Thunderstorm Wind in McCormick County, South Carolina

A line of severe thunderstorms produced widespread wind damage across McCormick

County, SC on the evening of July 20, 2023. Hamilton Branch State Park, along the

shore of Lake J. Strom Thurmond, was particularly hard hit, likely due to enhancement

of winds over the lake.

South Carolina State Parks estimated that approximately 18 trees were snapped or

uprooted and blocking roadways in the park, with numerous other trees downed in

wooded areas. No injuries.

A National Weather Service storm survey determined that the damage was the result of thunderstorm winds, and not a tornado. Peak wind speeds were estimated to be around 75 mph.

A line of severe thunderstorms, aided by some upper energy and deep layer shear, developed over north Georgia and moved SE across the Midlands of SC, during the late day and evening, and produced widespread wind damage. Ahead of this line, isolated thunderstorms, one severe, developed earlier in the afternoon.