EF1 Tornado — Greenwood, South Carolina

2023-01-12 · near Harris, Greenwood, South Carolina

Event narrative

NWS storm survey found the path of an EF1 tornado that began near the intersection of Deadfall Rd and North Acres Rd where scattered large trees were uprooted or snapped. The tornado then intensified as it moved east/ northeast, paralleling Deadfall Rd crossing Cokesbury Rd, where numerous large trees were uprooted or snapped, with some trees down on homes. Extensive damage to two houses were found in this area. The tornado weakened as it approached Green Oaks Rd, with additional tree damage before the path was lost in an inaccessible area on the west side of the Greenwood County Airport. However, an official measured wind gust of 75 mph at the airport was assumed to be associated with the remnant circulation. No additional damage was found downstream of the airport.

Wider weather episode

A line of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms moved across upstate South Carolina during the afternoon and evening in advance of a cold front. Embedded severe thunderstorms resulted in areas of damaging wind gusts and even a couple of weak tornadoes.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.2470, -82.1860)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1079280. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.