Columbia, S.C. – Boaters in central South Carolina and parts of eastern Georgia should prepare for hazardous lake conditions on Saturday as strong northeast winds sweep across the region.
The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a Lake Wind Advisory from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday for areas including Columbia, Augusta, Sumter, and Newberry. Wind speeds are expected to range from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph. A separate advisory from the NWS Charleston covers Lake Moultrie, where gusts could hit 30 knots, and waves may climb to over 2 feet.
Small watercraft will be particularly vulnerable to capsizing in these conditions, so boaters are advised to wear life jackets, avoid open water when possible, and secure all gear to prevent it from shifting in the wind.
Communities around Lake Murray, Clarks Hill Lake, and Lake Moultrie should exercise extra caution, particularly during the afternoon hours when wind speeds are expected to peak.
The advisory affects more than 30 counties, including Richland, Lexington, Lancaster, and Edgefield in South Carolina, and Columbia and Richmond in Georgia. This system is similar to the summer wind surges seen in July 2022, which led to multiple boating incidents.
Wind conditions are expected to ease by Saturday evening, but additional alerts may follow if gusty conditions persist.
Stay safe and take extra care when boating or spending time on the water during these windy conditions.
