If you live in central or eastern South Carolina, don’t let today’s warm, quiet afternoon fool you—a wave of dangerous thunderstorms is expected to rip through parts of the state by evening, bringing powerful winds, hail, and intense lightning. Columbia, Florence, Cheraw, and nearby areas are all in the danger zone as storms build from 3 PM and last through 10 PM.
The National Weather Service has issued a thunderstorm alert for much of the Midlands and Pee Dee regions. Some of these storms could pack winds as strong as 70 mph, which is strong enough to knock out power, uproot trees, and damage homes. Hail and cloud-to-ground lightning are also part of the mix, making this a real threat to both property and safety.
Why These Storms Are Happening Today
This afternoon, a cold front is moving southeast across the Carolinas and running into very warm, humid air left behind by a multi-day heat streak. When cooler air slams into this unstable atmosphere, the result is a volatile line of thunderstorms that can grow quickly—and dangerously.
Meteorologists say this setup makes it likely that at least a few of today’s storms will strengthen enough to cause real damage, even if the threat is isolated rather than widespread.
When and Where to Expect the Worst Weather
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Between 3 PM and 10 PM is the main storm window.
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The Columbia metro area will likely see activity starting in the mid-to-late afternoon.
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Pee Dee cities like Cheraw, Florence, and Darlington could get hit around dinnertime or early evening.
Storms will be scattered at first, but some are expected to form strong, fast-moving clusters that sweep east across the region. While coastal cities might see rain, the most powerful weather is expected to stay inland.
Key Threats to Watch Out For
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Damaging Winds: Gusts between 50 and 70 mph could bring down trees and utility lines.
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Hail: Some storms may produce small to quarter-sized hail that can dent cars or break windows.
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Lightning: Frequent lightning strikes could be hazardous to anyone outdoors, especially near lakes or open fields.
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Localized Flash Flooding: Short bursts of heavy rain might flood poor-drainage areas, especially in urban zones.
These are fast-forming storms, meaning skies may look fine until they suddenly don’t. That’s why forecasters urge people to have alerts enabled on their phones and be ready to act quickly.
How to Stay Safe This Evening
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Secure outdoor furniture and tools before the storms arrive.
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Avoid driving during the peak hours—wind and water can make roads extremely dangerous.
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Keep devices charged and flashlights handy in case of power outages.
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Go indoors as soon as thunder is heard—lightning can strike well ahead of the rain.
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Check weather apps or local alerts for your specific county’s warnings.
Public safety officials are encouraging residents to stay off the roads and indoors during storm hours. Emergency crews across the Midlands are preparing for possible downed trees and scattered power outages tonight.
What Happens After the Storms
Once the front clears the region late tonight, South Carolina will get a brief taste of cooler and drier air on Friday. Expect lower humidity and mild sunshine. However, this won’t last long—heat and humidity are forecast to return by Sunday, along with renewed storm chances early next week.
