Lexington and Aiken Counties, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Lexington and Aiken counties are urged to take precautions as a severe thunderstorm is expected to bring wind gusts up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service has issued an alert, and all outdoor activities should be suspended. With the storm moving southwest at 15 mph, affected areas include Wagener, Pelion, and Perry. Safety tips recommend seeking indoor shelter and avoiding water. Recent storms have already caused damage in Massachusetts and Lexington, making it crucial for locals to stay informed and safe.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Hits Lexington and Aiken Counties!
Hey there, folks! If you’re in or around the Lexington and Aiken counties, it’s time to pay close attention. The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC has put out a storm alert that you won’t want to ignore!
What You Need to Know
As of Thursday night at 9:44 p.m., strong thunderstorms were reported, and they are expected to stick around until 10:15 p.m. The storm isn’t just some light rain; brace yourselves for wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 50 mph! That’s fierce enough to toss around tree limbs and any loose items lying in your yard.
Right now, Doppler radar is tracking a robust thunderstorm moving southwest at about 15 mph. Specifically, it’s about 13 miles northeast of Aiken State Park and around 16 miles southwest of Red Bank. If you live in areas like Wagener, Pelion, Perry, Thor, or even near the Perry Airport, you need to be cautious. Other affected spots include Steedman, New Holland, Samaria Fire Station, and Cedar Pond Campground.
Stay Safe!
If you find yourself outdoors, it’s crucial to take shelter inside a building until the alert is lifted. Remember, thunderstorms can be dangerous, with about 25 million lightning strikes in the U.S. every year, leading to almost 20 fatalities annually. And here’s a fun fact: the chance of lightning striking increases the closer the storm gets!
Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- Seek shelter indoors
- Avoid water – it’s a conductor of electricity!
- Keep away from tall objects as they attract lightning
Driving can get tricky during severe storms, especially when it comes to hydroplaning. This occurs when a vehicle loses control on wet roads due to water buildup in front of the tires. The main culprits for hydroplaning include excessive speed, worn tires, and poor road conditions.
Recent Storms Causing Havoc
The aftermath of recent severe storms in areas like Massachusetts saw trees toppled and power lines downed. Over in Lexington, residents had to leave their homes as trees crashed through roofs due to extreme winds. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but cleaning up the mess is ongoing.
Utility Crews in Action
Utility workers from companies like Verizon and Eversource are tirelessly working to restore power and clear fallen trees. Meanwhile, folks might face unsettled weather this weekend with predictions of scattered storms and cooler temperatures. So, stay tuned to the weather updates!
Golfers Beware!
Golfers enjoying their time at Kearney Hills Golf Links faced interruptions due to the thunderstorm. Unfortunately, some fairways suffered damage and flooding. Remember to heed lightning safety rules, especially when you know lightning is detected within 10 miles!
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are affected by the thunderstorm alert?
The alert includes Lexington and Aiken counties, specifically impacting areas like Wagener, Pelion, Perry, Thor, and more.
What safety measures should I take during a thunderstorm?
Seek shelter indoors, avoid water, and steer clear of tall objects.
What should I do if I encounter hydroplaning while driving?
Slow down, ease off the gas, and don’t make sudden turns until you regain control of your vehicle.
Key Features of the Thunderstorm Alert
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Alert Issued | 9:44 p.m. on Thursday |
| Expected Duration | Until 10:15 p.m. |
| Wind Gusts | Up to 50 mph |
| Areas Affected | Wagener, Pelion, Perry, and more |
| Advice | Seek indoor shelter |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
20 People Struck by Lightning at Dominion Beach Park
Lexington County Remembers Devastating Tornado Outbreak
Aiken, SC Issues Flash Flood Warning Amid Severe Thunderstorms
Columbia Faces Loss of Public Art Amid Urban Changes
Lexington Community Reflects on Tornado Resilience
Flood Advisory Issued for Lexington County Due to Heavy Rainfall
Lexington School District Two Implements New Weather Safety Systems
Lexington County Commemorates 30th Anniversary of F3 Tornado
Unsettled Weather Pattern Persists in New York City
Severe Weather Causes Widespread Power Outages in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorm Alert
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Storm Damage Report
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Precautions
- CBS News: Lexington Storm Damage
- Google Scholar: Storm Safety Guidelines
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Golf Course Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WKYT: Severe Thunderstorm Threat
- Google News: Thunderstorm Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
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