South Carolina Midlands Endures Tornadoes on Stormy Sunday

News Summary

This past Sunday, the South Carolina Midlands experienced the fury of three confirmed tornadoes as a powerful storm system swept through the area. The first EF-0 tornado touched down near Spring Hill, causing tree damage. Just 17 minutes later, a second EF-0 tornado struck south of Rion, uprooting trees and damaging shingles. The most dramatic event was an EF-1 tornado near Winnsboro, with winds peaking at 95 mph, flipping trailers and taking down utility poles. Residents were urged to stay vigilant amid severe weather warnings.

South Carolina Midlands Faces Fury of Tornadoes on Stormy Sunday

This past Sunday was anything but ordinary in the scenic South Carolina Midlands. A powerful storm system rolled through the area, and with it came the whirlwind chaos of not one, not two, but three confirmed tornadoes! Yes, you heard that right. Brace yourselves as we dive into the details of these wild weather events that had residents on alert.

The First Twister Unleashes Around Spring Hill

Our tornado adventure began at the bright and early hour of 8:35 a.m. when the first tornado made its presence known. This little whirlwind was classified as an EF-0 tornado, with peak winds reaching a brisk 75 mph!

Starting near Old Hilton Road east of Chapin, the tornado danced its way northeast, causing some noticeable tree damage along its path. As it crossed I-26 and made its way over to Bush Mill Road, trees took the brunt of this tornado’s rampage, especially concentrated along the picturesque Wash Lever Road and Muddy Ford Road.

Not stopping there, this tornado continued its northeast journey over the Broad River, where additional tree damage was spotted along Highway 215. Residents near Landis Road and Highway 269 reported even more instances of downed trees before the tornado finally took a breather and dissipated. Quite the morning spectacle, wouldn’t you say?

Second Tornado Strikes Just Minutes Later

As if one tornado wasn’t enough, just 17 minutes later at 8:52 a.m., another tornado, also an EF-0, appeared just south of Rion. It kicked off near the intersection of Highway 269 and Mockingbird Lane. This mischievous tornado was on a mission, snapping branches and causing a bit of damage while it crossed Bundrick Road.

Imagine the sight as it uprooted a tree and even caused some shingle damage to a nearby home! It didn’t stop there, continuing eastward and creating minor tree and shingle chaos as it crossed through Greenbrier Mossydale Road, High Hill Road, and West Peach Road.

Before long, it shifted northeast and zipped across Highway 321, leaving a trail of minor tree damage in its wake. This little guy cooled off by 9 a.m., wrapping up a whirlwind morning with peak winds topping 80 mph.

And the Most Powerful Tornado Rounds Things Off

Just when it seemed the stormplay was over, the third tornado decided to join the party at 8:56 a.m.. This one was a bit more serious, classified as an EF-1 tornado with peak winds roaring at 95 mph! How’s that for an adrenaline rush?

This tornado kicked off south of Winnsboro, near the Guardian Way manufacturing plant on Highway 321. Almost instantly, it made its presence felt by flipping four empty trailers and snapping utility poles like they were toothpicks. The chaos spilled onto Highway 321, where it took down a large garage door at a food plant.

More damage followed along Industrial Park Road, where trees were snapped left and right. After taking a stroll through Highway 34E, it managed to break power poles near a medical manufacturer before finally crossing Horse Creek Road and dissipating. Quite the dramatic exit!

Storms Causing a Stir

These tornadoes were stirred up by a robust cold front that swept through the region, leading to severe storms, strong winds, and heavy rain. The warnings for tornado activity were clear, and folks were advised to stay vigilant!

At one point, an updated tornado warning was issued at 8:45 a.m. for the area near Jenkinsville, indicating the potential for further tornado activity. It was particularly concerning for mobile homes, roofs, and trees, especially around Winnsboro and the nearby airport.

Residents in these areas were given a gentle nudge to take cover and stay tuned to local updates, whether through the news or a trusty NOAA Weather Radio. Always better to be safe than sorry!

As the day winds down and things start to settle, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the power of nature and the importance of safety. Here’s hoping for calmer skies ahead in the beautiful South Carolina Midlands!