CSRA, Augusta, Georgia, September 20, 2025

News Summary

Severe storms swept through the CSRA, causing extensive damage and resulting in one fatality. The storms led to fallen trees, blocked roads, and significant power outages in Aiken County, South Carolina. Local meteorologists issued alerts for the storm, and authorities continue to assess damage as recovery efforts begin. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as further storms may follow.

Augusta, Georgia – Severe Storms Cause Fatalities and Damage Across the CSRA

A deadly storm impacted the CSRA on Saturday night, causing extensive damage and resulting in one fatality. In Banks County, Georgia, a tree fell on a vehicle, killing 56-year-old Jason Keith Payne. Local meteorologists had issued a FIRST ALERT for severe weather prior to the storm, warning residents of the approaching threat.

Significant damage was reported in Aiken County, South Carolina. In the Rapids neighborhood of North Augusta, trees blocked roads, particularly near River Bluff Drive, and a section of a shed was blown into the road, creating hazardous conditions for drivers. Furthermore, approximately 4,000 Dominion Energy customers experienced power outages in Aiken County, while around 2,000 Georgia Power customers in Augusta were also left without electricity.

The storm brought heavy rain, thunder, and strong winds to the region. In response to the storm’s severity, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp offered condolences via social media for the loss of life. The National Weather Service issued a FIRST ALERT for the potential of severe storms extending through Sunday and Monday, indicating concerns for damaging winds and large hail.

The Storm Prediction Center assessed the risk for severe thunderstorms in the area as slight, rating it a 2 out of 5. This follows a series of severe weather events that have impacted multiple states in the Southeastern U.S., including prior heavy rainfall that broke records in Charleston, South Carolina and Miami, Florida. Additionally, NASA astronaut Anne McClain shared footage from space, showcasing the extensive scale and intensity of the thunderstorms.

Regional Impact and Observations

The severe weather system affecting the CSRA was part of a larger pattern impacting several states in the Southeastern United States, including Florida, which faced its own challenges with flooding and damaging winds. Residents across the region are encouraged to remain vigilant as the storms show no signs of subsiding in the immediate forecast.

As authorities continue to assess the damage and restore power to affected areas, emergency services are on alert, prepared to assist with storm recovery efforts. Community members are advised to stay tuned to local weather reports and take necessary precautions as further storms may arise.

Summary

The storm that swept through the CSRA on Saturday night resulted in a fatality, widespread structural damage, and significant power outages, leaving many residents in need of support as recovery efforts begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Features of the Severe Storms in the CSRA

• Location: CSRA, Augusta, Georgia, Aiken County, South Carolina
• Fatality: Jason Keith Payne, aged 56
• Power Outages: 4,000 Dominion Energy customers, 2,000 Georgia Power customers
• Warnings Issued: FIRST ALERTs for severe weather by local meteorologists and National Weather Service
• Storm Risk Level: Slight (2 out of 5)

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Aiken County Animal Shelter Hosts Summer Adoption Paw-ty
Columbia County Road Closure and Town Hall Discussions

Additional Resources

• Weather.com – Aiken, SC 10 Day Forecast
• WRDW – Deadly Storm Leaves Path of Damage Through CSRA
• Fox Weather – Thunderstorms from Space
• WFXG – Strong Storms Possible Overnight
• WLTX – Slow Moving Weather Complex Hits South Carolina
• Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
• Google Search: Severe Weather in the CSRA
• Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impact
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• Google News: CSRA Storms

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.