Aiken County, South Carolina, August 24, 2025
News Summary
A severe storm hit the Central Savannah River Area, resulting in extensive damage and one confirmed fatality. The storm particularly affected Aiken County, SC, with downed trees blocking roads and widespread power outages. An EF1 tornado touched down in the area, with wind gusts reaching 90 mph. The storm brought significant rainfall, helping to alleviate drought conditions in South Carolina. A FIRST ALERT remains in effect for ongoing severe weather threats.
Augusta, Georgia – A severe storm struck the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) late Saturday night, leading to extensive damage and one reported fatality. A 56-year-old man, identified as Jason Keith Payne, lost his life when a tree fell on his car in Banks County, Georgia. The storm prompted meteorologists to issue a FIRST ALERT for severe weather prior to its occurrence.
The storm’s impact was notably severe in Aiken County, South Carolina, where downed trees obstructed roadways, particularly in the Rapids neighborhood off River Bluff Drive in North Augusta. Additionally, part of a shed was blown into a road, creating further hazards for local residents.
Power outages were widespread, leaving approximately 4,000 Dominion Energy customers in Aiken County without electricity at the peak of the storm’s intensity. Georgia Power reported that about 2,000 of its customers in Augusta also faced outages as a result of the severe weather.
Preliminary assessments confirm that an EF1 tornado touched down in Aiken County, generating wind gusts that reached up to 90 mph. The torrential rainfall accompanying the storm resulted in Columbia Metropolitan Airport recording 2.86 inches of rain on Monday. Radar estimates suggest that some parts of South Carolina received between 2.00 to 10.00 inches of rain over a 72-hour period.
This precipitation is significant, especially given that over 87% of South Carolina was experiencing various levels of drought conditions prior to the storm. The rainfall from this event is expected to improve these conditions across the state.
As the storm threat continues, a FIRST ALERT remains in effect for Sunday and Monday, with potential risks for additional severe weather, including damaging winds and large hail. Authorities are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further warnings.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences for the victim’s family and acknowledged the efforts of first responders who worked diligently amid challenging conditions to provide assistance to affected individuals.
Officials are continuing to assess the situation, and further updates will be issued as information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through local channels and adhere to safety advisories.
FAQ
What caused the recent severe storm in the CSRA?
The severe storm was the result of a weather system that meteorologists had been monitoring, leading to the issuance of a FIRST ALERT prior to the storm hitting the area.
How many fatalities occurred due to the storm?
One fatality has been reported – a 56-year-old man named Jason Keith Payne, who was killed when a tree fell on his vehicle.
What areas were most affected by the storm?
Aiken County in South Carolina experienced significant damage, particularly in the Rapids neighborhood of North Augusta. Numerous residents faced downed trees and blocked roads.
Were there any power outages?
Yes, about 4,000 Dominion Energy customers in Aiken County and around 2,000 Georgia Power customers in Augusta experienced power outages due to the storm.
What was the rainfall amount recorded from the storm?
Columbia Metropolitan Airport recorded 2.86 inches of rainfall on Monday alone, with some areas in South Carolina estimated to have received between 2.00 to 10.00 inches over a 72-hour period.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 1 (Jason Keith Payne, 56) |
| Power Outages | Approximately 4,000 (Dominion Energy), 2,000 (Georgia Power) |
| Tornado Rating | EF1, wind gusts up to 90 mph |
| Rainfall | 2.86 inches at Columbia Metropolitan Airport |
| Impacted Area | Aiken County, SC, and Banks County, GA |
| Severe Weather Alerts | FIRST ALERT in effect for Sunday and Monday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken County Prepares for Fall Events
Aiken County Animal Shelter Hosts Summer Adoption Paw-ty
Aiken road closures: Cyclist and Pedestrian Guide to Safer Routes
Events in Aiken this weekend: Laurens Street After Dark Market, Brass Band & Family Hike
Aiken farmers market hours: Day-by-day opening & closing times
Events in Aiken this weekend: Porch Concerts, Artisan Pop-Up & Family Walks
Columbia County Road Closure and Town Hall Discussions
Aiken, SC Weather Alert: Scattered Thunderstorms and High Winds
Detention Officer Arrested for Misconduct in Aiken County
Severe Storm Causes Devastation in Central Savannah River Area
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- WRDW
- Google Search: Severe Storm CSRA
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Storms
- Weather Bug
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Fox Weather
- Google News: Severe Weather South Carolina
- WJBF
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.
