Stormy Night Ahead for South Carolina

The National Weather Service has issued a stern warning. A severe thunderstorm warning has been extended for Orangeburg County and parts of two other counties. This warning, initially set to end at 10 p. m. , is now active until 10:45 p. m. It covers Orangeburg, southern Calhoun, and southwestern Clarendon Counties. The warning was triggered by a line of storms spotted on radar. These storms were moving east at a speed of 70 mph. They were first detected around 9:54 p. m. , stretching from near St. Matthews to near Branchville. These storms are not to be taken lightly. They have the potential to generate wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph. Furthermore, they have a track record of causing widespread damage through strong winds. The warning area includes specific sections of major highways. This includes parts of Interstate 26 between mile markers 136 and 169. It also covers sections of I-95 between mile markers 85 and 111. Drivers in these areas should stay alert and be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Sixteen counties in South Carolina are under a severe thunderstorm watch. This watch is in effect until midnight Sunday morning. The counties under this watch include Orangeburg, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Fairfield, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda. Residents in these areas should stay informed and ready for potential severe weather. Earlier in the day, the National Weather Service had placed these counties under a severe thunderstorm watch. This watch was issued until midnight Sunday morning. Meteorologists had predicted that the most intense storms would hit after sunset. A complex of storms was expected to move across Tennessee and Georgia into the evening. Most of these storms were anticipated to weaken by the time they reached the Lowcountry. However, gusty winds remained a possibility. The threat to the Lowcountry did not seem significant. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. Residents should stay vigilant and prepared for any sudden changes in weather conditions.