News Summary
On July 3, scattered thunderstorms affected Aiken and nearby regions, bringing gusty winds and heavy rain. The National Weather Service warned residents of potential severe weather until the evening. Power outages affected thousands, and damage was reported across the Central Savannah River Area. Safety advisories stressed caution amid the extreme weather conditions, with forecasts predicting ongoing storms in the following days.
Aiken, SC – Scattered thunderstorms impacted Aiken and surrounding counties on July 3, 2025, bringing strong winds and the possibility of severe weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia, SC issued an updated weather report warning of thunderstorms with strong winds that may last until 9 p.m.
A high temperature of 89°F was recorded, accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 50 mph. Winds were primarily blowing from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Residents could expect a 70% chance of rain through the day, with thunderstorms anticipated to continue into the afternoon. After midnight, cloudy skies were predicted with a few showers possible and a low of 71°F expected.
The weather advisory specifically covered areas of Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Lexington, Aiken, and Barnwell counties. Cities such as Williston, Gaston, Aiken State Park, Swansea, Wagener, North, Pelion, Springfield, and others were included in the alert zone. Additionally, Interstate 20 was anticipated to be affected between mile markers 27 and 44.
At 8:10 p.m., Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near Aiken State Park, moving southwest at 20 mph. Winds from earlier thunderstorms caused notable gusty conditions in southern Lexington County. Residents were urged to seek shelter indoors as lightning strikes dramatically increase with storm approaches, posing significant risks. Annually, the U.S. experiences about 25 million lightning strikes, with roughly 20 fatalities resulting, primarily during summer months.
Hydroplaning is a significant concern during such weather conditions, as vehicles may slide out of control on wet roads due to water buildup. Residents were advised to exercise caution and stay indoors if possible to ensure safety during the thunderstorms.
Following the scattered thunderstorms, notable damage occurred in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) on July 4, 2025. Aiken County experienced power outages affecting approximately 4,000 Dominion Energy customers, while about 2,000 Georgia Power customers were also impacted. Trees were reported down across several locations, prompting safety concerns among residents.
As the storms continued to threaten the region, a FIRST ALERT for severe weather remained in effect, with additional severe storms forecasted for Sunday and Monday, July 6 and 7. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences for a fatality in Banks County, GA, where a tree fell on a vehicle during the extreme weather conditions.
The thunderstorms serve as a reminder for the residents of Aiken and surrounding counties to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. The NWS continues to monitor the situation, providing updates and safety recommendations for those in affected areas.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Lightning
- WRDW: Deadly Storm Damage in CSRA
- Google Search: Thunderstorms
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Warnings
- WFXG: Afternoon Showers and Thunderstorms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Advisories
- Augusta Chronicle: Tornado and Thunderstorm Warnings
- Google News: Severe 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.
