EF1 tornado in Spartanburg County, South Carolina

NWS storm survey found the path of a tornado that began near the intersection of Highway 101 and Neilson Rd. The tornado moved north/northeast uprooting and snapping numerous trees along Greenpond Rd and Switzer Green Pond Rd. Some structural damage was also noted to homes in this area, mainly minor roof damage and damage to gutters and siding. The path of the tornado was lost in the area around Pearson Rd and pine Hills Rd, where it entered a heavily wooded valley near the Tyger River, but dual pol radar data indicated the tornado likely continued through this area. The track was picked up again in the area between Bethany Church Rd and Highway 290. Many downed trees were observed from that area northeast toward Reidville Rd, where damage became less intense and more sporadic. The tornado continued northeast to near the I-26/Highway 29 intersection, where the path made an eastward jog. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted in neighborhood off Highway 29 just east of Westgate Mall. Although a distinct tornado path was lost in this area, extensive Straight-line wind damage continued downstream of the tornado path.

A band of rain showers along and ahead of a strong cold front quickly intensified during the afternoon across Upstate South Carolina. Multiple severe and/or tornadic thunderstorms developed within the line, with multiple tornadoes, some of which were quite strong, reported across the area. This was the second tornado outbreak to impact the Upstate in just over two weeks, and for the most part, the same counties that were impacted on October 8th were once again affected on the 23rd. In fact, a Cherokee County tornado from the 23rd passed within several hundred feet of an event that occurred on the 8th.