Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA (WACH) -- A tornado watch has been issued for the entire Midlands until 2 a.m. Thursday. 

Aiken, Calhoun, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lexington, Saluda, Newberry, Fairfield, Orangeburg, Sumter, Lee and Richland counties are all under a a tornado watch until 2:00 a.m. Thursday.  This watch is related to a strong line of thunderstorms currently moving through the Midlands.  The timeline for severe weather in the Midlands is from 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes.

Warm, moist, unstable air has settled into the Midlands.  As this powerful cold front approaches the area we can expect to see showers and thunderstorms develop late this afternoon and evening.  Some of these storms could be strong to severe with a threat of hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and even isolated tornados. 

The same system has generated numerous tornado watches and warnings from Ohio to Alabama Tuesday. The storm is being compared to the 1975 'Edmund Fitzgerald' storm and a similar situation in 1998.

"We do get occasional strong low pressure systems across the country from time to time, but the one that's currently the Great Lakes region and the Midwest is unusually strong," explained NWS Meteorologist Dan Miller Tuesday. "It is a very deep low pressure system and as a result is causing severe weather across the Midwest, and is also causing very strong winds across that area."

Miller emphasizes that the system is unique for the southeast as severe weather isn't a normal thing in October. However Fall can be the secondary severe weather season for the Carolinas due to the influence of tropical systems and drastic temperature changes.

With the severe weather potential it's a good idea to have a flash light, battery powered radio, or NOAA weather radio, and extra batteries handy just incase the power goes out where you live.

Officials also suggest other steps to take to help avoid any damage when the skies darken:

- Move garbage cans, lawn chairs, patio furniture and other loose items inside.
- Safely remove any diseased and damaged limbs from trees to keep them from blowing around during a storm and causing property or automobile damage.
- Be prepared for a power outage with an Emergency Supply Kit including a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, radio and batteries, flashlight and first-aid kit.
- Close doors and windows in advance, and close your blinds.
- Conduct a home inventory of your possessions. It’s helpful to keep track of model numbers and stores where items were purchased. Store your inventory, including photos and videos, in a safe place away from your home.

Stay tuned to WACH FOX and MidlandsConnect.com for updates throughout the day on the severe weather threat for the Midlands.

And if you see storms or damage in your area don't forget to text, email or upload pictures and video to mojo@wach.com.