Flooding blocks all eastbound lanes on highway in Columbia as storms hit the area

Thunderstorms rolled through the Midlands Thursday morning, and caused severe weather effects, according to the National Weather Service.

One effect was flooding that blocked a portion of Interstate 20 that runs through Columbia, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

All of the eastbound lanes near Exit 68 on I-20 were blocked by the flooding that was first reported at about 8 a.m., according to SCDOT. One of the three westbound lanes, the far left passing lane, was also closed, SCDOT reported.

At about 10 a.m., SCDOT reported some of the eastbound lanes had reopened, and one lane on each side of the highway remained closed. By 11 a.m., SCDOT said all of the lanes had been reopened and the scene was cleared.

Traffic cameras showed that vehicles were backed up for miles, causing delays for drivers on the morning commute.

The weather conditions affected drivers across the Midlands.

Multiple collisions were reported across the Columbia area, with several reported on I-20 and Interstate 26, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Powerful wind, hail and heavy rain were all possible in areas of the Midlands, according to special weather statements issued by the National Weather Service.

After moving through the Orangeburg County area, storms threatened the Sumter County area, the National Weather Service said. There were threats of 40 mph winds in Orangeburg, Saint Matthews and Oak Grove, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds as powerful as 30 mph and pea-sized hail were possible near Sumter County, according to the special weather statement.

The National Weather Service warned anyone in the affected areas to seek shelter in a sturdy structure.

The isolated thunderstorms are forecast to move north later this morning, according to the National Weather Service.

But strong winds are forecast again on Friday, when a strong cold front will move into the area in the morning. In addition to potential 40 mph wind gusts, temperatures across the Midlands are expected to drop.

A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday with minimum wind chills between negative-5 and 5 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.