News Summary
Residents of Edgefield, Saluda, and Aiken counties in South Carolina should be wary as the National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings effective until 7:45 p.m. Doppler radar indicates a strong storm with wind gusts nearing 50 mph, and potential dangers such as fallen tree limbs and localized flooding are anticipated. Travelers on Interstate 20 should seek caution or alternative routes. Seek shelter indoors and be prepared for possible power outages as the storm approaches.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Sweep Across South Carolina
Well folks, if you’re living in or around Edgefield, Saluda, and Aiken counties, you’ll want to pay close attention! The skies are not looking too friendly this evening as the National Weather Service’s Columbia office has issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning, and it’s effective until 7:45 p.m. this evening.
What You Need to Know
As the clock struck 6:54 p.m., Doppler radar was buzzing with activity, indicating a robust thunderstorm brewing up near Saluda, which is roughly 11 miles west of Batesburg-Leesville. This sneaky storm is moving south at around 15 mph, and with it comes a whirlwind of wind gusts peaking at nearly 50 mph!
Residents in the affected areas should prepare for the possibility of gusty winds that could topple tree limbs and toss around any unsecured items in your yard. Keep an eye on those garden chairs and trash bins!
Where’s the Storm Going?
So, which places are in the storm’s crosshairs? Here are a few that might take a hit: Edgefield, Saluda, Johnston, Ridge Spring, and even locations like the Aiken Municipal Airport, Saluda County Airport, and other notable spots like Strom Thurmond High School and the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
This storm isn’t just staying on land; it even affects a stretch of Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 21 and 24. Travelers, it may be wise to consider alternate routes, or at least, be cautious of the conditions.
Take Shelter!
As the severe weather rolls in, the NWS strongly recommends seeking shelter indoors. If you can’t find anywhere to go inside, be sure to hop in your vehicle and ride it out! While lightning strikes are a common occurrence during thunderstorms, it’s vital to remember that these strikes can happen up to 10 miles away. In fact, on average, there are around 25 million lightning strikes in the U.S. each year—resulting in about 20 fatalities annually due to lightning-related incidents. Yikes!
Also, keep in mind the wild concept of hydroplaning. It’s when water builds up on the road and causes your vehicle to slide around uncontrollably. Thanks to the combination of wind and water, drivers could face not just dangerous winds but potentially localized flooding as well.
What About the Other Warnings?
In other weather news, warnings were previously issued for Bamberg, Barnwell, and Orangeburg counties but got the green light to expire as that particular storm weakened. But earlier in the evening, at around 6:15 p.m., a severe thunderstorm rumbled near Holly Hill, moving east at a swift 25 mph and delivering gusts of up to 60 mph. Impacted areas for this storm included Manning, Holly Hill, Summerton, and stretches along Interstate 26 and Interstate 95.
Get Ready!
As you prepare for the stormy weather this evening and possibly throughout the rest of the week, don’t forget that power outages could be on the horizon. Get ready for potential disruptions to electricity, internet, phone, and even your beloved cable services. Stay safe, keep your loved ones nearby, and let’s hope this storm departs just as swiftly as it arrived!
As always, stay tuned for further updates and stay safe out there!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet – Severe Weather Update
- WIS TV – Power Outages and Storm Damage
- WLTX – Weather Impact Alert
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Wikipedia: Weather Warning
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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