Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Chester, York, and Aiken Counties

News Summary

Residents in Chester, York, and Aiken counties are under severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service. The warning includes potential quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Citizens are advised to move indoors and find shelter as dangerous weather conditions are expected. The alert also highlights risks of lightning and flash flooding, urging residents to report any damage to the authorities. Stay safe and informed during these severe weather events.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Chester, York, and Aiken Counties

Residents of Chester, York, and Aiken counties, it’s time to be aware and prepare! A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for your areas, and it’s in effect for Chester and York counties until 6 p.m. today. This warning came into effect at 5:35 p.m., when a severe thunderstorm was spotted just 6 miles southwest of Rock Hill, and it’s sticking around, nearly stationary!

What’s Coming Your Way

Expect some serious weather! The forecast includes quarter-sized hail—that’s about 1 inch—and wind gusts that can reach up to an impressive 60 mph. It’s not just a little rain shower; minor hail damage to vehicles is possible, and you might also see wind damage affecting trees and power lines. Areas like Rock Hill, Lesslie, and Edgemoor are all included in this warning, so if you live there, it’s time to take action!

The storm may bring brief yet damaging winds that can knock down trees and power lines in localized areas. As the storm rolls in, there’s also the chance of a brief period of large hail, so keep your eyes peeled!

Safety First!

As the weather gets crazier, the NWS strongly advises everyone to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your building to stay safe. Remember, thunderstorms aren’t just about the rain—they come with lightning too! Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with summer being peak season, and it leads to around 20 fatalities annually. The likelihood of lightning increases as a storm approaches, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. So, find a safe space!

Aiken County Alert

Aiken County. A separate severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 3:27 p.m. and was set to remain in place until 4 p.m. for areas including Aiken, Aiken Municipal Airport, Aiken Mall, and USC Aiken. This storm was located over Aiken Municipal Airport, moving east at about 10 mph. The strong winds and quarter-sized hail are just as fierce in Aiken, making it crucial for residents to be aware of the skies.

This storm is causing continuous cloud-to-ground lightning, so moving indoors immediately is the best course of action. Heavy rainfall is another concern, creating the risk of flash flooding. Keep an eye on your local surroundings, especially if you’re near Interstate 20 between mile markers 15 and 31.

What to Watch Out For

Also, be extra cautious on the roads! Hydroplaning can occur when vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet surfaces due to water pressure creating a thin layer between the tires and the road. This loss of control is typically caused by water, speed, and tire tread. So take your time, folks, stay under the speed limit, and drive carefully!

Wrapping Up

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Chester, York, and Aiken Counties
• Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
• Herald Online: Weather Alerts and Warnings
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
• Herald Online: Local Weather Updates
• Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Effects
• Herald Online: Continuous Weather Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• Herald Online: Severe Weather Alerts
• Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York 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 Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. 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.