Protect Your Family's Future with Expert Estate Planning
Estate Planning Attorney in Lexington, SC
Do you have a last will and testament set up? Though most people know they need their affairs in order, most procrastinate about estate planning. We get it - thinking about your death and what happens to your assets when you pass is uncomfortable. The truth is, though, that working with an estate planning attorney in Lexington, SC, doesn't just protect your assets.
Having a will in place protects you and your loved ones, too, both while you're living and after you're gone. And while there's no perfect time to plan your estate, doing so sooner than later will provide security and peace of mind down the line.
At Lauren Taylor Law, we know that one-size-fits-all plans aren't suitable for your needs. That's why our team of estate planning attorneys sits down to speak with you one-on-one so that we can help create an estate plan tailored to your wishes. That way, your family and loved ones are protected when it's time for you to go.
When it's all said and done, our goal is to provide all of our estate planning clients with more information and options so that they feel less stressed about the process. After all, peace of mind is priceless these days. Why spend time worrying about the future of your family when you can do your part to provide for them now?
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- Estate Planning Difference
- The Importance of Estate Planning in South Carolina
- Our Estate Planning
- Estate Planning Tips in South Carolina
- Selecting the Executor of Your Will in South Carolina
- Is a Will Really Necessary in South Carolina?
- Risk The Risks of Using "DIY" Wills
- Rely on Lauren Taylor Law to Protect Your Family and Estate
If you're feeling over-stressed and uninformed about estate planning, don't worry. You're not alone! Most of our estate planning clients are filled with doubt and worry when they walk into our office. They're concerned about their kids, their spouses, their loved ones, or all of the above. They have serious questions that need truthful answers, such as:
- How much will estate planning cost me?
- What will the results of this process be?
- How long will it take me to plan my estate and put a will in place?
If you find yourself asking these or other pertinent questions, our experienced team is here to help answer them. We've worked with hundreds of individuals and families trying to plan their estates, many of whom are forced to act quickly. In such situations, it's crucial to work with an estate planning firm with your best interests at heart.
The Lauren Taylor Law Estate Planning Difference
Estate planning in South Carolina is like second nature for our team of seasoned attorneys. We've done it all, from setting up healthcare power of attorneys and will packages to full estate planning that involves millions of dollars in assets. When you choose Lauren Taylor Law as your estate planning team, you can rest easy knowing you'll work directly with an experienced lawyer.
Because when it involves your estate and your family's future, passing your case off to a junior associate or paralegal isn't an option. Instead, you'll be working with a dedicated attorney with the time, resources, and knowledge to exceed your needs. At the end of the day, we're passionate about the outcome of our client's estate planning cases because the future of their family is at stake.
To get a better sense of your estate plans and needs, your attorney will consult with you, so that they can answer your questions and educate you on the nuances of estate law in South Carolina. That way, you can leave our office feeling a little wiser and a lot more informed about what options lie ahead.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in South Carolina Estate Law, encompassing the following areas:
- Will Packages
- Last Wills and Testaments
- Living Wills
- Power of Attorney
- Asset Protection
- Much More
The Importance of Estate Planning in South Carolina
When you hear the word "estate," what comes to mind? Many people think of a sprawling, multi-story mansion on the water. However, you don't have to be uber-wealthy to have an estate. Chances are you already have one. An estate is comprised of all the assets a person owns, such as:
- Automobiles
- Real Estate
- Bank Accounts
- Valuable Possessions
- Businesses
- More
And that, in a nutshell, is what estate planning is all about - working with an estate planning attorney in Lexington, SC, to create a framework that recognizes the people or organizations who should benefit from your assets. Though it may require some work and introspection up front, planning your estate now will make life easier for you and your loved ones down the line.
However, great estate plans usually cover more than fiscal assets. Your estate plan should also include:
- Specific instructions that identify beneficiary designations
- Who will be the guardian of any minor children you may have
- Instructions as to what happens if you're incapacitated prior to death
- The type of long-term care insurance you have
- Strategies to help your family avoid or minimize Probate fees and taxes
- Instructions regarding the transfer of your business after death, disability, or retirement
- Help for family members who struggle with money management
- Medicaid payment planning
- Instructions on how to help family members with special needs
Contrary to what others may tell you, estate planning isn't just reserved for older people approaching retirement. Estate planning is a savvy and responsible way to plan ahead because we never know when it could be our time to go.
Our Estate Planning
At Lauren Taylor Law, our estate attorneys craft personalized wills while providing guidance on many estate planning topics. Some of the most common estate planning services we offer include:
Last Will and Testament
Wills are a crucial legal document and the primary building block of professional estate planning. They are legal declarations that you use to name one or more people to administer your estate. Wills also dictate provisions for how your wealth is distributed after death. Hiring an estate planning attorney in Lexington, SC, ensures you get the outcomes both you and your loved ones prefer.
Power of Attorney
Sometimes, you need authorized representation to help with your affairs. Having a power of attorney lets you choose a person to act on your behalf or represent you in private or legal matters. It should be noted that while you have access to standard power of attorneys, they can only fulfill basic planning needs. Our team can help you draft a more comprehensive document addressing all your administrative needs.
Living Wills
Also referred to as an advanced directive, your living will states your medical end-of-life wishes if you cannot communicate. This sensitive document guides your family members and doctors through difficult situations, like whether you should be resuscitated after a car crash.
In addition to the estate planning services above, we also specialize in:
- Healthcare Power of Attorneys
- Power Over Wills
- Durable Power of Attorneys
- Deed Preparation
- Full Estate Planning Packages
Estate Planning Tips in South Carolina
Estate planning can be a complex process, but drafting a well-rounded plan now will make a big difference to your beneficiaries in the future. To give you a better understanding of estate law in South Carolina, keep these basic concepts and strategies in mind.
Maximizing Your Estate
If there were one strategy that every estate attorney agrees about, it would be maximizing what you plan to leave behind. Taking time to think through what you'll be leaving and to whom you'll be leaving it to is crucial in estate planning. It's important to note, however, that your plans may change depending on what type of asset you're leaving behind, its worth, your age, and many other factors. With an estate planning lawyer in Lexington, SC, by your side, you'll learn about the pros and cons of your choices while minimizing court fees and taxes.
Selecting the Executor of Your Will in South Carolina
The person you choose as the executor of your will plays a big part in your affairs. Your executor is responsible for finalizing estate settlements while upholding the terms of your will. Such a demanding role requires a unique person, and choosing that person is a decision you should take seriously. Your executor should be adept at managing money and should be patient in stressful times because they're responsible for the following:
- Paying Outstanding Debts and Bills
- Collecting Assets
- Distributing Assets
- Completing and Submitting Tax Returns
- Petitioning the Court if Necessary
To ensure your executor upholds your instructions and wishes, ask that they use an estate planning attorney in Lexington, SC, for help. Having a trustworthy, experienced lawyer on your side will help ensure your estate is distributed accurately and according to South Carolina law.
Is a Will Really Necessary in South Carolina?
As one of the most trusted estate planning law offices in South Carolina, we encounter clients all the time who question whether having a will is really necessary. They think that because their will is small or modest, having one is a waste of money. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Why? Think about what would happen if you didn't have a will. When you pass away without a will, you're dying "intestate." In this scenario, intestate succession laws in South Carolina determine where your assets go. You do not get to choose.
If you have a cherished family heirloom that you want to pass to your niece or a valuable car you want your brother to have, you may be out of luck without a will in place. Intestate succession laws in South Carolina dictate who gets what in your family. If you don't want the State to decide who will inherit your assets, forming a will with the help of an estate planning lawyer in Lexington, SC, is necessary.
Another reason to have a will is to help care for and protect your family if you pass away suddenly. This is true even if you consider yourself to be "too young" to have a will. If you're the parent of a minor and you die intestate, they will inherit your estate according to South Carolina law. However, this often means your child owns an interest in your home. That opens them up to intrusion from probate court. It also means a Guardian Ad Litem will be involved in your affairs to question the choices of your surviving family members, whether you like it or not.
By having a last will and testament in place, you have the chance to nominate a guardian for your child in the event that you pass.
RiskThe Risks of Using "DIY" Wills
You've probably seen ads for easy or "fill-in-the-blank" legal forms across the internet, promising low costs and easy will creation. Unfortunately, using these boilerplate forms is highly risky and may end up hurting your loved ones more than helping them. That's because when an estate planning attorney in Lexington, SC, is not present to prepare your will, you may receive a document that is inadequate, ambiguous, or even invalid by law.
At Lauren Taylor Law, we have found many issues with "DIY" wills, including the following:
Conflicting Verbiage: When using a "DIY" will, you've got to make choices on the form that often conflict, which can lead to ambiguity in your will.
Ambiguous Language: The language found within "fill-in-the-blank" wills typically includes less-than-clear verbiage. When a judge is unable to decipher the instructions in your will, it can lead to long, costly probate problems.
Outdated Info: South Carolina laws change often. Changes in the law can have a dramatic effect on the terms of your will, especially because online forms are often outdated from the very beginning.
Not Specific to South Carolina: As is the case with any state, local laws must be taken into account when creating your will, because state law governs several facets of estate planning. Many "DIY" wills are thrown out in probate court because they are generic and not specific to South Carolina estate laws.
Insufficient Instructions: Many people using boilerplate legal documents are uninformed about estate and probate laws. When it comes to preparing legal documents like wills, there is no substitute for the guidance you receive from a lawyer. Only a certified lawyer has the knowledge and experience to provide you with reliable advice and instructions. The instructions included with "DIY" wills lack true advice from a lawyer, rendering them nearly useless.
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Rely on Lauren Taylor Law to Protect Your Family and Estate
In life, there are no guarantees as to how long we'll be around to enjoy time with our families. That's why planning your estate is so important: to provide for those who mean the most to you. As your estate planning attorneys, our job is to ensure your family and assets are protected under South Carolina law. We take that job very seriously.
If you're looking for experienced, professional help drafting your last will and testament - one that truly reflects your wishes - look no further than Lauren Taylor Law. Our team is dedicated to the best interests of you and your family and is committed to providing sound legal advice, no matter the value of your estate.
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Latest News in Lexington, SC
Did early morning rumbling wake you up? It was an earthquake near Lake Murray
Noah Feit March 19https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article315110822.html
While most of South Carolina was sleeping early Thursday morning the latest earthquake to hit the Columbia area was recorded.A 2.1 magnitude earthquake was confirmed near Lake Murray, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The seismic activity hit at 2:32 a.m. in a part of Lake Murray that’s near the line separating Richland and Lexington counties, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division said.The tremors were recorded about 5.5 miles beneath the surface of the ground, USGS data shows.Recent earthquakes...
While most of South Carolina was sleeping early Thursday morning the latest earthquake to hit the Columbia area was recorded.
A 2.1 magnitude earthquake was confirmed near Lake Murray, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The seismic activity hit at 2:32 a.m. in a part of Lake Murray that’s near the line separating Richland and Lexington counties, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division said.
The tremors were recorded about 5.5 miles beneath the surface of the ground, USGS data shows.
Recent earthquakes
The recent seismic activity means that 14 earthquakes have been confirmed in South Carolina this year, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey. The past six have all been in the Columbia area, near Lake Murray.
On March 13, a 2.0 magnitude earthquake hit off the South Carolina coast, but that was in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Palmetto State.
Prior to Thursday’s earthquake, the last one recorded in South Carolina was a 2.2 magnitude quake on March 1, according to the USGS.
Prior to this series of tremors in the Columbia area, there were six consecutive earthquakes recorded in the Lowcountry between Feb. 3 and 12, South Carolina DNR data shows.
There were 35 confirmed earthquakes in South Carolina in 2025.
In 2024, there were 30 earthquakes in the Palmetto State, after 28 quakes were recorded in 2023, South Carolina DNR records show.
History of earthquakes in SC
It had been uncommon for earthquakes to hit outside the Midlands area of the Palmetto State, specifically beyond Kershaw County, where 74 earthquakes have been confirmed since the end of June 2022, according to the South Carolina DNR.
That’s also where South Carolina’s most powerful recent earthquakes were recorded on June 29, 2022.
On that day, two earthquakes — one a 3.5 magnitude and the other 3.6 — were included in a flurry of tremors and aftershocks. Those were the two largest quakes to hit South Carolina in nearly a decade. A 4.1-magnitude quake struck McCormick County in 2014.
Anyone who felt tremors and shaking or heard rumbling from Thursday’s earthquake can report it to the USGS. Although the earthquake occurred when much of the population was sleeping, as of 7 a.m., at least 58 people reported experiencing the early-morning seismic activity.
The most recent earthquake means at least 181 have been detected in the Palmetto State since the start of 2022, according to South Carolina DNR. All but 59 of the quakes have been in the Midlands.
In all, 127 earthquakes have hit the Columbia area since a 3.3-magnitude quake was recorded Dec. 27, 2021, according to the DNR.
The S.C. Emergency Management Division said the majority of the recent earthquakes were classified as a micro quakes, according to the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
No major damage or injuries have been reported from the recent seismic activity or any of the other recent quakes.
Earthquakes that register 2.5 magnitude or less often go unnoticed and are usually recorded only by a seismograph, according to Michigan Technological University. Any quake less than 5.5 magnitude is not likely to cause significant damage, the school said.
It had been typical for South Carolina to have between six and 10 earthquakes a year, the S.C. Geological Survey previously reported. There have been 195 earthquakes in South Carolina since Jan. 18, 2021, according to DNR. During a 2022 town hall to address the earthquakes, state geologist Scott Howard said as many as 200 smaller tremors might have gone unnoticed and unrecorded.
Reported earthquakes in SC 2025-26
| Jan. 8/Jenkinsville | 1.9 | 3.0 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.9 | 6.8 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 3.0 | 2.1 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.5 | 1.3 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 1.9 | 0.1 |
| Aug. 23/Coronaca | 2.0 | 0.3 |
| Aug. 25/Coronaca | 2.0 | 0.4 |
| Aug. 26/Coronaca | 2.4 | 0.3 |
| Aug. 27/Coronaca | 2.0 | 0.4 |
| Sept. 26/Coronaca | 2.2 | 5.6 |
| Sept. 29/Kershaw | 1.8 | 12.8 |
| Nov. 9/Centerville | 1.8 | 7.9 |
| Feb. 3/Centerville | 2.3 | 7.7 |
| Feb. 7/Centerville | 2.9 | 5.2 |
| Feb. 11/Centerville | 2.5 | 0.7 |
| Feb. 12/Centerville | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Feb. 26/Lexington | 3.0 | 0.2 |
School closures/eLearning announced for Monday due to potential severe weather
Lee Williamshttps://www.abccolumbia.com/2026/03/15/schools-closures-elearning-announced-for-monday-due-to-potential-severe-weather/
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Midlands schools are announcing classes will be cancelled or online on Monday due to potential severe weather across communities.CALHOUN COUNTY:Today, March 16, 2026, all schools in the district will operate on an e-Learning Day.CLARENDON COUNTY:All classes will shift to e-Learning for Monday, March 16.FAIRFIELD COUNTY:Due to forecasts indicating a potentially significant severe weather threat for our area on Monday, March...
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Midlands schools are announcing classes will be cancelled or online on Monday due to potential severe weather across communities.
CALHOUN COUNTY:
Today, March 16, 2026, all schools in the district will operate on an e-Learning Day.
CLARENDON COUNTY:
All classes will shift to e-Learning for Monday, March 16.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY:
Due to forecasts indicating a potentially significant severe weather threat for our area on Monday, March 16, 2026, FCSD will be closed.
This will be a traditional school closure, and there will be no e-learning on Monday. The instructional day will be made up on Monday, May 25, 2026.
KERSHAW COUNTY:
Kershaw County School District is shifting to an e-Learning Day for Monday, March 16, as severe weather is forecasted for our area. All school buildings and offices will be closed. All Monday after school activities and sporting events are also cancelled.
LEXINGTON ONE:
Lexington One will switch to eLearning on Monday, March 16 due to the forecast for severe weather. All after-school events and activities are canceled and campuses are closed for the day.
The big picture: The National Weather Service is predicting widespread, significant severe weather on Monday. Damaging (60 mph) to destructive (75+ mph) wind gusts are expected, with tornadoes possible as well. Some strong tornadoes (EF2+) are possible. Current forecasts indicate that the main window for severe hazards is expected to be between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
What to know: To help your student with eLearning, click here to review the district’s eLearning guidelines and directions. Students will have five days to complete all eLearning assignments. Additional information will also be shared later today.
Note for employees: Employees should work from home, unless notified otherwise by your supervisor.
LEXINGTON TWO:
With weather forecasts calling for severe weather and high winds in the Midlands, and in an abundance of caution, Lexington Two will close all schools and offices on Monday, March 16.
All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled on Monday, including athletic events, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and adult education classes.
The National Weather Service is predicting damaging to destructive winds, possibly as high as 60-75 mph, with the current timing anywhere between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. At this time, our area is at an enhanced risk for severe weather, with some parts of our forecast area expanded to a moderate risk. An enhanced risk is a 3/5 confidence level, and a moderate risk is a 4/5 confidence level.
We will communicate updates by Monday afternoon on the status of the school day for Tuesday, March 17.
We appreciate your understanding and support, as we prioritize the safety of our students, employees, and families.
LEXINGTON THREE:
Due to the latest forecasted severe weather expected to impact the Midlands of South Carolina on Monday, March 16th, Lexington County School District Three will shift to an eLearning Day. The primary threat on Monday is damaging winds, with gusts up to 75 miles per hour possible. The National Weather Service is predicting “high-risk” weather, with dangerous tornadoes possible between 11 AM and 3 PM, directly affecting Lexington Three’s regular school day. Therefore we will shift to an eLearning Day on Monday, March 16th.
There will be no work for students to do on Monday, March 16th. Instead, students will receive their make-up eLearning assignments on Tuesday, March 17th. Students will have the option to complete their eLearning assignments on their own time. All assignments will be due by no later than Thursday, April 2nd.
All after-school events including sports practices, sports games, meetings, adult education classes, etc. scheduled for Monday, March 16th are cancelled.
LEXINGTON-RICHLAND 5:
No school for teachers + students Monday, March 16.
NEWBERRY COUNTY:
Due to the predictions by the Weather Service for high winds and possible tornado activity during the morning commute and into the morning, the School District of Newberry County will be closed Monday. Concerns are for buses in the predicted winds.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY:
Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) officials are closely monitoring weather conditions expected to impact Orangeburg County. Due to forecasted severe wind conditions expected across Orangeburg County (March 16, 2026), Orangeburg County School District will observe an eLearning Day.
RICHLAND ONE:
According to Ilyssa Weiner with Richland One:
Due to the evolving forecast for severe weather and out of an abundance of caution, all Richland One schools and administrative offices will be closed Monday, March 16, 2026. Monday will not be an e-learning day.
All afterschool programs, activities and events that were scheduled for Monday, including athletics games and practices, are canceled. The Richland One Rising Stars Awards Ceremony that was scheduled for Monday evening at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is canceled.
The safety of our students and staff is always the primary consideration in deciding whether to change normal operations and schedules due to weather-related factors. The latest weather forecast calls for conditions during the day Monday that could produce tornadoes and high wind gusts of 40 miles per hour or more that would pose hazardous travel conditions for school buses and other vehicles on the roads.
RICHLAND TWO:
Due to forecasted severe storms and high winds, there will be no school tomorrow, Monday, March 16, 2026. All district buildings and offices will be closed.
SUMTER COUNTY:
Due to severe weather and hazardous winds, Monday, March 16, 2026, will be an eLearning day for all students and staff.
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This list will be updated as more schools’ information becomes available.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Midlands school changes for potential severe weather on Monday
WIS News 10 Staffhttps://www.wistv.com/2026/03/15/first-alert-midlands-school-changes-potential-severe-weather-monday/
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.CALHOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCalhoun County Public Schools will have an e-learning day on Monday.CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTMonday, March 16, 2026, will be an eLearning day for all students and staff. All schools and district offices will be closed.All activities, including athletic events and field trips, are canceled....
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.
CALHOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Calhoun County Public Schools will have an e-learning day on Monday.
CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Monday, March 16, 2026, will be an eLearning day for all students and staff. All schools and district offices will be closed.
All activities, including athletic events and field trips, are canceled.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fairfield County School District (FCSD) will be closed on Monday.
This will be a traditional school closure, and there will be no e-learning on Monday. The instructional day will be made up on Monday, May 25, 2026.
LEXINGTON 3
Lexington County School District Three announced it will shift to an eLearning Day due to potential severe weather on Monday.
The district says there will be no work for students to do on Monday. Instead, students will receive their make-up eLearning assignments on Tuesday, March 17th. Students will have the option to complete their eLearning assignments on their own time. All assignments will be due by no later than Thursday, April 2nd.
All after-school events, including sports practices, sports games, meetings, adult education classes, etc., scheduled for Monday, March 16th, are cancelled.
LEXINGTON ONE
Lexington One is switching to eLearning on Monday, March 16, 2026
All after-school events and activities are canceled, and campuses are also closed for the day.
You can click here to review the district’s eLearning guidelines and directions.
LEXINGTON TWO
Lexington Two is closing all offices and schools on Monday, March 16.
All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled on Monday, including athletic events, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and adult education classes.
DISTRICT 5 OF LEXINGTON AND RICHLAND COUNTIES
LR5 will not have school due to previous scheduling.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Orangeburg County School District will observe an eLearning Day. All after-school programs, extracurricular activities, athletic practices, and games scheduled for tomorrow are canceled due to the expected weather conditions.
LEE COUNTY
Lee County School District has designated Monday, March 16, 2026, as an eLearning Day.
KERSHAW COUNTY
Kershaw County School District is shifting to an e-Learning Day for Monday. All Monday after-school activities and sporting events are also cancelled.
NEWBERRY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Due to predicted severe weather for Monday, the School District of Newberry County will close all schools and offices on Monday, March 16.
RICHLAND ONE
All Richland One schools and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, March 16, 2026. Monday will not be an e-learning day.
RICHLAND TWO
School in Richland Two is canceled on Monday, March 16, due to severe weather.
All out-of-district field studies are canceled out of caution.
SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Due to severe weather and hazardous winds, Monday, March 16, 2026, will be an eLearning day for all students and staff.
VORHEES UNIVERSITY
Voorhees University will close its campus on Monday, March 16, 2026. Only essential personnel should report to campus.
WIS will update this article with more school changes once announced.
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Central South Carolina Hit with Multiple Tornado Warnings
FITSNewsMarch 12https://www.fitsnews.com/2026/03/12/central-south-carolina-hit-with-multiple-tornado-warnings/
Residents of central South Carolina were hit with multiple tornado warnings on Thursday morning (March 12, 2026) as a major storm front moved through the Midlands region of the state.Beginning at approximately 9:21 a.m. EDT, the Columbia, S.C. branch of the National Weather Service (NWS) began issuing tornado warnings for broad swaths of the region – including Lexington and Saluda counties south of Lake Murray and shortly thereafter for several heavily populated regions in Lexington and Richland counties north of the lake....
Residents of central South Carolina were hit with multiple tornado warnings on Thursday morning (March 12, 2026) as a major storm front moved through the Midlands region of the state.
Beginning at approximately 9:21 a.m. EDT, the Columbia, S.C. branch of the National Weather Service (NWS) began issuing tornado warnings for broad swaths of the region – including Lexington and Saluda counties south of Lake Murray and shortly thereafter for several heavily populated regions in Lexington and Richland counties north of the lake.
From 9:21 a.m. through 10:14 a.m., a total of six tornado warnings were issued for NWS Columbia’s coverage area – including warnings which encompassed Ballentine, Columbia, Gilbert and Irmo, S.C. At one point, nearly a quarter million Midlands residents were under a tornado warning.
While none of the dreaded funnel clouds appear to have touched down, the weather’s ominous turn was duly noted as cell phones across the region lit up with emergency warnings.
“(The) sky was green and got super dark really fast,” one Midlands resident wrote on X.
One weather watcher, Bethany Ouimette, was tracking traffic cameras operated by the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) when she observed an “intermittent funnel… coming and going.”
Multiple schools in the Midlands region instituted shelter in place protocols – while some schools actually evacuated students to more secure structures on campus. At the Target shopping center on Harbison Drive – a heavily trafficked retail area of northwest Columbia – shoppers were told to gather in the center of the store where they were asked to shelter in place for nearly an hour until the storm passed.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates…
is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and eight children.
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South Carolina schools begin announcing plans ahead of Monday severe weather.
Christopher Buchananhttps://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/south-carolina-school-schedules-severe-weather-monday-march-16/101-c94ca89f-c3b9-4621-9bde-e6d53d32a77c
With severe weather on the way, some schools are making changes to their schedules. We'll keep track of those changes here.COLUMBIA, S.C. — A severe storm is expected to bring heavy wind, rain and possible tornadoes to the South Carolina Midlands on Monday morning.As a result, some school districts are shifting their class schedules or moving to eLearning due to the storm's potential impact on their communities.Here's what we're hearing from each county.Aiken CountyAiken County schools will observe ...
With severe weather on the way, some schools are making changes to their schedules. We'll keep track of those changes here.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A severe storm is expected to bring heavy wind, rain and possible tornadoes to the South Carolina Midlands on Monday morning.
As a result, some school districts are shifting their class schedules or moving to eLearning due to the storm's potential impact on their communities.
Here's what we're hearing from each county.
Aiken County
Aiken County schools will observe an eLearning Day on Monday due to forecasted severe weather, with employees working remotely and students having until March 27 to complete their assignments.
Calhoun County
Calhoun County Public Schools will have an eLearning Day on Monday due to forecast severe weather.
Clarendon County
Clarendon County Schools has announced that Monday will be an eLearning day due to expected severe weather. All schools and district offices will be closed. All activities are canceled. Assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Students who face barriers to completing the assignments will be allowed additional time.
Fairfield County
Fairfield County School District will be closed on Monday due to forecast severe weather, with no eLearning. The missed instructional day will be made up on Monday, May 25.
Kershaw County
Kershaw County School District is shifting to an eLearning Day on Monday due to forecast severe weather, with all school buildings, offices, and afterschool activities closed or canceled. Middle and high school students will receive assignments in Canvas by 11 a.m., while elementary students will receive theirs on Tuesday. All students will have five school days to complete their work.
Lee County
Lee County School District has designated Monday as an eLearning Day due to forecast severe thunderstorms with high winds and heavy rainfall, and all staff members are expected to remain available during normal work hours.
Lexington One
Lexington County School District One is switching to eLearning on Monday, with campuses closed and all afterschool activities canceled due to a forecast of severe weather, including damaging winds and possible tornadoes. Employees are asked to work from home, and students will have five days to complete their eLearning assignments.
Lexington Two
Lexington Two will close all schools and offices on Monday due to forecast severe weather, with all afterschool and evening activities also canceled. The district will communicate updates by Monday afternoon regarding the status of school on Tuesday, March 17.
Lexington Three
Lexington County School District Three is switching to an eLearning Day on Monday due to forecasted severe weather. Students will have no work on Monday but will receive make-up eLearning assignments on Tuesday, with all work due by April 2. All afterschool events are canceled.
Lexington Four
Lexington Four schools are not scheduled to be in session on Monday.
Lexington-Richland Five
While schools and offices in School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties are already closed on Monday for a previously scheduled holiday, employees who were scheduled to work will transition to remote work due to forecast severe weather.
Newberry County
The School District of Newberry County will close all schools and offices on Monday due to forecast severe weather.
Orangeburg County
Orangeburg County School District will observe an eLearning Day on Monday due to forecast severe wind conditions, with all afterschool programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic events canceled. Students should follow the eLearning procedures previously communicated by their schools.
Richland One
Richland One has announced that all schools and offices will be closed on Monday due to the severe weather forecast. School officials said this will not be an eLearning day. All afterschool activities on Monday have also been canceled. The Richland One Rising Stars Awards Ceremony is also canceled.
Richland Two
Richland Two will cancel classes on Monday due to forecasted severe weather and high winds. All district buildings and offices will be closed.
Saluda County
Saluda County schools are monitoring the weather forecast but have not made any changes to school schedules at this time.
Sumter County
Sumter School District has designated Monday as an eLearning Day due to forecast severe weather, with all schools, offices, and activities closed or canceled, and the day will not need to be made up. Lessons will be posted on Schoology, and students who are unable to participate due to power outages or limited internet access will be allowed to complete assignments at a later time.
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