News Summary
Aiken County is currently under a severe thunderstorm alert, with rainfall and gusty winds expected. In an unrelated incident, a local man was arrested for operating an illegal chop shop, showcasing rising crime amidst the challenging weather conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors and heed safety alerts while also being cautious about the ongoing criminal investigations in the area.
Aiken County Faces Severe Thunderstorms as Local Chop Shop Operator Arrested
Aiken County is bracing for severe thunderstorms this morning, with a high temperature reaching 87°F and winds blowing from the west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an alert indicating a 100% chance of rain, predicting heavy rainfall and possible localized flooding.
The storms could produce wind gusts up to 50 mph, posing risks of downed tree limbs and flying debris. A strong thunderstorm was detected near Aiken Municipal Airport at 11:10 p.m., moving northeast at 25 mph. Areas in danger include Batesburg-Leesville, Saluda, Johnston, Ridge Spring, and segments of Interstate 20 between mile markers 24 and 43. Residents are advised against driving through flooded roadways due to the risk of water in low-lying areas. The low for tonight is expected to drop to 73°F with light and variable winds.
Weather Alert Details
On August 13, 2025, an updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Columbia SC indicating strong thunderstorms would be present until 11:45 p.m. for Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, and Aiken counties. Alongside heavy rainfall, residents may experience conditions that could lead to localized flooding, marking a significant weather phenomenon as over 87% of South Carolina is currently under some level of drought. This stormy weather may drastically alter local drought conditions.
Law Enforcement Action on Chop Shop Operations
In a separate incident on the same day, William Hurt, a 28-year-old man from Aiken, was arrested on charges of operating an illegal chop shop. Multiple high-end stolen vehicles, including Dodge Chargers and various other car parts, were recovered from the operation located on Dougherty Road.
The investigation began following reports from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia regarding stolen vehicles, dating back to August 11. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted local agencies in the ongoing investigation, which has revealed a broader network of theft and illegal vehicle modifications.
Impact of Severe Weather
In conjunction with the thunderstorms, a tornado with an EF1 rating was confirmed to have hit parts of Aiken County, producing winds of up to 90 mph. Such severe weather can create unsafe conditions for residents and infrastructure alike, necessitating diligent monitoring of weather updates and adherence to safety protocols.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport reported 2.86 inches of rainfall on August 14, 2025, indicating the intensity and volume of precipitation falling across the region.
Safety Tips During Thunderstorms
Safety during thunderstorms is crucial. Residents are urged to seek indoor shelter, particularly if they are located outdoors or in mobile homes. Additionally, individuals should remain informed about weather alerts and avoid traveling during severe conditions to ensure personal safety.
As Aiken County prepares for the ongoing weather challenges and the impacts of the recent law enforcement operations, residents are advised to stay vigilant, respect outdoor conditions, and comply with safety advisories issued by local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Severe Weather in South Carolina
- Island Packet: Latest Weather News
- Fox Weather: Thunderstorms in the Southeast
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WRDW: Deadly Storm Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm
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.
