News Summary

Severe thunderstorms struck the Central Savannah River Area, resulting in property damage, power outages, and one fatality. A tornado touched down in Langley, SC, disrupting major routes and impacting thousands. A state of emergency has been declared in Georgia as authorities mobilize resources for recovery efforts.

Aiken, SC – Severe thunderstorms swept through the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) on Saturday night, wreaking havoc across the region. The storms resulted in significant property damage, widespread power outages, and tragically, one fatality.

The National Weather Service reported that the storms brought heavy rain, loud thunder, and powerful winds, leading to multiple reports of downed trees and disrupted power lines. A tornado was confirmed to have touched down in Langley, South Carolina, at approximately 3:26 a.m. This event led to road closures affecting major routes, including Augusta Road, Dunbar Street, New Holland Road, and Farmfield Road.

In Aiken County, the storm left around 4,000 customers of Dominion Energy without power, while nearly 2,000 Georgia Power customers also experienced outages during the peak of the storms.

Amid the destruction, a fatal incident occurred in Banks County, Georgia, when a tree fell onto a vehicle, resulting in the death of 56-year-old Jason Keith Payne. The unfortunate event underscored the severity of the storm’s impact on the area.

As the storms developed, Aiken County was placed under severe thunderstorm warnings due to the potential for wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and the possibility of quarter-sized hail. The inclement weather prompted Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to express his condolences for the storm’s victim and remind residents to remain vigilant, as the risk for severe weather continued.

In response to the ongoing threat of severe storms, a first alert remained in effect for following days, warning residents of the potential for further damaging winds and large hail. Local authorities strongly advised community members to seek shelter in safe structures during storms and stay updated with weather alerts and information.

The situation prompted Governor Kemp to declare a state of emergency in Georgia, which allows for the mobilization of state resources to respond effectively to the storm’s aftermath and assist affected communities. The declaration is seen as a crucial step in addressing the damage caused by the severe weather and ensuring support for residents facing power outages and property damage.

This storm event serves as a stark reminder for residents to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Local officials reiterated important safety measures, including stocking up on emergency supplies, creating communication plans within families, and identifying safe locations to take shelter during severe weather emergencies.

As recovery efforts begin, affected residents and communities are encouraged to remain cautious and stay informed about the weather. The events of Saturday night highlight the unpredictable nature of severe storms and the need for preparedness in the face of such challenges.

In conclusion, while the storms have caused significant damage and loss, local authorities are mobilizing resources to assist those affected and ensure community safety. Residents are urged to adhere to safety precautions and stay informed about ongoing weather developments as the region continues to cope with the aftermath of the severe thunderstorms.

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Author: hereaiken