CSRA Severe Weather Updates
4:25pm update from Steve Smith:
The severe weather threat for the CSRA has now passed. Cooler air will begin filtering into the area and we will drop down into the 40s overnight.
3:45pm update from Steve Smith:
Our focus on severe weather is now just north of the metro. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 6pm for Edgefield, Saluda, and McCormick Counties in South Carolina. In the metro, winds are a concern. Winds are picking up, and we may see some gusts over 30 miles an hour.
2pm update from Steve Smith:
Our focus on severe weather is south of the metro. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 6pm for Burke County in Georgia, and Barnwell, Bamberg, and Allendale Counties in South Carolina. In the metro, winds are a concern. Winds are picking up. In addition, we may see a few strong thunderstorms before late afternoon.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina until 6 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/4IXlIZNi23
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) March 18, 2021
12:15pm update from Steve Smith:
We continue to track severe weather in the CSRA. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 6pm for Burke County in Georgia, and Barnwell, Bamberg, and Allendale Counties in South Carolina. A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes and other severe weather. In the metro, we may see some strong thunderstorms and gusty winds between 1pm and 4 pm this afternoon.
12 noon update:
Looks like a good bit has hit south for us. But there are still chances for rough weather for our area.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina until 6 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/pMYmEJRKoh
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) March 18, 2021
11:45am Update:
As of 11:05am there was an extreme tornado watch for Emanuel county.
Moderate Tornado watch for Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Burke, Evans, Jefferson, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes counties.
3/18/2021, 11:25 AM - The NOAA All-Hazards Transmitter at Plant Vogtle is down. Please switch to nearby transmitters at Waynesboro, Aiken, Barnwell, or Wrens for realtime warnings. Also contact your local Emergency Manager for how to receive any local warnings! #gawx #scwx #caewx pic.twitter.com/eUYk6efeZF
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) March 18, 2021
10am Update
From Steve Smith:
There is a severe weather threat for the Augusta area today. Warm air is surging up ahead of an approaching cold front. As the cold front tracks eastward, it will produce showers and thunderstorms. Some of these thunderstorms may be severe. Other weather hazards include: heavy downpours, gusty winds, along with possible hail and tornadoes. The window for this weather event may be from 11am to 4pm. As we get into the evening hours, skies will begin to clear with the overnight low falling back into the upper 40s.
Stay alert. Weather conditions can change quickly.
Storms are expected to arrive a little earlier than expected, however we remain in enhanced threat of severe weather with damaging wind gusts, hail and tornadoes possible. Expect storms to begin around 11am in the CSRA, noon in central Midlands and 1pm in the eastern Midlands. pic.twitter.com/QUvD3Fcf4T
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) March 18, 2021
REMINDER:
Tornado WATCH means the conditions are right for a tornado to form.
Tornado WARNING means a tornado is confirmed. It has formed and is visible on the radar.
It’s important to be prepared ahead of time.
Make sure to:
- Identify a safe space in your home for your family.
- Monitor storm updates – and have a way to do this that doesn’t require electricity (battery powered radio, charged up cell phone or iPad)
- Prepare an emergency kit.
Important things to have in your emergency kit:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food items
- First aid kit with basic items
- Blankets
- Flashlights or candles
- sanitation & hygiene
(More ideas for tornado preparation)
Check back here for more CSRA Severe Weather Updates throughout the day.
