Central South Carolina, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Central South Carolina are urged to take shelter as the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. The warning, effective until 6:30 p.m., alerts those in Richland, Sumter, Calhoun, and Clarendon counties to potential dangers, including wind gusts of up to 50 mph and hail the size of a penny. Taking necessary precautions, such as staying indoors, can ensure safety during this stormy evening.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Central South Carolina!
Central South Carolina residents, grab your umbrellas and head indoors! A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has just been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for our area on this stormy Sunday evening. At precisely 6:05 p.m., the alert rang out, and it’s effective until 6:30 p.m. So, if you’re in areas like Richland, Sumter, Calhoun, and Clarendon, this is not the time to ignore Mother Nature!
What To Expect
The forecast isn’t looking too friendly, with wind gusts expected to reach a whopping 50 mph. That’s strong enough to potentially knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items tumbling about. Make sure you secure anything outside that you don’t want to be blown away!
Another thing to keep an eye out for is hail. Yes, that’s right! The expected hail size is about the size of a penny, or roughly 0.75 inches. So, take extra care if you’re outdoors when the hail starts falling. It’s best to seek shelter as soon as possible!
Where is This Thunderstorm?
As of 6:04 p.m., Doppler radar is tracking the thunderstorm near Poinsett State Park, which lies about 15 miles southeast of McEntire Air Base. The storm is currently moving southeast at a speed of around 15 mph. Those located in areas like Pinewood, Fort Motte, Lone Star, Low Falls Landing, and Rimini should take this alert seriously and seek shelter immediately!
The Dangers of Thunderstorms
Did you know that about 25 million lightning strikes happen across the United States each year, mainly during the summer months? Unfortunately, these strikes can lead to approximately 20 fatalities annually. Be cautious! The chance of lightning increases significantly as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead.
As the storm rolls through, remember that hydroplaning is a serious risk. This occurs when a vehicle lifts off the road due to water pressure in front of its tires, making it slide uncontrollably. If you’re driving, take extra caution on wet roads.
Safety Tips
Here are some important safety recommendations:
- Seek shelter indoors.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Avoid using electrical appliances.
- If you’re outdoors, find a sturdy building or vehicle to protect yourself.
Let’s all stay safe during this thunderstorm! Be aware of your surroundings and follow safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay out of harm’s way. Central South Carolina, let’s weather this storm together!
FAQ Section
What counties are affected by the severe thunderstorm warning?
The affected counties include Richland, Sumter, Calhoun, and Clarendon.
How strong are the wind gusts expected to be?
Wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 50 mph.
What size can the hail be during this storm?
The expected hail is about the size of a penny, which is approximately 0.75 inches in diameter.
What should I do if I’m caught outdoors during the thunderstorm?
Seek shelter inside a building immediately and avoid staying outside during the storm.
How common are lightning strikes during thunderstorms?
Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the U.S. each year, mainly in the summer, resulting in around 20 fatalities annually.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Hits Greater Oconee – What You Need to Know
Beaufort County, South Carolina Experiences Rare Snowfall
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in the Carolinas and Capital Region
Beaufort County Authorities Seek Help in Locating Missing Persons
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WKYC
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- Effingham Radio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WLTX
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm South Carolina
- The State
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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