees were reported on County Line Road between Hinton Wilson Road and Sawdust Road. In addition, a tree fell on a residential structure on Madelyn Drive and a power line was downed on Appling-Harlem Highway near the Amazon building.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, May 2024
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: 1170191, 1170192.