🌱 1st Earthquake Of '22 + Power Outages + Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Good morning, Columbia! I'm Dan Casarella and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 46 Low: 34.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Columbia:

1. A 2.53 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Elgin early Monday morning — the first of 2022 and the eighth one to hit the Columbia area in the last week. The quake was felt near Columbia and followed a string of similar-magnitude seismic events just before the New Year. (Greenville News)
2. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour hit South Carolina yesterday, causing downed trees and power outages throughout the area. The high winds were caused by a weather front moving across the state. As of 9 p.m. last night, over 2,700 customers in Richland County were still without power, according to PowerOutage.us. (News 19)
3. A Richland County motorcycle collision on Monday morning left one person dead, said the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Around 5:30 a.m., a motorcyclist struck a fallen tree on Old Hopkins Road near Garner’s Ferry Road. The person died from their injuries at a local hospital, and officials are currently investigating the crash. (WIS10)

Today's Columbia Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Columbia!

Today in Columbia:

• 30 Americans Exhibit At Columbia Museum Of Art (All Day)
• Music Bingo At Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• After yesterday's winds, the Columbia Fire Departments are continuing to respond to numerous calls for downed trees on homes and power lines. The Department encourages residents to use caution as they're driving and to stay alert. (Facebook)
• The 30 Americans exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art closes in two weeks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 17). Closing day is Bank of America Family Day at the museum, which means free admission all day. (Facebook)
• Columbia Police Department appreciates your feedback. To commend an officer or submit a complaint, click here. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.