Aiken County Residents Prepare for Thunderstorm Alert
Hey there, Aiken! If you stepped outside this evening, you might have noticed the sky getting darker and a slight breeze picking up. As of 9:59 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia has issued a thunderstorm alert for our area until 11 p.m.. This alert is impacting several counties including McCormick, Edgefield, Aiken, and Barnwell.
What’s Happening?
The alert is serious, as Doppler radar has detected strong thunderstorms moving southwest at about 15 mph. The thunderstorms span a line stretching from around 6 miles north of Wrightsboro to near J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Citizens Park. Residents in Aiken and surrounding towns like North Augusta, Grovetown, and Thomson should expect some wild weather shortly. Winds can gust as high as 55 mph, meaning we might see some tree limbs down and unsecured objects flying around.
Areas Affected
The storm may affect a variety of locations, so make sure to stay alert if you live in these areas: Aiken, North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Thomson, Fort Eisenhower, Augusta, and beyond. Major thoroughfares like Interstate 20 and 520 on both sides of the Georgia-South Carolina border are also included in this alert. This is particularly important for those commuting or traveling; be cautious if you’re on the road!
Safety First!
The NWS has strongly recommended that if you’re outdoors, it’s a good idea to find shelter inside. The storms aren’t just about high winds; they also bring torrential rainfall, which can lead to localized flooding. So, please avoid driving through any flooded areas. Remember that with thunderstorms often comes lightning – and this is no joke! Lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times a year, and it can indeed strike as far as 10 miles away from the storm.
Understanding Hydroplaning
Speaking of driving, let’s chat briefly about a serious issue that could arise tonight: hydroplaning. This is when your vehicle starts to slide on wet roads. It happens when water in front of your tires builds up too quickly for your vehicle’s weight to push it out of the way. If you find yourself hydroplaning, it’s essential to remain calm, hold the steering wheel steady, and try to avoid overcorrecting. Slow down gently and steer your vehicle in the direction you want to go. Those are key factors to stay in control.
Staying Informed
As the storm moves in, it’s crucial to stay informed. Keep an eye on the weather conditions and stay updated about any changes in the storm’s intensity or duration. As responsible residents, let’s help each other by checking in on vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure your friends and family are aware of the alert as well!
Wrapping Up
So, Aiken, let’s take this alert seriously and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Make sure you have a flashlight handy, charge your phones, and, most importantly, find a cozy spot indoors! We’ll make it through this storm together. Stay safe, everyone!
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry 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 Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. 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.
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