Clarendon County residents could see strong to severe thunderstorms today, with damaging winds, isolated hail and localized flash flooding possible.
The county is included in a slight risk area for severe weather, the second level on the Storm Prediction Center’s five-level scale.
The storms are associated with a cold front moving across South Carolina. The front is expected to produce widespread thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight, with damaging winds and flash flooding from heavy downpours among the primary concerns.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division said storms could develop across much of the state from late morning through late evening.
In Manning, showers and thunderstorms are most likely after 3 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with rainfall totals between one-quarter and one-half inch possible. Higher amounts could fall in thunderstorms.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s, with heat index values reaching approximately 105 to 106 degrees.
Storms are expected to continue into the evening, primarily before 10 p.m. The overnight low will be around 71, with patchy fog possible early Saturday.
The front and its storms will shift toward the coast Saturday, although another round of showers and thunderstorms remains possible in Clarendon County after 5 p.m. The chance of rain is 60%, with a high near 91. Isolated damaging winds and localized flooding will remain possible, but the overall severe-weather risk is expected to be lower than today’s.
Less-humid air is expected to arrive Sunday, bringing sunny skies and a high near 93. Monday is also expected to be sunny with lower humidity and temperatures in the low 90s.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Anyone who hears thunder while outdoors should move inside a sturdy building. During a severe thunderstorm warning, residents should stay away from windows and move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
