The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur moved into the southeastern US which led to a significant surge of moisture into the area. The air mass became highly unstable in the afternoon and evening with MLCAPE values around 2500 J/kg.
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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.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur moved into the southeastern US which led to a significant surge of moisture into the area. The air mass became highly unstable in the afternoon and evening with MLCAPE values around 2500 J/kg. Storms developed along a surface trough in Georgia with strong low level convergence which led to a line of storms that moved through the area producing damaging wind gusts.
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 Jun 18, 1:05 PM EST, 3 hours 50 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 205 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... The severe thunderstorm risk has increased a bit and could persist overnight into early Friday morning. Northward trends in the axis of heaviest rainfall have continued, but this axis is still near the northern FA. Aviation Discussion updated for 18z TAFs. && .KEY MESSAGES... - 1. Gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and severe weather are possible this afternoon into Friday morning. - 2. A more typical summer-like pattern returns for the weekend into next week. && .DISCUSSION... Key Message 1: Gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and severe weather are possible this afternoon into Friday morning. Overview: The remnants of Arthur are pushing across the Deep South early this afternoon and are expected to continue pushing northeastward toward the FA the remainder of the day and tonight. A tightening pressure gradient is bringing gusts of 20-30 mph that should continue the remainder of the afternoon and into this evening. Deep moisture is already making its presence known with surface dewpoints in the low to mid 70s and PWAT's nearing 2.0" across the CWA. The first wave of scattered showers and storms are already developing in the region as a uncapped and unstable airmass is in place. A couple strong to severe storms with the main risk of damaging winds gusts will be possible with this activity before the main surge of moisture and widespread rain/thunderstorms moves in this evening and tonight. A strengthening wind field will aid in bringing an increased tornado risk in thunderstorms this evening and overnight, but damaging wind gusts are expected to remain the main severe hazard. As has been advertised, the main threat continues to be the potential heavy rainfall this evening into early Friday morning, where very efficient rain rates are expected and isolated flash flooding will be possible. Wind gusts overnight could near 35-45 mph as is still supported in recent 12z guidance, but some of this appears to be convectively enhanced rather than purely synoptic winds. Overall, with the timing of the main hazards being this evening and overnight, be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Heavy Rainfall: There has not been a major change in the outlook for rainfall outside of the 12z suite of CAM's continuing to drift the axis of heaviest rain closer to the Upstate/northern Midlands. Majority of the CWA remains in WPC's Slight Risk (level 2 out of 4) for excessive rainfall today into Friday morning. As mentioned in the overview, PWAT's are already nearing 2" and should continue surging toward 2.20-2.40" this evening and overnight. As this moisture increases with the approaching upper wave and remnant low level circulation moving near the northern FA, IVT values are now forecast to reach near climatological maximum values as a robust 50-65 kt LLJ moves into the FA. Some guidance continues to indicate this LLJ could be a bit stronger (near 70 kts) like the 12z NAM and NAM 3k. This impressive LLJ coupled with the aforementioned PWAT's, warm cloud layer depths nearing 14,000 to 15,000 ft, and lingering instability sets the stage for the advertised efficient rain rates. As mentioned above, the 12z suite of guidance generally has shifted the axis of highest totals a bit further north toward the Upstate and northern Midlands, closer to where the remnant low level circulation is forecast to move. Due to this, widespread amounts near 0.50-1.50" still seems reasonable, but pockets of 2-4" could be in the cards, especially along and north of the I-20 corridor. These higher amounts could be realized mainly where training of convection occurs tonight. This axis appears heavily dependent on the track of the low level circulation so shifts may occur still. Due to this, a Flood Watch still does not seem warranted considering the potential shifts in the axis of greater amounts and that 2"+ amounts appear fairly scattered. Severe Weather: The main change to the forecast comes with the potential severe weather this evening and overnight tonight as the FA is now bisected along the I-20 corridor by a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe weather north of I-20 and a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) south of here. Any isolated strong to severe storm this afternoon is in a weakly sheared environment (0-6km shear under 15 kts), but MLCAPE values are now exceeding 1500-2000 J/kg as strong heating occurs in in the very moist airmass. DCAPE values are a bit marginal still (500-800 J/kg), but sufficient for precip loaded downburst potential (TEI values currently near 25) and thus bringing the isolated damaging wind gust threat into this evening. This evening and overnight is when kinematics improve as the remnant core of Arthur moves in with it's low level circulation. These improved wind fields can already been seen from the 17z VAD profile in Mobile, AL where a layer of 45-50 kt winds is seen from ~500m up to ~4km. This is bringing 1km shear values up to near 30 kts with SRH in this layer exceeding 150-200 m^2/s^2. This area of enhanced low level helicity along the track of the low level circulation is expected to move in late this evening and overnight, bringing the increased risk for a few tornados, mainly along/north of I-20. With the increased shear profiles, convection could organize as clusters or potential linear segments as depicted in recent HRRR runs. Either mode will bring the main hazard of damaging wind gusts tonight, but any linear segments could bring the increased tornado risk as southwesterly 40-45 kt 3km shear vectors would be favorably oriented with north-south linear segments for the development of mesovortices. Wind Gusts: A tightening surface pressure gradient this afternoon and evening is bringing gusts to 25-30 mph before the increasing wind field aloft and aforementioned LLJ may aid in bring gusts of 35- 45 mph overnight and into early Friday morning. A couple higher gusts in eastern spots cannot be ruled out. The forecast situation around these gusts is a bit complex as these could be partially attributed to the mostly intact core of the remnants from Arthur, but with likely on-going convection overnight, some of these winds could be convectively enhanced rather than purely synoptic. Also, BUFKIT soundings are not particularly aggressive in terms of mixing down some of the 50kt+ LLJ with fairly neutral conditions near the surface in terms of mixing. Despite these complications, the signal remains across 12z high-res guidance and in the latest HREF where probabilities for gusts greater than 40 mph has increased slightly toward 40-60%, highest along and south of the I-20 corridor. Overall, expect breezy winds the remainder of today before stronger winds will be possible tonight into Friday morning, associated both with convection and synoptic winds. One other note worth mentioning is saturated soils from the discussed heavy rainfall may make some trees more susceptible to falling in stronger winds tonight. Key Message 2: A more typical summer-like pattern returns for the weekend into next week. After the remnants of Arthur move out of the area, a front is expected to slide through the FA Friday afternoon/evening, bringing isolated to scattered shower/storm chances. Slightly drier conditions are expected behind the front this weekend, but with warming temperatures into the low 90s. Multiple disturbances are forecast to move through upper zonal flow, bringing a more summer- like pattern of diurnal thunderstorm chances as we head into next week. && .AVIATION /18Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... VFR with scattered convection this afternoon and evening. Widespread rain tonight with restrictions developing. Thunderstorms are beginning to move into the CSRA and impact the Augusta terminals early this afternoon with tsra likely continuing into this evening. A bit of uncertainty to the northern terminals as higher resolution guidance indicates not as high of instability owing to warmer temperatures aloft. This may limit tsra threat this afternoon and evening, although have included a prob30 group. Winds remain gusty into tonight with gusts around 20 knots continuing consistently and enhanced gusts possible at times tonight as the remnants of TS Arthur move into the area. This will lead to strengthening winds aloft, although surface winds should remain elevated enough to prevent llws criteria to be reached. Widespread moderate to heavy rain moves over the terminals tonight, although generally guidance keeps visibility above 3sm, think there will be a brief period of IFR visibilities possible, especially at the Augusta terminals. Similarly ceilings will likely be predominantly MVFR but may drop to IFR at times, lingering into Friday morning. Breezy winds continue Friday, although drier air will start to move into the area. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Diurnally driven convection can be anticipated heading into the weekend, although coverage will be isolated with higher coverage next week. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. GA...None. && DISCUSSION...DH AVIATION...96
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
152 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
GAZ065-077-181815-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-
152 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Burke and
southwestern Richmond Counties through 215 PM EDT...
At 152 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Wrens to near Gough to near Emmalane.
Movement was northeast at 35 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...
Waynesboro, Hephzibah, Midville, Alexander, Burke County Airport,
Gough, Blythe, Keysville, Vidette, Di-
Lane Wildlife Management Area, Bath-
Edie, Pea Patch Aerodrome, Magruder, Ellwood, Colemans Lake, and
Rosier.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3283 8231 3293 8227 3308 8229 3322 8223
3326 8225 3328 8228 3336 8215 3302 8181
3292 8196 3292 8208 3288 8213 3281 8215
3280 8221
TIME...MOT...LOC 1752Z 236DEG 30KT 3314 8240 3301 8221 3277 8197
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
DHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
214 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
GAZ063-064-181900-
McDuffie GA-Columbia GA-
214 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of McDuffie and
Columbia Counties through 300 PM EDT...
At 213 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Thomson, moving northeast at 25 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...
Grovetown, Thomson, Harlem, Appling, Mistletoe State Park,
Thomson-McDuffie County Airport, Wrightsboro, Dearing, Winfield,
Sweetwater Park, Arties Pond Public Fishing Area, McDuffie County
Fire Department, Adamsville, Thomson Fire Department, McDuffie
Regional Medical Center, White Oak Campground, Autney, Boneville,
Columbia County Jail, and Wildwood Park.
This includes Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 167 and
191.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3370 8231 3347 8216 3332 8241 3333 8242
3334 8244 3334 8250 3336 8253 3335 8255
3341 8255 3346 8259 3355 8262
TIME...MOT...LOC 1813Z 241DEG 20KT 3344 8256
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CRLSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
216 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
GAZ065-077-SCZ030-181845-
Burke GA-Richmond GA-Aiken SC-
216 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Burke,
southeastern Richmond and southwestern Aiken Counties through 245 PM
EDT...
At 216 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Waynesboro, moving northeast at 45 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...
Waynesboro, Hephzibah, Jackson, McBean, Augusta Regional Airport,
Shell Bluff Landing, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Audubon's Silver
Bluff Sanctuary, New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park, Beech Island,
Savannah River Site H Canyon, and Bennock Mill.
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 3306 8208 3314 8222 3343 8193 3328 8166
TIME...MOT...LOC 1816Z 228DEG 37KT 3315 8206
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
DHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
246 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
GAZ065-SCZ030-181930-
Richmond GA-Aiken SC-
246 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central
Richmond and central Aiken Counties through 330 PM EDT...
At 246 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Jackson, or 9 miles southeast of Clearwater, moving northeast at 45
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...
Aiken, Aiken Mall, New Ellenton, Jackson, USC Aiken, Aiken Municipal
Airport, Citizens Park, Gloverville, Augusta Regional Airport, Aiken
State Park, Burnettown, Windsor, Audubon's Silver Bluff Sanctuary,
Hopeland Gardens, New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park, Savannah River
Site Badge Office, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Redcliffe Plantation
State Historic Site, Boyd Pond Park, and Beech Island.
This includes Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 23
and 28.
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 3326 8186 3338 8199 3373 8160 3360 8133
TIME...MOT...LOC 1846Z 224DEG 37KT 3339 8183
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
DHPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Columbia SC
348 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0320 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 E Aiken 33.54N 81.70W
06/18/2026 Aiken SC Emergency Mngr
Aiken EM reported tree fell and downed power
lines near the entrance to Citizens Park at
Woodvale Ln.
&&
CRLThe Columbia radar (KCAE), 102 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:56 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Large branches down along Apple Valley Dr and Limber Twig Ln.
A tree fell on a vehicle on Tailboard Way in Martinez.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, June 2026
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: 1335756, 1335750.