EF1 Tornado — Barnwell, South Carolina

2020-04-13 · near Williston, Barnwell, South Carolina

Event narrative

A strong, long-track tornado began in Aiken Co SC, within the boundaries of the Savannah River Site, then moved in a general northeast direction. While in Aiken Co, the tornado was rated EF-3. The tornado then crossed into Barnwell Co SC, NW of the town of Williston near Davis Bridge Rd. In Barnwell Co, the tornado was rated as EF-1. The tornado continued to snap and uproot countless trees as it crossed Davis Bridge Rd, and New Forest Rd in N Barnwell Co. The tornado continued moving NE and crossed into Orangeburg Co SC.

Wider weather episode

A squall line rolled through the region during the early morning hours of April 13, 2020. Strong instability and shear led to numerous severe thunderstorm wind gusts along with several tornadoes. In total, across central SC, there were 5 EF-3 tornadoes, 1 EF-2 tornadoes, and 1 EF-1 tornado. Two fatalities, and several injuries, occurred with the tornadoes.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.4481, -81.4285)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 884158. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.