2 tornadoes struck in SC during Wednesday storm, NWS confirms. Here are the details
Two tornadoes passed through Lexington County during a severe thunderstorm on Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports.
According to the NWS Columbia, survey teams confirmed 2 EF-0 tornadoes in Lexington County. There have been no reports of injuries or deaths from the twisters.
Survey work has been completed on the first tornado, which hit southwest of south Congaree.
“The tornado produced sporadic damage mainly snapping and uprooting trees and large branches,” the NWS states.
However, more survey work is needed on the second tornado, which touched down southeast of Gilbert. Full details on the second tornado won’t be available until at least later on Thursday, the NWS states.
Meanwhile, survey teams are investigating additional areas of South Carolina for possible tornado damage, mainly across the southern part of the state and in the central Savannah River area.
The NWS survey team reported that the first tornado was active between 10:44 a.m. and 10:51 a.m. on Wednesday. The short-lived tornado generated winds up to 75 mph, was 50 yards wide and traveled 2.92 miles before dissipating.
The tornado likely began in a wooded area between Cathy Lane and Old Orangeburg Road. It later dissipated near Greenwood Drive.
While the study of the second tornado is incomplete, the survey team did confirm that it produced damage, mainly by downing trees and power lines.
Both tornadoes are currently listed as EF-0, which is the lowest rating on the Fujita scale. The scale goes as high as EF-5 for tornadoes that produce winds above 200 mph.
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 9:09 AM.
