Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for South Carolina and New Jersey

South Carolina and New Jersey, September 8, 2025

News Summary

Residents in South Carolina and New Jersey should prepare for severe thunderstorms, with high wind gusts and potential hail. Warnings are active in several counties, urging locals to secure outdoor items and seek shelter indoors. The National Weather Service cautions against the possibility of tree damage and hydroplaning while driving. Stay informed and keep safe as the storms approach.

Stormy Weather Expected in South Carolina and New Jersey

Residents of South Carolina and New Jersey, it looks like it’s time to batten down the hatches! Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect, and the National Weather Service (NWS) is keeping a close eye on the skies. As of this evening, thunderstorms with interestingly high wind gusts are headed your way!

What’s Happening in South Carolina?

First off, let’s talk about South Carolina. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Central and Southeastern Orangeburg and Bamberg County, and it’s not something to take lightly! Until around 7:30 p.m. today, folks in these areas are advised to prepare for wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Doppler radar has spotted robust thunderstorms near Branchville, just about 13 miles west of Saint George, moving southeast at a brisk pace of 20 mph.

What does that mean for you? Well, there’s potential for tree limbs to snap and unsecured items to be sent flying. So, if you’ve got outdoor furniture or children’s toys lying around, it might be a good idea to bring them inside!

New Jersey Isn’t Sitting This One Out

Meanwhile, over in northern Sussex County, New Jersey, the situation isn’t looking much better. A similar warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m. with wind gusts that could escalate up to a whopping 60 mph. Additionally, there’s the chance of penny-sized hail! These storms are moving near Pellettown, around 7 miles southeast of Montague, at 15 mph.

Power lines, roofs, and trees might find themselves in some trouble tonight as the storms bring a risk of damage. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for updates from local forecasts to keep track of the changing weather.

What Else to Expect?

For those living in Charleston County, a severe thunderstorm watch has been put in place until 9 p.m., and Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties are under watch until 10 p.m. Prepare for wind gusts up to 60 mph, the possibility of small hail, and even isolated tornadoes. These storms are racing southeast at speeds ranging from 35 to 45 mph!

And if you thought the storm indicators were winding down, think again! An updated alert was issued at 8:15 p.m. for St. Clair and Talladega counties as strong thunderstorms with gusts up to 40 mph begin to make their presence known. Cities like Oxford, Talladega, and Pell City can expect the storm to bring its fair share of blustery winds.

Safety First!

Now, let’s talk safety. The NWS reminds everyone to seek shelter indoors when thunderstorms approach. Staying inside until the storm passes is key. Did you know that lightning strikes the United States around 25 million times a year? That results in roughly 20 fatalities annually. So, if you see lightning, it’s best to hunker down until the storm blows over.

And for those finding themselves behind the wheel during these storms, beware of hydroplaning. It might sound scary, but if it happens, just stay calm and steer gently in the direction you wish to go. It’s all about keeping control while the roads may be less than ideal.

Conclusion

The bad weather is sweeping across various counties, and it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. Monitor updates and stay safe out there, everyone!

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Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in the Carolinas and Capital Region
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Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Live 5 News
• Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
• NJ.com
• Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
• AL.com
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• Patch
• Google News: Thunderstorms

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.