News Summary
Clinton, S.C. is under a heat advisory as temperatures soar to 90°F, with a chance of severe thunderstorms impacting North and South Carolina. Local authorities have reported a tragic shooting incident leading to a murder charge, while the community mourns a beloved resident’s passing. Residents are urged to stay informed on weather conditions and take precautions amid this challenging time.
Heat Advisory and Severe Thunderstorms Affect Regions in South Carolina and North Carolina
Clinton, S.C. is currently under a heat advisory as high temperatures are expected to reach around 90°F, accompanied by high humidity levels. The forecast for this afternoon predicts partly to mostly cloudy conditions with a 40% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Light and variable winds are anticipated throughout the day, with overnight lows expected to drop to around 73°F.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for numerous counties across North and South Carolina, forecasting potential wind gusts of up to 60 mph and possible hail. Regions that may be affected include Elbert, Hart, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, and Anderson in North Carolina, as well as Laurens, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina. The NWS confirmed that while there were no tornadoes recorded in Upstate South Carolina during storms that occurred on July 27, 2025, there were tornado warnings issued. However, three tornadoes were confirmed in Richland and Fairfield counties, with the strongest rated as EF-1.
In addition to weather developments, Clinton faced a tragic incident late Tuesday night when the Clinton Police Department reported a shooting. The victim, 69-year-old Rufford Jones, was found with gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries at Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital. Authorities have charged 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner with murder, and he is currently being held at Johnson Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting in the ongoing investigation.
The community of Clinton is also mourning the loss of a local resident, Cathy Lynn Medlock, who passed away in her home on July 27, 2025, at the age of 68. Born on December 3, 1956, in Clinton, she was a beloved figure in the area. Medlock is survived by her husband Jeff Medlock, her sisters, and several nieces and nephews. Her funeral services are scheduled for August 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Gray Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Rosemont Cemetery, with visitation to be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the funeral home. The family is currently receiving visitors at the home of Shirley Webb, located at 108 Bailey Circle, Clinton, SC 29325.
In related news, as part of ongoing celebrations in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in York has been postponed to January 25, 2025, due to forecasted rain on the originally scheduled date of January 18. The celebrations also entail various interfaith prayer breakfasts and service days across the surrounding regions.
With severe weather posing a potential threat, residents in South Carolina and North Carolina are urged to stay informed about changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions. As the community grapples with recent events, resilience remains a hallmark of the spirit in Clinton and the surrounding areas.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WYFF4: National Weather Service Tornado Survey
- Google Search: National Weather Service Tornado Survey
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Greenville Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google News: Greenville County Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Herald Online: Local News
- Google Scholar: Local News
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens 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 Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. 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.
