News Summary
Severe thunderstorms are forecasted to impact Aiken and nearby areas this weekend, with heavy rain and strong wind gusts. Local events may be affected as residents prepare for potential hazards including wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail. Several community activities are planned despite the storm warnings, including concerts and charity fundraisers. Safety precautions are advised for residents during this extreme weather to ensure well-being.
Aiken, SC—Severe thunderstorms are forecasted to hit Aiken and surrounding counties, with a significant chance of heavy rain and damaging wind gusts, raising concerns for local events this weekend. According to the latest weather update timestamped May 11, 2025, at 1:42 AM, residents can expect scattered thunderstorms beginning in the morning, contributing to a 60% chance of rain. As temperatures peak near 70°F with east-northeast winds at 5 to 10 mph, the likelihood of rain intensifies, reaching 90% later in the day.
Forecasts predict locally heavy rainfall, with low temperatures around 63°F and winds shifting from the east-southeast at 10 to 15 mph. Severe thunderstorm warnings are currently active for Aiken, Edgefield, and Saluda counties. Residents are advised to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor during extreme weather conditions to ensure safety. Wind gusts may reach up to 70 mph, with the potential for quarter-sized hail.
Local Events Under Weather Watch
Despite the storm forecast, several community events are scheduled in Aiken over the weekend and into next week. On Sunday, May 11, the Duo Beaux Arts is set to perform at the Newberry Opera House at 3 PM, with tickets available at $45. However, those planning to attend should remain alert to changing weather conditions.
On Monday, May 12, the Birdies for Brain Health charity golf fundraiser takes place at the West Lake Country Club, with registration fees set at $160 per golfer. The event aims to raise funds for chronic neurological diseases, with a silent auction running online from April 28 to May 12. Concurrently, the Aiken Concert Band will perform as part of the Hopelands Concert Series at Hopelands Gardens at 7 PM, offering free entertainment for the community with attendees encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic dinners.
In addition to these events, the Aiken Artist Guild is holding a meeting at 6:30 PM on May 12 at the Aiken Center for the Arts. This includes an interactive origami workshop, inviting art enthusiasts to participate. For younger audiences, the Backyard Scavenger Hunt will take place at the Aiken County Public Library from May 12 to 17, where participants aged 12 and over will be eligible for gift cards.
Regular Activities and Community Engagement
Recurring community activities also continue to offer residents opportunities for engagement. Let’s Go Bingo sessions are held every Monday from 6 to 8 PM at Aiken Senior Life Services, with a $5 cover charge and game card options priced between $1 and $25. The Story Time in the Gardens is occurring at 4 PM on May 13, part of a series that runs every Tuesday through the month.
The Aiken Newcomers’ Club meeting on May 13 will feature a presentation titled “Blackberries in Summer,” requiring a reservation for a $25 fee payable at the door.
Ongoing Community Services
A variety of support groups are actively meeting in the area, including the Awesome Aiken Al-Anon and Celebrate Recovery. Additionally, the ACBL Bridge Game is organized at a local center every Monday and Wednesday at 1 PM. The Savannah River Site Museum, offering free admission, operates from Wednesday to Saturday between 10 AM and 4 PM, adding cultural resources to the community.
Safety Precautions
As local events unfold amidst severe weather advisories, residents are urged to prioritize safety during thunderstorms. It is essential to stay updated on weather alerts and report any instances of hail, damaging winds, or flooding to the National Weather Service. Maintaining safety during adverse weather conditions is crucial for the well-being of the community.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Weather Alert
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Island Packet: Weather Forecast
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorms 2025
- Myrtle Beach Online: Storm Updates
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.
