News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for central South Carolina, including Newberry and Fairfield counties. Residents are urged to seek shelter as dangerous weather, including marble-sized hail and wind gusts of up to 60 mph, impacts the region. Major highways are affected, and a statewide burn ban has been implemented due to dry conditions. Thunderstorms are expected to bring intense rainfall and hazardous travel conditions.
Columbia, SC – Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings have been issued for central South Carolina, prompting residents to seek shelter as dangerous weather conditions are expected. The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia released a report on Wednesday at 6:53 p.m., indicating strong thunderstorms affecting Newberry and Fairfield counties until 7:45 p.m.
The severe weather includes the potential for marble-sized hail, measuring approximately 0.5 inches, and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Doppler radar indicated the strong thunderstorms extending from areas near Blackstock to Blair and approximately 6 miles east of Joanna, moving south at a speed of 10 mph.
Locations affected by the alert consist of:
- Newberry
- Winnsboro
- VC Summer Nuclear Station
- Whitmire
- Prosperity
- Jenkinsville
- Newberry College
- Monticello
- Newberry County Airport
- Blair
- Little Mountain
- Pomaria
- Silverstreet
- Peak
- Lebanon Fire Station
- US-176
- SC-34 Crossroads
- Henderson Island
- White Oak
- Enoree Ranger District Office
- Newberry County Detention Center
The severe weather is also affecting major highways in the region, including Interstate 26 between mile markers 62 and 87, and Interstate 77 between mile markers 42 and 48. The NWS has advised those outdoors to seek shelter indoors immediately.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight for central South Carolina, indicating the risk of severe weather persists.
Additionally, at 9:37 p.m., the NWS issued another severe thunderstorm warning for Aiken and Edgefield counties, lasting until 10 p.m. This warning includes potential wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail, measuring approximately 0.75 inches. The thunderstorm was detected over Belvedere and was nearly stationary, worsening the risk for residents in the vicinity.
Locations at risk due to this second warning include:
- Aiken
- North Augusta
- Clearwater
- Belvedere
- Edgefield
- Johnston
- USC Aiken
- Edgefield County Airport
- Gloverville
- Graniteville
- Burnettown
- Trenton
- Strom Thurmond High School
- Poverty Hill
- Colliers
- Vaucluse
- Edgefield Federal Correction Institution
- Lick Fork Campground
- Stevens Creek Public Park
- Harmony
Highways under warning in the affected areas include Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 1 and 20 and Interstate 520 between mile markers 16 and 23. The NWS has recommended that individuals in the path of the storm move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for safety.
As thunderstorms develop, lightning poses a significant hazard, with approximately 25 million strikes occurring annually in the United States, resulting in about 20 fatalities each year. The likelihood of lightning strikes amplifies as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.
The storm system is expected to bring intense rainfall and hazardous travel conditions during the morning commute. Wind gusts may result in downed trees and power lines, which could lead to scattered power outages across the region. Moreover, the potential for tornado warnings exists in parts of the eastern Midlands and Pee Dee region.
Due to current dry conditions and strong winds, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has implemented a statewide burn ban, highlighting the persistent danger of fire amid these turbulent weather conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued in Aiken and Edgefield Counties
Newberry, SC Issues Severe Weather Alert
Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Through Newberry and Saluda Counties
Devastating Tornado Outbreak in North Dakota Claims Three Lives
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Columbia Residents
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Columbia and Surrounding Areas
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in South Carolina
EF-1 Tornado Strikes Chapin, South Carolina, Causing Damage
Thunderstorm Update for Columbia, SC Residents
Severe Weather Action in Texas as Emergency Resources Mobilized
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Weather Alert
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather Update
- Google Search: Severe Weather South Carolina
- ABC Columbia: Storms in the Midlands
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- Weather.com: Newberry SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- WLTX: Severe Weather Forecast
- Google News: Tornado Warnings
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.
