Columbia, SC, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Aiken, Barnwell, and Bamberg counties in South Carolina, advising residents to remain indoors due to wind gusts up to 50 mph and the risk of lightning. Doppler radar has tracked a strong storm near Jackson, and previous alerts had warned of heavy rainfall and localized flooding in surrounding areas. Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items and stay updated on weather conditions as severe weather is expected to continue.
Columbia, SC – Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Local Counties
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, South Carolina, has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Aiken, Barnwell, and Bamberg counties, effective until 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Residents in these areas should be prepared for wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph and seek shelter due to frequent cloud-to-ground lightning associated with the storm.
Doppler radar has identified a strong thunderstorm near Jackson, close to the Savannah River Site, moving southeast at 15 mph. This storm is expected to impact several locations, including:
- Barnwell
- Jackson
- New Ellenton
- Snelling
- Olar
- Kline
- Savannah River Site Badge Office
- Savannah River Site H Canyon
- Barnwell County Airport
- Savannah River Site K Complex
Residents are advised to secure loose objects outdoors, as strong winds may blow them around, possibly causing injury or damage. The NWS also cautions residents to remain indoors due to the risks associated with lightning, which can strike from up to 10 miles away from the storm front.
Earlier this week, a severe thunderstorm alert was also issued for Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, and Aiken counties on Wednesday, with warnings in effect until 11:45 p.m. Wind gusts were reported at similar speeds, alongside heavy rainfall that has resulted in localized flooding. Locations affected during that alert included Batesburg-Leesville, Saluda, Johnston, and Ridge Spring, closely impacting traffic on Interstate 20.
In Lexington County, a flood advisory continues to be in effect until 3:15 a.m. on Saturday due to excessive rainfall. Rainfall totals have accumulated between 1 and 2 inches, with the potential for more rainfall leading to minor flooding conditions. Areas of concern regarding flooding include Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, and Irmo, as well as various campgrounds. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways, as many flooding fatalities occur in vehicles.
Aiken County has reported significant storm-related damage, including downed trees and power outages affecting thousands of customers. Furthermore, one fatality has been confirmed in Banks County, Georgia, when a tree fell onto a vehicle during the storm. Meanwhile, Georgia’s Governor has expressed condolences related to the situation.
A FIRST ALERT remains in effect, as potential severe weather is expected to continue over the following days. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant for updates regarding the risk of severe thunderstorms in the region.
Weather Safety Tips
- Seek shelter indoors during a thunderstorm.
- Secure any loose outdoor items.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas.
- Stay updated with weather alerts.
FAQs
What counties are under a severe thunderstorm warning?
The counties under a severe thunderstorm warning are Aiken, Barnwell, and Bamberg.
What should I do during a thunderstorm?
It is advised to seek shelter indoors, secure loose items outside, and stay away from windows.
What are the risks of lightning during a thunderstorm?
Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm and causes an average of 20 fatalities a year in the U.S.
Key Features of the Severe Thunderstorm Alerts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Areas Affected | Aiken, Barnwell, Bamberg, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington |
| Wind Gusts | Up to 50 mph |
| Flood Advisory Areas | Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, Irmo |
| Reported Rainfall | 1 to 2 inches |
| Patient Safety | Avoid flooded roads and seek shelter |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- The Weather Channel: Aiken SC Weather
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- WFXG: Scattered Showers and Storms
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impacts
- The State: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WRDW: Deadly Storm Damage
- Google News: Weather Updates
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