Tornado warning issued for Aiken, surrounding counties

2:38 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Aiken and neighboring counties, which will stay in effect until 3 p.m. tonight.

Residents are advised to take shelter immediately, as “a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Village Plaza Shopping Center” in Martinez.

The storm is headed northeast and is moving at around 60 mph, expected to hit the Clearwater area around 2:40 p.m.

A tornado watch was issued earlier this afternoon for the area, which developed into warning after the storm over Martinez was located by the National Weather Service.

A tornado watch, which is different than a warning, is announced “when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.”

The National Weather Service advises those within the watch area to observe tornado safety rules and prepare for evacuation, should the need arise.

Strong storms are expected to begin around 3 p.m. this afternoon and should begin to settle at approximately 9 p.m.

The weather service specifically warned residents about potentially dangerous wind speeds between 10 and 20 mph. During late and overnight showers, wind speeds are likely to pick up to between 20 and 30 mph.

Near half an inch of rain is expected, meaning that residents should also consider the possibility of flash floods.

3:20 p.m.

The National Weather Service has updated its alert for Aiken and surrounding counties to a severe thunderstorm warning, with a tornado watch remaining in effect until 8 p.m.

At 2:59 p.m., “severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 8 miles southwest of Prosperity to near Ridge Spring to near USC Aiken, moving northeast at 70 mph.”