Aiken, SC, September 27, 2025

News Summary

The Aiken Standard hosted the annual Aiken’s Choice Awards Banquet at Houndslake Country Club, recognizing local businesses despite severe weather concerns. Over 200 attendees gathered to celebrate various award winners, with more than 11,000 votes cast by readers. Amidst the celebrations, a weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service for thunderstorms affecting the region, prompting precautions for attendees and local residents.

Aiken, SC—The Aiken Standard hosted its annual Aiken’s Choice Awards Banquet at the Houndslake Country Club on September 23, 2025. Despite facing significant weather challenges, more than 200 award winners along with their friends and family gathered to celebrate local businesses. Readers of the Aiken Standard cast over 11,000 votes to select winners across various categories, showcasing community support for local enterprises.

Among the recognized businesses was Best Ashe Bakery, celebrated for its contributions to the local food scene, represented by Jason Ashe and Jessica Ashe during the event. Other notable attendees included Kim Cooper, Ryan Moseley, and a variety of representatives from local businesses. The event was extensively covered, with Allen Riddick providing a range of photos from the evening.

Meanwhile, just hours before the banquet began, the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC issued a weather alert at 3:52 PM for strong thunderstorms impacting Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, and Aiken counties. The advisory warned of potential pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Doppler radar indicated that thunderstorms were tracking southeast at a speed of 10 mph, which affected areas such as Batesburg-Leesville and North Augusta.

In preparation for the incoming storm, residents were advised to seek shelter inside buildings to ensure their safety. Tragically, the severe weather system had already led to one fatality in Banks County, Georgia, where a tree fell on a vehicle. Additionally, the storm resulted in power outages for approximately 4,000 Dominion Energy customers in Aiken County and about 2,000 Georgia Power customers in Augusta.

As the weather continued to pose a threat, a FIRST ALERT was issued for severe weather extending into the following Sunday and Monday, predicting slight risk conditions for damaging winds and large hail. On Sunday, rain showers were anticipated with scattered thunderstorms expected in the afternoon, with a projected high temperature near 80°F and a 60% chance of rain. The National Weather Service noted a flash flooding potential for the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), particularly in regions south of I-20, where isolated rainfall totals could reach 5-6 inches by Monday night.

These weather alerts are part of ongoing severe weather conditions affecting the southeastern United States, with local residents being advised to prepare and stay updated on the situation.

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Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Storms Cause Damage and Fatalities in CSRA Region
Events in Aiken this weekend: Sept 6–7, 2025 guide
South Aiken High School Hosts College Fair for Seniors
Polo events Aiken: Whitney Field Sundays and Equestrian Traditions
CSRA College Night to Empower Local Students
Exploring South Carolina: 11 Charming Towns for Sunshine Getaways
New Rankings for Augusta’s Public High Schools Released
Inaugural Women United Awards Luncheon in Aiken
Local Business Owner Recognized as State Small Business Person of the Year
Aiken Artist Guild Show Opens May 8

Additional Resources

• Island Packet
• WRDW
• Fox Weather
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
• Google Search: CSRA Weather Alerts

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.