High Wind — Sumter, South Carolina

2016-10-08 · Sumter, South Carolina

Event narrative

Law Enforcement, Department of Transportation, Media and Public reports numerous downed trees and power lines throughout the county. Areas of Highway 378 between Columbia and Sumter had blocked lanes due to downed trees, and over 25 streets were closed in the city of Sumter due to downed trees and power lines. Power outages were extensive throughout the county and especially in and around the city of Sumter. Duke Energy and City Officials reported virtually all of the city of Sumter and areas south leading to Clarendon County were without power due to downed main transmission lines. Reports indicated between 25,000 to 30,000 homes lost electrical power. Curfews were initiated until power was mostly restored 3 days later.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Matthew impacted the region on the night of Friday, October 7th and during much of the day on Saturday, October 8th. Tropical Storm force wind gusts were observed across most of the SC Midlands and Central Savannah River Area. Heavy rain also occurred, but was mainly confined to the eastern Midlands and parts of the lower Central Savannah River Area and resulted in flash flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 663724. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.