Newberry County, SC, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Newberry County, SC, is currently under a thunderstorm alert due to strong thunderstorms expected to bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail. The alert, issued by the National Weather Service, will remain active until 7:30 p.m. Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors as the storm moves southward, potentially causing hazardous conditions and minor damage from debris. Motorists should also be on guard for hydroplaning risks as standing water accumulates on roadways.
Newberry County, SC is under a thunderstorm alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia as of Thursday at 7:01 p.m. The strong thunderstorms are forecast to last until 7:30 p.m. and are expected to bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph along with pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches.
Doppler radar has detected a significant thunderstorm over Newberry College and the city of Newberry, moving towards the south at a speed of 15 mph. The NWS has provided warnings that these gusty winds could bring down tree limbs and create hazardous conditions by blowing around unsecured objects, potentially causing minor damage to outdoor equipment and furnishings.
The areas specifically impacted by this weather alert include:
- Newberry
- Newberry County Airport
- Newberry College
- Pomaria
- Silverstreet
- Newberry County Detention Center
- US-176
- SC-34 Crossroads
- Belfast Wildlife Management Area
- Chappells Fire Station
- Bush River Fire Station
- Vaughnville
- Enoree Ranger District Office
- Chappells
- Kinards
Interstate 26 is also affected, particularly between mile markers 64 and 81. The NWS advises anyone outdoors during this storm to seek shelter indoors promptly.
The alert will remain effective until 7:30 p.m., as the thunderstorms rollout progresses through Newberry County. Meanwhile, statistics indicate that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the United States, typically during the summer months. These strikes are linked to about 20 fatalities each year. The risk of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach, peaking when they are directly overhead, and subsiding as they move away.
For safety during thunderstorms, the NWS recommends that individuals remain indoors whenever possible. Drivers should also be aware of the risk of hydroplaning, which happens when vehicles slide uncontrollably due to water buildup in front of tires. Contributing factors to hydroplaning can include excessive standing water on the roads, inappropriate tire pressure, and excessive vehicle speed.
For motorists who find themselves in a hydroplaning situation, it’s crucial to steer gently in the direction they wish to go and avoid slamming on brakes, allowing the tires to regain traction gradually. Although a prior tornado watch had been issued for some counties, this has since been canceled; however, severe thunderstorm warnings remain active for several surrounding areas with specified end times.
FAQ Section
What is the current weather alert for Newberry County?
There is a thunderstorm alert in effect until 7:30 p.m., with expected wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail.
What should people do in case of severe thunderstorms?
People should seek shelter indoors and avoid being outdoors. Also, drivers should be cautious of hydroplaning on wet roads.
How often do lightning strikes occur in the U.S.?
Approximately 25 million lightning strikes happen in the United States each year, leading to about 20 fatalities.
What is hydroplaning, and what causes it?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads due to standing water, and it can be exacerbated by tire pressure issues and excessive vehicle speed.
Has there been any previous severe weather alerts for this area?
A tornado watch was previously active for several counties, which has since been canceled.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Thunderstorm Alert in Newberry County
- Weather.com: Current Weather in Newberry, SC
- WLTX: Severe Weather Forecast for South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WBTV: Storm Timeline for Carolinas
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.
