EF1 Tornado — Barnwell, South Carolina

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

Event narrative

A strong, long-track tornado began just south of the town of Elko in Barnwell Co SC, then moved in a general northeast direction through Orangeburg Co SC, where it reached EF-3 intensity and caused 2 fatalities. The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing into Calhoun Co SC southwest of St. Matthews before reaching I-26.

While in Barnwell Co, the tornado was rated as EF-1. The tornado began near Orchard Rd and SC Hwy 37. Along its entire path, there was widespread tree damage. The tornado snapped 7 wood power poles near US Hwy 78 and Turkey Creek. The tornado strengthened as it approached SC Hwy 3 and Gardenia Rd, where it destroyed and tossed a wood framed home anchored to the ground, lifted a significant portion of a roof on a brick home, destroyed a fifth wheel camper, and knocked over a pivot irrigation system. The tornado continued moving to the NE and crossed into Orangeburg Co.

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 → (33.3158, -81.3944)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 884163. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.