News Summary
Aiken and nearby counties are preparing for severe thunderstorms this afternoon as weather forecasts predict increasing storm activity with gusty winds up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert lasting until 9 p.m., covering Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Lexington, Aiken, and Barnwell counties. Residents are advised to take safety precautions as thunderstorms could lead to hazardous driving conditions and increased risks from lightning strikes. Staying indoors during the storm is highly recommended.
Aiken Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms Expected This Afternoon
Aiken and surrounding counties are bracing for severe thunderstorms this afternoon, as forecasts predict scattered thunderstorms becoming more widespread throughout the day. Residents should prepare for potentially strong gusty winds, with estimates reaching up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service issued an alert for these conditions, valid until 9 p.m. on July 9, 2025, covering areas including Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Lexington, Aiken, and Barnwell counties.
The expected high temperature today is 89°F, with winds blowing from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. There is a 70% chance of rain during the day, with cloudy skies expected to develop into the evening. While a few showers may continue late into the night, temperatures will drop to a low of 71°F. Overnight rain chances are lower, at around 30%.
Thunderstorm Details and Impact Area
At 8:10 p.m., Doppler radar indicated that a strong thunderstorm was moving southwest at 20 mph and was located approximately 12 miles east of Aiken State Park. Earlier reports confirmed gusty winds in southern Lexington County. The storm is expected to impact several key locations, including Williston, Gaston, Aiken State Park, Swansea, North, Pelion, and Springfield. Furthermore, Interstate 20 in South Carolina, specifically between mile markers 27 and 44, falls within the affected alert area.
Safety Precautions Advised
Due to the potential for hazardous conditions, residents are advised to consider sheltering indoors, especially if they are outdoors when storms initiate. It is crucial to be cautious of lightning hazards, as approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the U.S., leading to around 20 fatalities each year. Safety recommendations during thunderstorms include seeking shelter indoors and being aware that hydroplaning can occur if tires lose contact with the road due to excessive water, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
Recent Weather Context in the Region
The heightened storm warnings in Aiken follow a pattern of severe weather across the Southeast United States, including a state of emergency declared in Georgia affecting several counties. Recent storms in that state resulted in dangerous conditions, including one fatal incident involving a falling tree in Banks County. The severe weather has also caused power outages, affecting thousands of customers in both Aiken County and Augusta.
As the region prepares for these severe thunderstorms, residents should stay informed and vigilant about weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. It is essential for individuals and families in the impacted areas to monitor local information sources and adhere to safety recommendations during severe weather events.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WRDW: Deadly Storm Damage
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather
- Augusta Chronicle: Severe Weather Warnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- The State: Weather News
- Google News: Aiken Weather
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. 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.
