Storms Push Through Midlands Leaving trail of Damage

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)- Heavy rain and thunderstorms brought strong winds, flooded roadways and even hail on Wednesday.

Relentless rain flooded highways and overflowed into streets. Powerful winds knocking down trees into power lines and apartment buildings.

Crews were out all day trying to clean up the devastating damage.

Over in Saluda County, the town of Ward experienced devastating damage to historic landmarks.

“The tree itself we understand dates back before the civil war so this happens to be our favorite tree in the yard, so it kind of breaks our hearts to see part of it gone.”

“I thought the porch was gone the way it sounded because the tree hit struck down so quickly,” Ward resident, Andrew Davis said. “My back was to it and I heard a loud boom.”

The town of Ward’s post office windows were blown out and trees were snapped like toothpicks throughout the town.

Wednesdays storms caused a sinkhole to form right in the middle of downtown Columbia at the intersection of Lady and Assembly.

“It’s great to see our joint crews out here immediately to attend to it, and the city of Columbia Police Department providing some safety,” Mayor Steve Benjamin said.

Several roads were barricaded off as pounding rain made it a dangerous route for drivers. Some Midlands residents got caught in the rapid floods, while others having to be rescued.