News Summary
Severe thunderstorms struck Augusta, CA on Sunday evening, bringing hail and wind damage. The National Weather Service issued alerts as areas including North Augusta and Evans faced risks from strong storms and gusts up to 50 mph. With significant hail and increased lightning risk, residents are urged to take precautions as severe weather continues to loom.
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Augusta, CA, Causing Hail and Wind Damage
On Sunday evening, Augusta, CA, faced a real weather predicament as severe thunderstorms rolled into the area. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, SC, the first alert was issued at 6:01 p.m. and was set to last until 6:30 p.m.. Residents of McCormick, Edgefield, and Aiken counties were particularly advised to stay on high alert.
The thunderstorms were packing a punch with pea-sized hail measuring about 0.25 inches and wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph. If you thought you could catch a break, not quite yet! Doppler radar tracked one particularly strong storm hovering over Summerville or Augusta, moving southeast at a casual speed of 15 mph.
Areas Affected by the Thunderstorm Alert
The storm’s effects were expected to be widespread, affecting numerous locations, including:
- North Augusta
- Grovetown
- Evans
- Martinez
- Fort Eisenhower
- Augusta
- Clearwater
- Belvedere
- Hephzibah
- New Ellenton
- Jackson
- Glendale
- South Augusta
- Clarks Hill Recreation Area
- Midtown
- Riverwood
- Summerville
- Augusta Mall
- Daniel Field
- Augusta Regional Airport
Highways weren’t spared either! Areas of Interstate 20 in Georgia (between mile markers 188 and 201) and South Carolina (mile markers 0 to 8) faced impending threats. Similarly, parts of Interstate 520 in both Georgia and South Carolina were also on the radar, with alerts extending to mile markers 1 to 15 and 16 to 23, respectively.
Stay Safe and Prepared
If you find yourself outdoors during this wild weather, hunkering down inside a building seems like your best bet. It’s crucial to remember that when a thunderstorm approaches, there’s a significant risk of lightning—striking the U.S. approximately 25 million times annually. The likelihood of a strike increases as the storm gets closer and peaks when it’s directly overhead.
If you can’t find shelter inside, make sure you’re cautious, especially on the roads. You don’t want to be hydroplaning—this happens when vehicles lose control due to a build-up of water in front of their tires!
Looking Back and Moving Forward
In Aiken County, the damage was especially severe, with fallen trees blocking roadways and power outages affecting approximately 4,000 Dominion Energy customers and around 2,000 Georgia Power customers. Sadly, the storm claimed one life in Banks County when a tree fell on a vehicle.
Currently, a First Alert is still active, highlighting the potential for more severe storms with the risk classified as a slight risk (2 out of 5) for damaging winds and large hail. With historical data showing nearly double the average number of tornadoes this year, it’s clear we’re in for an active storm season!
As we navigate these tumultuous weather patterns, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us next!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorms Cause Devastation in Metro Atlanta
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Strike South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Sumter and Clarendon
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Anderson and Greenville Counties
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings Hit Augusta
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings Impact South Carolina and Atlanta
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Saluda County
Scottie Scheffler Celebrates Masters Win in Augusta
Additional Resources
- News Leader: Flood Watch in Effect
- Wikipedia: Flood Alert
- Augusta Chronicle: Tornado Warnings
- Google Search: Tornado Warnings in Augusta
- WRDW: Deadly Storm Damage
- Google Scholar: Severe Storms Impact
- AccuWeather: Masters Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecast
- WFXG: Weather Update
- Google News: Weather Updates Augusta
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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