News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Aiken and Edgefield counties, advising residents of potential wind gusts up to 55 mph. Doppler radar indicates a strong storm near Belvedere, affecting multiple locations including Aiken and Augusta. Residents are urged to seek shelter and avoid flooded roads, particularly as heavy rain and lightning can create hazardous conditions. The storm follows the start of the new academic year, posing additional challenges for families and local schools.
Aiken, South Carolina – Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Aiken and Edgefield Counties
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, South Carolina has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Aiken and Edgefield counties on July 22, 2025. These warnings will remain in effect until 6:45 PM this evening. Residents in the affected areas are being advised of possible wind gusts reaching up to 55 miles per hour.
As of 6:13 PM, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near Belvedere moving southeast at approximately 15 miles per hour. This weather alert affects multiple locations, including Aiken, North Augusta, Augusta, Clearwater, and Martinez, among others. Additionally, Interstate 20 in Georgia (between mile markers 199 and 201) and South Carolina (between mile markers 0 and 15) will be impacted, as well as Interstate 520 in both states.
Safety Precautions Advised
Residents are strongly advised to seek shelter indoors due to the potential for torrential rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. The NWS has noted that frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is a concern, with strikes potentially occurring up to 10 miles away from the thunderstorm. This type of weather can create hazardous conditions, particularly on roadways.
Another weather alert was announced earlier on the same day, at 3:29 PM, warning of strong thunderstorms for Lexington and Aiken counties until 4:30 PM. Wind gusts of around 50 miles per hour were anticipated during these storms, affecting areas including Lexington, Red Bank, and various smaller communities. The NWS has reiterated the importance of avoiding travel through flooded roads, highlighting the dangers associated with heavy rainfall.
Local Impact and Background
The initiation of thunderstorms comes as many families in Aiken County have recently started the 2025-26 academic year, with the first day of classes for most schools having taken place on July 21. Schools such as Busbee Elementary, Corbett Middle, and Wagener-Salley High have welcomed students amid these weather conditions. The combination of severe weather and the beginning of a new school year presents additional challenges for families and school officials alike.
In addition to concerns about wind and flooding, drivers should be cautious of hydroplaning, a condition where vehicles can slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to water buildup in front of tires. As lightning strikes the U.S. approximately 25 million times each year and accounts for around 20 fatalities annually, the NWS continues to stress the importance of safety during thunderstorms.
Key Safety Tips: Residents should take the following precautions during severe thunderstorm warnings: remain indoors when storms approach, avoid standing near windows, and watch for flash floods that could occur suddenly. It is critical to stay safe and be aware of current weather developments, especially for those traveling or supervising children during this tumultuous weather period.
Bill Bengtson, a long-time local reporter, has covered both the pressing weather situation and ongoing education stories in Aiken County, highlighting the challenges faced by the community as they navigate the safety risks presented by these severe storms.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- The Weather Channel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
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.
