Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Lexington and Aiken Counties

Lexington and Aiken Counties, August 22, 2025

News Summary

Residents of Lexington and Aiken Counties are advised to stay indoors as the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning. Strong winds of up to 50 mph and potential lightning strikes pose risks. Several neighborhoods, including Wagener, Pelion, and Perry, may be affected. Travelers on Interstate 20 should exercise caution between mile markers 29 and 39. With the potential for power outages and hazardous driving conditions, locals are urged to prepare and stay updated.

Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Lexington and Aiken Counties!

Attention, residents of Lexington and Aiken Counties! If you’re planning to step outside tonight, you might want to think twice. The National Weather Service (NWS) has just issued a severe thunderstorm warning, with strong thunderstorms moving your way until around 10:15 PM.

What to Expect

As the storms roll in, brace yourself for wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph. A hefty thunderstorm has already been spotted by Doppler radar, traveling southwest at about 15 mph. It was located just 13 miles northeast of Aiken State Park and about 16 miles southwest of Red Bank at around 9:44 PM.

Where Will It Hit?

This storm is on a mission to affect several neighborhoods, including:

• Wagener
• Pelion
• Perry
• Perry Airport
• Thor
• Steedman
• New Holland
• Samaria Fire Station
• Cedar Pond Campground

For anyone traveling along Interstate 20 in South Carolina, be mindful that the area between mile markers 29 and 39 is under this alert, too!

Safety First!

Residents are strongly encouraged to seek shelter indoors, especially if you’re caught outside. Lightning strikes are a major concern as the storm approaches, with approximately 25 million strikes recorded annually across the United States, resulting in around 20 fatalities. Be alert—the chance of lightning increases as the storm approaches, peaking when it’s right overhead.

Driving Precautions

Planning to drive? Hydroplaning could become a real danger if the rain comes down hard. Hydroplaning happens when cars slide uncontrollably due to water buildup in front of the tires. The three main causes include:

• Poor tire tread
• Excessive speed
• Wet road conditions

Knowing how to react if you find yourself hydroplaning is crucial for your safety.

What Else is Going On?

Earlier today, a tornado watch was issued for parts of the area, with warnings and watches expiring throughout the day. The storm system moving through is expected to bring along 30 to 45 mph winds, with localized gusts potentially hitting as high as 60 to 75 mph. This could lead to significant damage to trees and power lines, so securing outdoor items is a must!

Residents are reminded that the South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide burn ban due to dry conditions exacerbated by these high winds, posing a severe fire danger.

Prepare for Possible Power Outages

Take a moment to charge your devices and stay updated through local news apps. With potential outages in the air, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

FAQ Section

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Severe Weather Alert
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• The State: Weather News
• Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
• WLTX: Severe Weather Forecast
• Google Scholar: Weather Alerts
• Herald Online: Weather Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• The State: More Weather News
• Google News: Thunderstorm Safety

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.