Severe Storms Move Through Midlands
Columbia, S.C. (AP)–Strong, rapidly developing thunderstorms have left tens of thousands of people without power in Columbia.
The storms began developing around 1:30 p.m. Friday, bringing wind gusts of up to 60 mph, hail and frequent lightning to Richland and Lexington counties.
South Carolina Electric & Gas had about 35,000 power outages reported at the peak of the storms Friday afternoon, with almost all of them in Richland County. Police reported traffic lights out all over Columbia.
The National Weather Service says the storms ae moving south and east toward the coast and issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for the southern half of South Carolina.
