News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of South Carolina and Georgia, affecting areas such as McCormick, Aiken, and North Augusta. Residents are advised to prepare for strong wind gusts up to 55 mph, torrential rainfall, and the risk of localized flooding. Major highways are on alert as storms move through the area. With the warning in effect until 11 p.m., locals are urged to stay indoors and remain informed about the storm’s progression to ensure safety.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits South Carolina and Georgia
As the clock struck 9:59 p.m. on Tuesday, a severe thunderstorm warning turned heads in South Carolina and Georgia. It looks like Mother Nature is sending a fierce reminder that summer storms can pack quite the punch. Residents across McCormick, Edgefield, Aiken, and Barnwell are now on high alert until 11 p.m. tonight.
What to Expect
The weather gurus over at the National Weather Service in Columbia have had their eyes glued to Doppler radar and spotted some serious thunderstorms rolling in. These storms are stretching from about 6 miles north of Wrightsboro all the way to the J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Citizens Park. If you’re in that area, you’re in for a ride as these storms are sliding southwest at a nice, breezy 15 mph.
Hold onto your hats—wind gusts up to 55 mph are expected, making it a potential recipe for chaos. Strong winds can easily knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items sailing right into your neighbor’s yard. Keep an eye on your trash cans; they might just have a wild ride tonight!
Affected Areas
If you find yourself in popular locales such as Aiken, North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Thomson, Fort Eisenhower, or Augusta, you might want to take the warning seriously. Also, places like Clearwater, Martinez, Aiken Mall, and Hephzibah are included in this advisory. Even little towns like New Ellenton, Jackson, and Harlem are on the radar, not to mention the beautiful Clarks Hill Recreation Area and Mistletoe State Park.
Highways on Alert
Those planning to travel should tread carefully. Major highways are feeling the storm’s wrath too:
- Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 166 and 201
- Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 20
- Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 15
- Interstate 520 in South Carolina between mile markers 16 and 23
Time to Be Smart!
For anyone still enjoying the great outdoors, it’s about time to find some shelter. The NWS is strongly advising folks to head indoors as conditions worsen. The forecast also predicts spells of torrential rainfall, which could lead to some localized flooding. If you see a flooded roadway, it’s wise to turn around and avoid it. Remember, it’s never a good idea to underestimate the power of water!
Lightning and Safety Tips
And let’s not forget the frequent cloud-to-ground lightning zipping throughout the area. This electrifying spectacle can strike up to 10 miles from the storm. Lightning is no joke—did you know it zaps the United States about 25 million times a year? Summer storms are particularly infamous for this. Each year, around 20 fatalities occur due to lightning strikes. Stay safe and stay indoors when you hear the thunder!
Also, if you’re behind the wheel during this stormy weather, be aware of the risk of hydroplaning. This happens when your vehicle glides over the water on the road, causing a potential loss of control. Remember to give yourself extra space on the road, and keep your speed down to avoid any unnecessary mishaps.
Wrap-Up
Make sure to stay updated on the storm’s progression, and prioritize your safety. The warning is active until 11 p.m., so let’s all hunker down, stay informed, and ride out this tempest safely! With any luck, this storm will blow over quickly, leaving clear skies and calm winds in its wake!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- News 4 Jax
- Google Search: Localized Flooding
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- News 4 Jax
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Carolina
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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