Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Lexington and Richland Counties

Lexington and Richland Counties, August 2, 2025

News Summary

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Lexington and Richland Counties in South Carolina, affecting several local areas. The storm, which began at 7:29 p.m., is bringing wind gusts up to 60 mph and poses risks such as lightning and potential power outages. Residents are advised to find safety indoors and avoid driving in hazardous conditions. Another storm system is expected to follow on Monday, increasing concerns for severe weather.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lexington and Richland Counties in South Carolina

Hey there, friends in Lexington and Richland Counties! Buckle up because things are about to get a bit wild out there. Just when you thought it was a calm evening, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Columbia, SC, at 7:29 p.m. and it’s rolling through until about 8:15 p.m.

Right now, this storm is not to be taken lightly! Currently located near the picturesque Harbison State Forest and moving southeast at a brisk 20 mph, it’s packing wind gusts that could reach up to 60 mph. That’s right—60 mph! It’s a good time to take cover if you’re in the area!

Where’s This Storm Hitting?

Many local hotspots are right in the firing line of this storm, including:

• Columbia
• Lexington
• West Columbia
• Cayce
• Irmo
• Forest Acres
• Springdale
• St. Andrews
• Highway 6 at Lake Murray Dam
• Dentsville
• Oak Grove
• South Congaree
• Pine Ridge
• Arcadia Lakes
• Columbia International University
• Killian
• Harbison State Forest
• Riverbanks Zoo
• SC State Farmer’s Market
• Woodfield

Watch Out on the Highways!

If you’re planning to head out, you might want to think twice. This storm is making its presence known on several highways, including:

• Interstate 126 between mile markers 0 and 3
• Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 57 and 79
• Interstate 26 between mile markers 95 and 118
• Interstate 77 between mile markers 0 and 29

Stay Safe and Take Cover!

The National Weather Service advises you to find an interior room on the lowest floor of your building for some safety. When thunderstorms roll in, the likelihood of lightning strikes increases dramatically—after all, there are about 25 million lightning strikes across the U.S. each year! And believe it or not, around 20 lives are lost annually due to lightning strikes. So, if at all possible, get safe indoors!

Keep this in mind—if you’re out driving and hit a patch of water on the road, your vehicle could hydroplane, sliding easily on the wet surface. Always drive cautiously during storms! Just recently, severe thunderstorms caused downed branches, utility poles, and more, leading to hazardous driving conditions.

Power Outages Expected

This isn’t the first rodeo for severe weather conditions around here. Just a short while ago, storms led to over 10,000 power outages in the Midlands region. So if the lights go out, don’t be surprised!

Upcoming Weather Report

Heads up—another round of severe weather is on the horizon for Monday, with warnings of possible tornadoes in the early afternoon that could last into the night. Wind damage? You bet! It seems the unpredictable weather is sticking around for a bit longer.

For your week ahead, be prepared for plenty of rain and thunderstorms, except on Wednesday when we might see a moment of calm. Temperature highs are staying around 90 degrees, making for a steamy week overall!

FAQ Section

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HERE Resources

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South Main Street Transformed for Safety and Aesthetics
Severe Flash Flooding Devastates Texas Hill Country
Richland County Hosts Back-To-School Bashes Amid Severe Weather
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in South Carolina: Stay Safe!

Additional Resources

• Island Packet
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• The State
• Google Search: severe thunderstorm
• Herald Online
• Google Scholar: thunderstorm warning
• WIS TV
• Encyclopedia Britannica: thunderstorm
• KOMU News
• Google News: thunderstorm warnings

Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. 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.