News Summary

Aiken County residents are urged to prepare for severe thunderstorms predicted to develop this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service warns of damaging winds and heavy rain, with localized flooding possible. A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until late tonight, affecting areas including Edgefield, Saluda, and Lexington counties. Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors, as wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, and take precautions when traveling due to flood risks.

Aiken, SC – A severe weather alert has been issued for Aiken and the surrounding counties due to the forecast of strong thunderstorms expected throughout the afternoon and evening of August 13, 2025. The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC has warned residents to prepare for potentially damaging winds and heavy rainfall as a strong thunderstorm was detected moving northeast near Aiken Municipal Airport.

The forecast indicates partly cloudy skies early in the day, with scattered thunderstorms likely to develop this afternoon. High temperatures are expected to peak around 88°F, accompanied by northeast winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph. There is a 60% chance of rain, with the possibility of a stray shower or thunderstorm in the early hours, which could lead to localized flooding in certain areas.

As evening approaches, considerable cloud cover will thicken, with the low temperature projected to be approximately 71°F. Wind conditions will remain light and variable, indicative of a generally humid atmosphere. This aligns with historical weather patterns as summer months bring the highest incidence of thunderstorms.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant as the severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 11:45 pm, covering areas including Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, and Aiken counties. Those residing in Batesburg-Leesville, Saluda, Johnston, Ridge Spring, and Wagener are particularly advised to take precautions. The warning extends along Interstate 20 between mile markers 24 and 43, which could impact travel conditions severely.

A Doppler radar update indicated a strong thunderstorm cell reported near Aiken Municipal Airport at 11:10 am, moving northeast at 25 mph. Wind gusts associated with the storm could reach up to 50 mph, posing risks of downed tree limbs and power lines. Local authorities have recommended that residents seek shelter indoors during the storm.

As the storm system progresses, it’s essential for residents to remain cautious of severe weather conditions. The NWS emphasizes avoiding driving through flooded roadways due to the significant risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose traction on wet surfaces.

In the context of this year’s severe weather season, an average of 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the United States, with summer months accounting for the majority of fatalities, approximately 20 deaths per year due to lightning-related incidents.

In addition to the severe thunderstorm warning, earlier in the week, a tornado warning was declared for parts of Richmond and Aiken counties, valid until 6:45 am on August 16, 2025. A tornado watch remains in effect until 10 am across several counties, signaling conditions favorable for tornado development. Responding to the immediate threat, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Georgia, effective until Sunday afternoon, ensuring that resources and measures are readily available for combatting potential hazards.

This weather pattern follows a delay during the start of the 2025 Aiken County Jamboree, which was postponed due to extreme heat. In lighter news, South Aiken’s Zay’lynn Hightower successfully caught a touchdown during the team activities, and Aiken High coach Steve Hibbitts addressed the team after a victory over Wagener-Salley.

As severe weather conditions develop, Aiken residents are urged to remain alert and stay updated with local meteorological advisories and warnings. The unpredictable nature of thunderstorms calls for proactive measures to ensure safety and preparedness.

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Additional Resources

• Herald Online: Aiken Severe Weather Alert
• Wikipedia: Severe Weather
• Weather.com: Aiken Weather
• Google Search: Aiken SC Weather
• WLTX: South Carolina Storms
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
• Fox Weather: Thunderstorms Overview
• Google News: Thunderstorms 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.