Dangerous heat and damaging winds in weather forecast for the Columbia area

Severe weather is forecast for the Columbia area of South Carolina Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

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Both extreme heat and powerful storms are expected to affect much of the Midlands, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a Tuesday morning briefing.

Heat advisory

A heat advisory has been issued, and will go into effect at noon, according to the National Weather Service. The heat advisory is scheduled to run to 8 p.m., as temperatures in the Columbia area will approach triple digits, and heat index values up to 108 degrees are expected, the National Weather Service said.

Richland County, Lexington County and much of the rest of the Midlands is included in the heat advisory, as hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illnesses, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologists cautioned to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion as well as heat stroke, and to act quickly when the symptoms are present.

“Heat stroke is an emergency!” the National Weather Service said in the advisory.

Thunderstorms and wind

As temperatures begin to decline later in the day, another round of severe weather is expected to impact the Columbia area. A line of thunderstorms is forecast to enter the area from the north late in the afternoon and continue through evening, according to the briefing.

By 6 p.m., the storms could cause strong wind gusts across the northern half of the Midlands and isolated tornadoes are possible, the National Weather Service said. The storms are expected to be present through 11 p.m., according to the briefing.

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Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.

Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.

No warnings, watches or advisories have been issued related to the storms, but that is subject to change as they get closer.

Up to a quarter inch of rainfall could be recorded in the Columbia area through Tuesday night, when the temperature could drop to 77 degrees, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher, especially during thunderstorms.

Drier and sunny conditions are expected for the rest of the week once the storms move out of the Columbia area, according to the forecast. High temperatures are expected to remain in the low-to-mid 90s, the forecast shows.

Heat safety tips

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Stay in an air-conditioned room
• Stay out of the sun
• Check up on relatives and neighbors
• Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing
• Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening
• Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles

SOURCE: National Weather Service