Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Aiken and Surrounding Areas

Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Aiken and Surrounding Areas!

Hey there, Aiken! If you woke up this morning and noticed a rumble of thunder or a flash of lightning, don’t worry—you’re not imagining things. Strong thunderstorms have rolled into town this morning, and they are packing a serious punch. The National Weather Service in Columbia, SC just issued a weather alert at 6:26 a.m. warning us to be on high alert until 7:15 a.m. for these boisterous storms.

What to Expect?

As of 6:25 a.m., Doppler radar had spotted a fierce thunderstorm right near Belvedere, moving at a whopping 55 mph towards the northeast. So, that means if you are in the Aiken area or nearby, you better keep your eye to the sky!

The weather service advises us that we may experience some sudden wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph—yikes! Hold onto your hats! These gusty winds could potentially knock down tree limbs and scatter around anything that’s not secured. So if you’ve got outdoor furniture or decorations, you might want to bring them inside.

Where’s the Storm Heading?

As this storm makes its way through, several communities are in its path. Here’s a quick rundown of the locations affected by this alert:

• Aiken
• North Augusta
• Batesburg-Leesville
• Augusta
• Clearwater
• Belvedere
• Martinez
• Johnston
• Ridge Spring
• Glendale
• South Augusta
• Edgefield County Airport
• Midtown
• Summerville
• Daniel Field
• Augusta National Golf Club
• USC Aiken
• Aiken Municipal Airport
• Gloverville
• Graniteville

And let’s not forget about the roads! Some major highways are also being impacted, including:

• Interstate 20 in Georgia (mile markers 198 – 201)
• Interstate 20 in South Carolina (mile markers 0 – 50)
• Interstate 520 in Georgia (mile markers 3 – 15)
• Interstate 520 in South Carolina (mile markers 16 – 23)

Stay Safe!

With lightning strikes occurring about 25 million times a year in the United States—most often during the summer—it’s crucial to prioritize your safety during thunderstorms. If you’re out and about, the Weather Service suggests, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.” Keep your loved ones safe and stay indoors until this storm passes.

And just a quick refresher—don’t forget that driving can be tricky during these conditions. One major hazard is hydroplaning, which takes place when a vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. This phenomenon can happen when water builds up quickly in front of your tires, causing your vehicle to rise and slide on the water instead of gripping the road. If you find yourself hydroplaning, remember to stay calm, ease off the gas, and steer straight. Sounds simple, but it can make all the difference!

Wrap-Up

So, there you have it, folks! Keep an eye out for the thunderstorm, stay safe indoors, and take heed of the weather updates. We’ll weather this storm together, Aiken!