Aiken SC, August 22, 2025

News Summary

Aiken and Lexington Counties are on alert for scattered thunderstorms and high winds, as issued by the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon, with a chance of locally heavy rainfall. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, posing risks of property damage and unsafe driving conditions. Residents are advised to seek shelter and be vigilant during these severe weather conditions.

Aiken, SC Weather Alert: Scattered Thunderstorms and High Winds Expected

Aiken and Lexington Counties are bracing for a day of scattered thunderstorms with high winds as the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia, SC, has issued a weather alert. This alert follows an updated announcement at 9:44 PM on August 22, 2025, and remains active until 10:15 PM.

Current Weather Forecast

This morning, the sky is mainly cloudy with thunderstorms likely to develop in the afternoon. The high temperature is expected to reach around 80°F, accompanied by winds blowing from the east-northeast at speeds of 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is estimated at 60%, and residents should prepare for the possibility of locally heavy rainfall.

Evening Forecast

As the day transitions to night, showers are expected early in the evening, giving way to cloudy conditions overnight. The low temperature may reach 71°F, with winds continuing at 5 to 10 mph and a 50% chance of rain.

Severe Thunderstorm Details

At the time of the severe thunderstorm alert, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm located approximately 13 miles northeast of Aiken State Park, progressing southwest at a speed of 15 mph. Residents should be aware that wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, which may lead to falling tree limbs and airborne unsecured objects.

Impacted Areas

The areas impacted by this weather alert include Wagener, Pelion, Perry, Perry Airport, Thor, Steedman, New Holland, and Samaria Fire Station. Additionally, portions of Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 29 and 39 are included in the warning.

Safety Recommendations

The NWS strongly advises all residents to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms to avoid potential hazards posed by lightning and high winds.

Lightning and Hydroplaning Risks

Statistics show that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the U.S., primarily during the summer months. On average, there are about 20 fatalities each year due to lightning strikes. Moreover, heavy rainfall can lead to hydroplaning, which happens when vehicles slide on a thin layer of water on the roadway. Conditions contributing to hydroplaning include standing water, worn tires, and high speeds.

Local Events and Weather Context

In local news, Wagener-Salley High School recently hosted Pelion for volleyball games on August 19, 2025, with Pelion winning both the junior varsity and varsity matches. Additionally, this severe weather follows a series of significant storms earlier this year that caused flooding in several Southeastern U.S. locations.

Drought Conditions in South Carolina

Current reports indicate that more than 87% of South Carolina is facing some level of drought, and the rainfall from these thunderstorms could contribute to alleviating these conditions.

Historical Weather Events

A tornado rated EF1 with winds up to 90 mph struck early on May 12, 2025, in Aiken County, further underscoring the volatility of recent weather patterns in the region. Moving forward, a shift toward summer weather is expected over the weekend, with temperatures potentially rising into the mid-90s and lower rain chances.

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Severe Storm Causes Devastation in Central Savannah River Area
How to Get Real-Time Aiken Road Closures Alerts and Beat Delays
Aiken road closures: What local businesses need to know
Aiken County Jamboree Showcases Local High School Football
Aiken road closures and commercial vehicle restrictions for truckers
High School Football Season Kicks Off in Augusta Area

Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Weather.com
• Google Search: Aiken SC weather
• WRDW
• Google Scholar: thunderstorm impacts
• Fox Weather
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• WJBF
• Google News: severe weather Aiken SC

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.