News Summary
The annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff, originally slated for February 16, has been postponed to March 2 due to severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. While residents face a rainy forecast with heavy rainfall, the beloved event will now take place at the Icehouse Amphitheater from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets purchased for the original date remain valid, and proceeds will support local charities. Community members are encouraged to stay safe as storms impact the region.
Severe Weather Forces Rescheduling of the Lexington County Chili Cookoff
Lexington, the charm-filled hub of South Carolina, is bracing for some serious weather this week. As folks were looking forward to the annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff, mother nature has thrown a curveball, leading to a change in plans. Originally set for February 16, the beloved event has been pushed to March 2 due to the forecast of thunderstorms and potential tornadoes.
What Do the Skies Have in Store?
As the morning rolls in, Lexington residents are facing a 100% chance of rain. That means if you don’t want to get soaked, it might be wise to grab that umbrella! The forecast shows locally heavy rainfall expected, making for quite the wet start to the day. The maximum temperature is projected to reach a comfortable 64°F, but with winds blowing in from the west at 10 to 15 mph, it might feel a tad breezy.
Later in the day, those sunny vibes will take a backseat as conditions shift to cloudy skies, preparing us for a chilly overnight low of 33°F. If you’re planning to venture out, make sure to bundle up as the winds will change direction, blowing from the north at a lighter 5 to 10 mph.
Chili Cookoff Rescheduled – Don’t Miss Out!
The rescheduled 11th annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff will now take place on March 2 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Icehouse Amphitheater, located at 107 W. Main St. in Lexington. For those who already grabbed their tickets for the original date, good news! Your tickets will still be valid. Otherwise, feel free to join in on the fun and purchase tickets for just $15 for adults and $5 for kids aged 12 and under. Just keep in mind that the price for adult tickets will go up to $20 on the day of the event.
Aside from enjoying bowls of delicious chili, remember that every dollar spent goes toward supporting local charities in Lexington County. So, not only are you treating your taste buds, you’ll also be making a positive impact in the community!
Storm Damage Across the Region
Several counties in eastern and south-central Kentucky were under tornado watches while the storms persisted. Images of the aftermath reveal that power outages were a significant issue, with at least 3,400 outages reported as of Thursday morning, slowly decreasing as crews worked to restore service. Fayette County saw a heavy hit, too, with over 500 outages at the peak.
Community Resilience
The heavy rain didn’t just cause a stir in power services. Flash flood warnings were issued for several counties in southeastern Kentucky, resulting in flooded roads and school closures in Greenup County. Fortunately, the Lexington Fire Department sprang into action, rescuing two individuals who found themselves stuck in their vehicles after being caught in high water on Bowman Mill Road.
With storms affecting the entire community, it’s a reminder to keep an eye on the weather and stay safe. Here’s hoping for clearer skies by the time the Chili Cookoff rolls around!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky Weather News
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- The State Weather News
- Google Search: Weather Alerts
- WTVQ Weather Alert
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Watch
- Kentucky Weather Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington 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 Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. 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, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
