News Summary
An EF-1 tornado hit Chapin, SC, during severe storms, leaving a trail of destruction especially along Lake Tide Drive. Peak winds reached 95 mph, with the tornado causing 3,000 power outages but fortunately no injuries.
Chapin, SC
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that an EF-1 tornado struck Chapin, South Carolina, during severe storms on Monday night, with survey teams confirming the event on Tuesday morning. The tornado created a trail of destruction along the northern side of Lake Murray, primarily impacting the Lake Tide Drive area.
According to the NWS, the tornado, rated EF-1, is classified as having moderate strength on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Peak winds for the tornado were estimated at 95 miles per hour. It was approximately 200 yards wide and traveled a distance of 6.17 miles during its short lifespan of about six minutes, beginning its formation at 8:43 p.m.
The tornado’s course started over Lake Murray before it moved onto Highwater Court, continuing its path in an east-northeast direction. Significant moments in its trajectory included crossing Amicks Ferry Road and attaining peak intensity while crossing Lake Tide Drive. The tornado briefly returned to water twice while traversing Sandbar Road before making landfall once again. It then crossed Old Bush River Road and passed just north of Chapin Elementary School, finally dissipating near Old Lauren Lane after crossing Highway 76.
Pursuant to the severe storm activity, a tornado warning was initially issued for the area as the powerful storms began to build around 7:30 p.m. The storms were first reported in Saluda and Newberry Counties before advancing into the central Midlands shortly after 8 p.m.
In the aftermath of the tornado, reports of damage surfaced, with downed trees and power lines noted across the region. At the peak of the storm, Lexington County experienced over 3,000 power outages. Damage assessments carried out by authorities on Tuesday afternoon revealed tree limbs down and damage reported in local areas, including Crooked Creek Park and along Old Lexington Highway.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the tornado. As investigations and damage assessments are ongoing, the NWS has stated that further updates regarding the extent of damages will be provided in a final review. However, a specific timeline for completion of these assessments has not yet been established.
This tornado event serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness in the face of severe weather. With safety measures in place, communities can better respond to these unpredictable incidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Columbia and Lexington Counties
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings Hit Columbia
Columbia, S.C. Braces for Severe Weather
Additional Resources
- WACH News
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Tornado Chapin South Carolina
- SW Lex Ledger
- Google Scholar: Tornado Chapin
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- Spectrum Local News
- Google News: Tornado Chapin South Carolina
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