News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Aiken and Lexington counties, with storms producing quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. The storm is advancing eastward at 30 mph, threatening communities such as Batesburg-Leesville and Gilbert. Road safety may be compromised along Interstate 20, and residents are advised to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions, including seeking shelter indoors during lightning strikes.
Aiken, SC – A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Aiken and Lexington counties as of May 20, 2025, at 1:58 a.m., with the alert remaining in effect until 2:15 a.m. Residents in the area should be prepared for dangerous weather conditions as storms are producing quarter-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.
The severe thunderstorm was located near Ridge Spring, which is approximately 7 miles south of Batesburg-Leesville. The storm is advancing eastward at a speed of 30 mph, presenting a significant threat to local communities. Affected locations include Batesburg-Leesville, Gilbert, Summit, Monetta, Camp Kinard, Fredonia, Murray, Steedman, Kneece, Samaria Fire Station, and Cedar Pond Campground.
Road safety could also be compromised, particularly along Interstate 20 in South Carolina, where the warning is applicable between mile markers 29 and 51. Residents in and around these areas are advised to monitor the weather closely and take necessary precautions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that continuous cloud-to-ground lightning is currently occurring with this storm, further intensifying its dangers. Lightning poses a severe threat, as it is one of nature’s leading killers, with an alarming 25 million strikes
Alongside the risk of strong winds, which may cause damage to trees and powerlines, the presence of quarter-sized hail could lead to potential hail damage to vehicles. Drivers are urged to exercise caution as wet conditions increase the risk of hydroplaning, a situation that occurs when water in front of a tire builds up quicker than a vehicle can displace it, causing loss of traction.
Weather Forecast and Hazard Awareness
The weather forecast for May 20 indicates a high temperature of 91°F with southwest winds between 10 to 15 mph. As the day progresses, residents should remain cautious of stray showers or thunderstorms, with conditions expected to transition to partly cloudy overnight, yielding a low of 71°F and southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph.
Recent Community Events
In community news, a recent event titled Celebrity Waiter Night took place on May 19, serving as an annual fundraiser for Children’s Place. The event featured local establishments such as Malia’s, Grumpy’s Sports Pub, Tailgate Tavern, and Newberry Hall, with key sponsorship from Floyd and Green Jewelers, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Maxwell Law Firm, Savannah River Mission Completion, IntelliSystems, and Huntingdon Ingalls Industries.
Conclusion
Residents in Aiken and Lexington counties should stay informed on weather updates and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their homes, and their vehicles against the severe thunderstorm. Following these guidelines can help ensure safety during this extreme weather event.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: severe thunderstorm warning
- WFXG Weather
- Google Scholar: weather alerts
- Fox Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: thunderstorm
- WRDW
- Google News: severe weather news
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood 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 Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
