FIRST ALERT: Severe Storms Have Moved In

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Tornado Watch has been issued for the area, that means that some of the storms that develop this evening could possibly contain a tornado. Severe storms have arrived in the state. Severe storms will continue to move eastward at about 45 mph. Stay weather aware through the evening.

A Severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for some of the southern counties, including Orangeburg, Bamberg, Barnwell and Aiken

The opportunity for showers and storms will start to ramp up as we head into your Thursday evening.

The Storms Prediction Center has put us under a “slight risk” of strong storms. That includes portions of South Carolina, North Carolina and northern states.

The northeastern part of the U.S. is expected to be hardest hit and have the best possibility for strong storms.

A slight risk means that scattered severe storms are possible. Even though the storms may be short-lived and only a few may develop, they could be intense.

The greatest threat is showers with strong thunderstorms that may contain damaging wind. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

The timing has changed slightly. We now expect the strongest showers and storms to pass through the Midlands from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A cool and dry forecast is expected starting Friday and continuing this weekend with daytime highs in the 60s and overnight lows near 40° and just below.

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