Laurence Manning Academy closed Wednesday after storm rips through Clarendon County

A heavy storm ripped through Clarendon County Tuesday night, causing damage to a few different areas, including businesses, houses and power lines and trees.

It appears the Walmart in Manning suffered damage inside and outside, as did houses and farmer sheds in Alcolu and near Laurence Manning Academy. Roofs could be seen damaged on Bob White Drive and Gossett Drive off Manchester. M&M Heavy Equipment on U.S. 521 appeared to be damaged. Part of the Sonic sign could be seen on the ground.

LMA posted on social media the school will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, April 6) because it is without power, though there appears to be no significant damage. Staff will assess the situation in the morning.

A spokeswoman for Manning-based Clarendon School District Two said faculty and staff should report to work at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, a delayed start. Students should begin arriving at 10 a.m.

The storm initially appeared to not be as bad in Sumter County, with some areas experiencing high winds that opened to a vibrant cotton candy sky painted with a double rainbow. It’s not clear yet if a confirmed tornado touched down.

There is another chance of thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon and night.

The storms Tuesday killed at least two people, one in Georgia and another in Texas, according to The Associated Press. More than 50,000 homes and businesses were without power Tuesday night from eastern Texas to South Carolina.

The House chamber was evacuated Tuesday for a tornado warning in Columbia during the day. According to AP, the legislation being debated that was delayed for nearly an hour would require athletes to compete with their gender listed on their birth certificates.