Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across the Southern and Eastern US; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the southern and eastern US this week, with heavy rain and localized flooding, particularly near the Gulf Coast. Monsoonal moisture will bring rain and potential flooding to parts of the Southwest. Heat and fire weather threats will continue to impact the West. Read More >

The National Weather Service in Columbia confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down in Columbia, South Carolina on March 3rd, 2019.

Click image for larger view

A tornado touched down near the Saluda River just south of the I-26 and I-126 interchange, north of Riverbanks Zoo. The tornado then tracked to the east for approximately 1.5 miles, crossing I-126, Janice Dr., Betsy Dr., Saluda River Rd., Timothy Dr., Moore Hopkins Ln. and Greystone Blvd., before dissipating near W Shawnee Rd. The tornado produced significant damage along its path, snapping and uprooting a significant amount of hardwood and softwood trees. Many of the trees fell onto vehicles and homes. Major structural damage occurred to several of the homes along the path due to the fallen trees. Additional straight line wind damage occurred east of the tornado to near Bull St.

Statistics Summary of the EF-1 Tornado in Columbia, SC on March 3rd, 2019

Location	Estimated Start Time	Maximum EF-Scale Rating	Estimated Maximum Wind Speed	Maximum Path Width	Path Length	Fatalities	Injuries
Columbia, SC	7:13 PM	EF1	105 MPH	150 yards	1.46 miles	0	0

*This information is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS Storm Data.

Photos from across the Region (click for a larger image)
Aerial view of downed trees	Aerial view of downed treesTrees	Aerial view of downed trees
Aerial view of downed trees	Aerial view of downed trees	Aerial view of damaged homes
Aerial view of damaged homes	Downed Trees	Uprooted Tree
Uprooted Tree	Uprooted Tree	Uprooted Tree
Downed Trees	Snapped and Downed Trees	Snapped Trees.
Debris in Trees