South Carolina Environment & Hazard Risk

Widespread tree and power line damage throughout the county. Falling trees caused damage to structures across the county. At least 1323 homes sustained some level of damage including 35 destroyed and 326 with major damage. South Carolina Forestry estimated 4.3 million dollars in timber loss. Most of the county was without power for an extended period of time. Many roads were closed, some for an extended period. NWS storm survey estimated maximum wind gusts around between 80-100 mph based on how widespread the damage was, especially near the Savannah River. A mesonet site in the town of Aiken recorded a max sustained wind of 48 mph and max gust of 72 mph. Areas of flooding occurred with two day rainfall totals generally around 4 to 7 inches. Maximum observed rainfall was from Aiken COOP which measured 7.36 inches of rain. Four direct fatalities occurred when trees fell of homes, however, seven additional indirect fatalities attributed to medical emergencies that occurred during power outages and a house fire started by a candle.

NWS Storm Survey found the path of a strong EF3 tornado that began across southern Oconee County, just south of Westminster along Retreat Rd and W Oak Highway. As the tornado moved northeast, damage was largely confined to uprooted and snapped trees as it crossed Highway 11, Brown Farm Rd, and the Coneross Creek drainage before moving into the southwest side of Seneca. The tornado intensified rapidly after crossing S Radio Station Rd. A house on Return Church Rd experienced complete structural collapse, which combined with surrounding vegetation damage of numerous trees snapped and/or debarked was suggestive of strong EF3 damage, or 160 mph peak wind gusts. The tornado maintained EF3 intensity as it continued northeast, destroying a significant portion of a manufacturing facility Between Return Church Rd and Wells Highway. A 77-year-old male employee was killed inside the facility. Four other employees received mostly minor injuries. At least strong EF2 damage continued as the tornado approached the center of Seneca, with numerous homes receiving minor to severe damage, including EF3 damage to at least one house on Ploma Dr. The tornado rapidly weakened as it continued...

A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team confirmed an EF-4 tornado with an estimated maximum wind speed of 175 mph in central Hampton County. ||The tornado began just north of Collie Road, approximately 3 miles west-northwest of Scotia, South Carolina, snapping and uprooting trees and causing damage to the Federal Correctional Institution of Estill along its northeast track. The tornado then continued northeast, crossing over Highway 321 near the intersection with County Road S-25-35 before gaining strength and causing substantial damage. Beyond this point, the unusually long track and wide tornado damaged and destroyed many residences, including mobile and single family homes along its entire path. A few automobiles were also tossed/rolled 50 to 75 yards from their original locations. In addition, the tornado reached a maximum width of about 0.75 mile, causing extensive damage to thousands of trees and numerous power lines. At times, the damage pattern suggested that the tornado may have consisted of multiple vortices, which can occur in stronger tornadoes.||The most significant structural damage occurred just south of Estill, South Carolina and across Nixville, South...

Widespread damage to trees and power lines across the county leading to widespread and extended road closures. Most of the county was without power for an extended period of time. Falling trees caused damage to structures across the county. At least 240 homes sustained some level of damage including 11 destroyed and 65 with major damage. South Carolina Forestry estimated 24 million dollars in timber loss. A RAWS site in Sumter National Forest along Hwy 378 recorded a max wind gust of 52 mph. NWS storm survey estimated that max wind gusts were around 90 to 100 mph based on the extent of damage, especially near the Savannah River. Areas of flooding, especially in the northern part of the county where two CoCoRaHS gages recorded two rainfall totals exceeding 13 inches (max was 13.17 inches).

Widespread trees and power lines downed. Many roads closed, some for an extended period of time. Large sections of the county were without power. Falling trees damaged numerous structures across the county. At least 128 homes sustained some level of damage including 10 destroyed and 41 with major damage. South Carolina Forestry estimated 1.4 million dollars in timber loss. A maximum wind gust of 32 knots (37 mph) was measured at Newberry County Airport before the site stopped reporting. NWS analysis estimated that maximum gusts were between 70-90 mph. Ten homes were destroyed with over one hundred structures damaged by falling trees and wind. Two individuals were killed when a tree fell on their vehicle. In addition, three indirect fatalities occurred. Flooding occurred in areas across the county with numerous observations of between 5 to 7 inches of rainfall total. Highest measurement came from a CoCoRaHS gage near Whitmire which measured 7.17 inches of rain.

Widespread damage to trees and power lines. Many roads closed, some for extended periods of time. Large sections of the county without power for an extended period. Falling trees caused damage to structures across the county. At least 269 homes sustained some level of damage including 23 destroyed and 90 with major damage. South Carolina Forestry estimated 4.2 million dollars in timber loss. An NWS storm survey estimated that max wind gusts were between 80 to 90 mph based on the extent and severity of damage. Three fatalities occurred, including two firefighters responding to a call who died when a tree fell on their truck. Areas of flooding occurred with two day rainfall totals generally between 5 to 7 inches. The maximum measured two day rainfall was 7.12 inches from a CoCoRaHS gage along Hwy 378 near the Lexington County line.