Isolated thunderstorms impacted parts of South Carolina after moving in from Georgia.
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.
Isolated thunderstorms impacted parts of South Carolina after moving in from Georgia.
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 6, 1:29 PM EST, 2 hours 31 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 229 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024 .SYNOPSIS... Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue through the early this week as multiple disturbances move across the region. A lull in activity is anticipated for midweek, with increasing chances of showers and storms towards the end of the week. Expect generally above average temperatures through the latter half of the week before transitioning to near or slightly below average next weekend. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... Upper trough over the Tennessee River Valley into GA/AL taking on a slight negative tilt. The main short wave trough over southeast Tennessee into north Ga appears stronger on water vapor than suggested by GFS/ECMWF. Several short waves are expected to trigger convection this afternoon and into the evening. At the moment, there is a weak short wave over the CSRA that is triggering convection from the Pee Dee southwest across the Midlands. This convection will push to the northeast. At the surface there is a ridge offshore, the air mass is quite moist, due to moderate 850mb southwest moisture transport. The precipitable water is around 1.50-1.70 inches. The air mass is becoming moderately unstable with ML CAPE around 1000 J/kg with some lingering CIN. Low level convergence appears weak. Behind the initial short wave over the CSRA, clearing is developing, and stronger instability is developing over GA. Think the air mass will become more unstable later this afternoon as a second stronger short wave approaches. Note, sfc based CAPE around 3000 J/kg in east central Ga just southwest of AGS. This will lead to scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms through the early evening, the shifting to the north as yet another short wave moves through near the NC/SC border after 06z. So pops diminishing from south to north as suggested by CAM models after Midnight. Model soundings show steep low to mid level lapse rates this afternoon with weak shear. The soundings were quite moist this morning but the latest models showing some mid level drying ahead of short wave. In fact, DCAPE is increasing in GA. Now believe this drier air aloft will move into the region, especially the west Midlands/CSRA and Piedmont and the severe threat is marginally elevated. Stronger lift in those areas too. So Main threat, a few pulse storms may produce damaging wind and locally heavy rain possible with light winds/training. Temperatures currently in the mid 70s but expect some warming as clouds thin out. Highs should be on track with low to mid 80s. Persistence with overnight lows in the 60s. && .SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... Tuesday and Tuesday night: A shortwave trough is forecast to continue progressing eastward and out of the forecast area in the morning hours. There could be a lingering shower or thunderstorm in the Pee Dee early on in the day, but should be quick to exit the region if there are any showers. Behind the shortwave, relatively flat ridging moves over the region, allowing temperatures to rise to above average for this time of year. A weak shortwave is forecast to move through the broader ridge during the afternoon, mainly to the north of the forecast area. With moisture expected to remain relatively high through the day (PWATs around 1.5"), a few showers or thunderstorms could develop, mainly for the northern portions of the forecast area. Other areas should remain dry for the day. Overnight lows should remain above average as well. Wednesday and Wednesday night: Another warm day is expected on Wednesday as the broad ridge remains over the region. However, a larger scale upper trough is forecast to begin moving toward the Southeast from the Upper Midwest. Another shortwave is forecast to slide through the area in between the ridge and trough, which could spark more showers and thunderstorms. A majority of the energy from this shortwave looks to stay north of the area, but some guidance extends the energy into our forecast area. Forecast soundings from multiple models do support the potential for strong thunderstorms, mainly north of I-20. The soundings near Columbia indicate a bit of a warm nose around 700 mb, which should hinder convection. As you go north toward the Charlotte area, this warm nose becomes less pronounced, which is why PoPs are a little higher there and the potential for stronger storms is greater there as well. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... Thursday and Thursday night: The larger scale trough continues to move eastward while a developing surface low and associated cold front move towards the area on Thursday. Another shortwave is forecast to move through the region, allowing for more convective activity in the afternoon and evening hours. With the larger scale trough approaching, temperatures aloft begin to cool, which would lead to eroding that aforementioned warm nose around 700 mb. This would lead to a higher chance for severe weather. Confidence has increased a bit in this scenario as the various model guidance has come into better agreement. That said there still remains some timing and strength differences, which would affect the overall severe weather potential for the region. Friday through Monday: Another round of storms looks possible Friday morning as some guidance indicates an MCS moving through the Deep South will make its way into the Southeast during the morning hours. There remains plenty of uncertainty with this scenario, so confidence is on the lower side as of now (~20%). After that and a cold front pass, more tranquil weather is forecast for the weekend into early next week. && .AVIATION /19Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... Scattered showers and thunderstorms with brief restrictions at times through the early evening. MVFR Stratus/strato-cumulus possible late tonight. The air mass remains moist and unstable. At the moment, a weak mid level trough is moving through the area with light showers near the CAE/CUB/OGB terminals. Ceilings remain MVFR near the CAE terminal but expect improving conditions as the trough moves to the northeast. Outside of convection this afternoon expect broken VFR cumulus. Scattered thunderstorms are developing over north GA. These showers will move to the east and into the area late this afternoon and evening. Locally heavy rain possible so visibility likely reduced at times. The convection will slowly diminish during the evening, MVFR ceilings expected to develop overnight. The guidance favors stratus over fog with a strong low-level jet, mainly after 09z. Winds light, favoring south direction shifting to southwest. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Morning fog/stratus less likely on Wednesday with drier air over the region. The extended will be active, with mainly diurnal convection each day. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. GA...None. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Columbia SC 350 AM EDT Mon May 6 2024 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-115- 116-135>137-070800- 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- 350 AM EDT Mon May 6 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Georgia and central South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected. Some may produce gusty winds and periods of heavy rainfall, with isolated flooding possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms will be possible again Wednesday into Friday. Isolated strong storms could form Wednesday afternoon. Scattered strong to severe storms possible Thursday and Thursday night. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed on Thursday.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
217 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
GAZ065-077-061900-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-
217 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Burke
and southwestern Richmond Counties through 300 PM EDT...
At 217 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Wrens, or 14 miles southwest of Fort Eisenhower, moving east 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...
Waynesboro, Hephzibah, Gough, South Augusta, Blythe, Keysville,
Vidette, Ellwood, Diamond Lakes Regional Park, Bath-Edie, and Pea
Patch Aerodrome.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3308 8229 3315 8227 3323 8223 3327 8226
3327 8229 3330 8231 3331 8235 3344 8209
3309 8192 3301 8228
TIME...MOT...LOC 1817Z 249DEG 13KT 3324 8227
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CRLSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
259 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
GAZ063>065-077-061945-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-McDuffie GA-Columbia GA-
259 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
McDuffie, southern Columbia, northwestern Burke and Richmond Counties
through 345 PM EDT...
At 259 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Fort Eisenhower, moving northeast at 15 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...
Grovetown, Evans, Martinez, Fort Eisenhower, Augusta, Hephzibah,
Harlem, Glendale, South Augusta, Midtown, Summerville, Augusta Mall,
Daniel Field, Augusta Regional Airport, Village Plaza Shopping
Center, Augusta National Golf Club, McBean, Blythe, Dearing, and
Keysville.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 186 and 201.
Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 15.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3358 8210 3356 8204 3349 8199 3346 8193
3344 8191 3342 8193 3341 8191 3341 8195
3338 8193 3337 8195 3334 8194 3335 8191
3333 8191 3331 8188 3311 8224 3314 8227
3322 8223 3326 8225 3331 8234 3335 8253
TIME...MOT...LOC 1859Z 241DEG 14KT 3337 8219
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CRLPreliminary Local Storm Report...Summary
National Weather Service Columbia SC
345 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0310 PM Hail 2 SE Grovetown 33.43N 82.18W
05/06/2024 E0.88 Inch Richmond GA Trained Spotter
Reported nickel size hail along Gordon
Highway near Dodge Lane.
0326 PM Hail 2 S Evans 33.48N 82.15W
05/06/2024 E1.00 Inch Columbia GA Trained Spotter
Spotter reported dime to quarter size hail
near the intersection of S. Old Belair Road
and Millhaven Road. Hail continued for 5
minutes.
0329 PM Hail Evans 33.51N 82.14W
05/06/2024 E0.75 Inch Columbia GA Amateur Radio
HAM Radio operator reported dime size hail
near the intersection of Highway 383, S.
Belair Road and Highway 232, Columbia Road.
&&Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
347 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0309 PM Hail 3 SSW Grovetown 33.41N 82.21W
05/06/2024 E0.88 Inch Richmond GA Public
Public reported dime to nickel size hail
along Gordon Highway and Newmantown Road.
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
411 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
GAZ077-SCZ035-062100-
Burke GA-Barnwell SC-
411 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Burke and
southwestern Barnwell Counties through 500 PM EDT...
At 410 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Alexander, or 8 miles southeast of Waynesboro, moving northeast 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...
Waynesboro, Plant Vogtle, Sardis, Midville, Alexander, Burke County
Airport, Gough, Snelling, Girard, Vidette, Di-
Lane Wildlife Management Area, Magruder, Savannah River Site K
Complex, Shell Bluff, Colemans Lake, and Rosier.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3283 8232 3293 8227 3308 8229 3328 8146
3312 8141 3316 8154 3310 8162 3304 8156
3305 8154 3304 8154 3291 8176 3295 8186
3292 8196 3292 8208 3288 8213 3281 8215
3280 8221
TIME...MOT...LOC 2010Z 235DEG 17KT 3299 8193
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CRLSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
457 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
SCZ035-041-136-062145-
Central Orangeburg SC-Barnwell SC-Bamberg SC-
457 PM EDT Mon May 6 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Barnwell, Bamberg and southwestern Orangeburg Counties through 545 PM
EDT...
At 457 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Barnwell, moving east 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, Bamberg, Denmark, Blackville, Barnwell State Park, Rivers
Bridge State Park, Ehrhardt, Hilda, Snelling, Olar, Kline, Elko,
Cordova, Cope, Govan, Bamberg County Airport, Barnwell County
Airport, and Edisto.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3312 8119 3311 8136 3316 8154 3334 8153
3349 8091 3314 8087 3312 8089 3309 8088
3306 8090 3310 8094 3303 8108
TIME...MOT...LOC 2057Z 278DEG 14KT 3320 8130
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CRLThe Columbia radar (KCAE), 61 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:57 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
SC Highway Patrol reported a tree down blocking the roadway on Daniel Ave. near J. Paul Rd in Johnston. Time estimated by radar.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in South Carolina, 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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1170043.