Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Augusta Area, Parts of South Carolina
National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warning for Augusta area as storm brings 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail across Georgia and South Carolina.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA — The National Weather Service in Columbia issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of east central Georgia and central South Carolina on May 23, as a dangerous storm system moved through the region with damaging winds and hail.
The warning, issued at 2:38 p.m. EDT and lasting until 3:30 p.m. EDT, covered southeastern Columbia County and Richmond County in Georgia, along with south central Edgefield County and west central Aiken County in South Carolina.
At 2:38 p.m. EDT, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm was positioned over Fort Gordon, traveling northeast at 25 mph. The storm carried 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail capable of causing significant damage.
Widespread Impact Across Metro Augusta
The National Weather Service warned that hail damage to vehicles was expected, with wind damage anticipated to trees and power lines throughout the affected areas. The storm’s path threatened numerous communities across the Augusta metropolitan area.
Locations impacted by the severe weather included North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Martinez, Fort Gordon, Augusta, Clearwater, Belvedere, Hephzibah, Glendale, South Augusta, Midtown, and Summerville. The warning also covered Augusta Mall, Daniel Field, Augusta Regional Airport, Village Plaza Shopping Center, Augusta National Golf Club, Burnettown, and West End Augusta.
Transportation Corridors Affected
The severe thunderstorm warning included portions of Interstate 20 in Georgia, according to the National Weather Service alert. The storm’s northeast trajectory put multiple transportation routes at risk during the afternoon hours.
Weather officials used radar technology to track the storm system as it moved through the region. The warning was classified as SVRCAE, indicating a severe thunderstorm with the potential for damaging winds and hail.
The National Weather Service in Columbia continued monitoring conditions throughout the warning period, which expired at 3:30 p.m. EDT on May 23. Residents in the affected areas were advised to seek shelter and protect vehicles from potential hail damage during the storm’s passage.
