News Summary

A severe weather alert has been issued for Aiken and Barnwell counties due to strong thunderstorms expected to bring marble-sized hail and wind gusts of up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service has cautioned residents about the potential for heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and lightning strikes. Richmond County schools will transition to asynchronous learning, while Aiken County schools have canceled all outdoor activities due to safety concerns. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as severe weather approaches.

Aiken, SC – A severe weather alert has been issued for Aiken and Barnwell counties as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns of strong thunderstorms moving through the region. The alert was issued at 3:02 PM on Friday and remains in effect until 3:30 PM as the storms are predicted to be accompanied by marble-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph.

Residents can expect partial cloudiness early in the day, shifting to scattered showers and thunderstorms by afternoon. The high temperature is anticipated to hit 89°F, with winds from the southwest at speeds between 5 to 10 mph. This weather pattern presents a 40% chance of rain, with a low tonight expected to drop to around 70°F, accompanied by light and variable winds.

The strong thunderstorms identified on Doppler radar are currently located over Plant Vogtle and are moving west at approximately 25 mph. Local areas likely to be affected include Savannah River Site, Jackson, and Girard, with the potential for gusty winds that could cause minor damage by knocking down tree limbs and tossing unsecured items.

As these storms approach, the NWS cautions that torrential rainfall may lead to localized flooding. Residents are advised not to drive through any flooded roadways, as such conditions pose significant safety risks. Additionally, thunderstorms come with a heightened risk of lightning, with strikes potentially occurring up to 10 miles away from the storm. In the United States, lightning is responsible for an average of 20 fatalities each year, which underscores the importance of seeking shelter indoors or within a vehicle during a storm.

Due to the expected severe weather, Richmond County schools have announced a “Powerup Asynchronous Learning Day,” encouraging students to complete their assignments from home. Meanwhile, in Aiken County, schools will transition to e-learning protocols as wind gusts are predicted to surpass 40 mph, prompting the cancellation of all outdoor activities. Employees in Aiken County should prepare for a two-hour delay, with no building openings before 10 AM. All extracurricular activities across both Richmond and Aiken counties have been canceled for safety reasons.

The current peach season runs from mid-May to early September in the Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, and Aiken counties, with noted sales in the fruit market during this period. Production scenes were recently captured from Titan Farms’ headquarters in Ridge Spring and Sara’s Fresh Market in Trenton, indicating significant engagement in local agricultural activities.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather updates and heed all safety warnings from local authorities. Storm preparedness is essential in minimizing risk, ensuring the safety of individuals and property during adverse weather conditions.

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Author: hereaiken