Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Multiple SC Counties

Columbia, South Carolina, September 29, 2025

News Summary

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for Newberry, Fairfield, Saluda, Lexington, and Richland counties in South Carolina. Expected conditions include strong thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 50 mph and the risk of localized flooding due to torrential rainfall. Residents are urged to seek shelter and avoid driving through flooded areas as storm damage and downed power lines have already been reported. Meteorological updates will continue as the situation progresses.

Columbia, South Carolina – A severe thunderstorm alert has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC for several counties in South Carolina, affecting Newberry, Fairfield, Saluda, Lexington, and Richland counties. The alert was announced on Saturday at 11:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until 11:30 a.m.

Strong thunderstorms are expected with wind gusts that may reach up to 50 mph. At 11 a.m., Doppler radar was tracking thunderstorms along a line from near Prosperity to 9 miles west of Dreher Island State Park, moving east at a speed of 15 mph. Residents in the affected areas are warned to brace for gusty winds that have the potential to knock down tree limbs and displace unsecured objects.

Places that will be impacted by these thunderstorms include Newberry, Prosperity, Dreher Island State Park, Chapin, Little Mountain, Pomaria, Peak, Cedar Grove Fire Station, South Shore Marina, Oswald Park, Bundrick Island, Putnam’s Landing, White Rock, Rocky Point Recreation Area, Hollywood Elementary School, Delmar, Hollow Creek Public Park, Melvin Park, Lighthouse Marina, and Stoney Hill. The severe weather alert also covers portions of Interstate 26 between mile markers 77 and 94.

Residents are advised to seek shelter inside a building if they are outdoors. There is a risk of torrential rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding. Officials have cautioned against driving through flooded roadways, as even a few inches of water can sweep a vehicle away.

The NWS has noted that lightning strikes the U.S. approximately 25 million times annually, especially during summer months, resulting in around 20 fatalities each year. As thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning increases, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. Residents should follow safety guidelines during thunderstorms, waiting for the all-clear signal before leaving their shelters.

Hydroplaning can happen on wet roads when a vehicle loses traction due to water accumulation. The NWS suggests several driving tips during heavy rainfall, such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, slowing down, and choosing the safest lanes to minimize the risks associated with hydroplaning. In low visibility conditions caused by heavy rain, it is recommended to pull over in safe locations and keep headlights on to alert other drivers.

In addition to the severe weather alert, reports of storm damage and downed powerlines in Columbia have been recorded due to the extreme weather. On the same day, three people were rescued from a car stranded in floodwaters in Boone County. The alert is part of a series of tornado warnings that have been issued across multiple counties in the region, indicating a heightened risk for severe weather, including potentially dangerous storms and flooding.

Preparedness Tips for Severe Weather

• Seek shelter indoors if severe weather is approaching.
• Avoid flooded roadways and do not attempt to drive through them.
• Monitor local weather updates for continued alerts and warnings.
• Keep emergency supplies ready at home.

Conclusion

As severe thunderstorms continue to pose a risk to residents in several counties in South Carolina, it is crucial to take precautions and stay informed. The NWS will provide updates as the situation develops.

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Severe Road Closures in Newberry County Due to Flooding
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Newberry Reschedules National Night Out to August 19

Additional Resources

• Bellingham Herald
• Wikipedia: Tornado Warnings
• Times Union
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Columbia
• PennLive
• Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Severity
• NBC Right Now
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• KOMU News
• Google News: Severe Weather Alerts

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.