Read more: Local, Weather, Breaking, Storms, Damage, Wind, Hail, Kier, National Weather Service
Severe storms swept across the midlands between 4 and 8 pm. These thunderstorms downed trees in Richland, Lexington, Clarendon and Calhoun counties. Funnel clouds were reported over Shaw Air Force Base. Quarter size hail was recorded at Fort Jackson in Richland county.
Columbia fire officials say lighting is also the likely culprit behind two house fire in the Northeast Columbia area. One fire happened on Shoreline Road in the Lake Carolina community. Another fire was also sparked just a few miles from there on Rivendale Road. Authorities say both home are considered total losses.
Camp Bob Cooper, known as the RM Cooper Leadership Center in Clarendon county, issued a press release notifying the public that all campers, volunteers, staff, and other participants are accounted for with no reported injuries. Storms damaged the roof and porch of a dorm.
Numerous wind damage reports in Clarendon county are being recorded by the National Weather Service. These reports include straight line wind damage. NWS officials despite public assumptions of a tornado, the damage was caused by straight line winds.
"This is another reminder that the public needs to heed severe weather warnings and take appropriate action," says WACH Fox News Weather Anchor Justin Kier.
Click on the video link for this story to see exclusive video of a gust front with shelf clouds shot by WACH Fox 57 Weather Anchor Justin Kier at the Village at Sandhill.
