Columbia, SC – Hurricane Helene triggered 11 confirmed tornadoes across Georgia and South Carolina last week, including a massive 33-mile long EF1 tornado that tore through Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. The storm caused widespread damage but fortunately no fatalities, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia.
The strongest tornado was recorded on Sept. 27, cutting a 33.11-mile path across rural areas in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, with wind speeds reaching 90 mph. The tornado downed trees, damaged homes, and left significant debris in its wake, affecting hundreds of residents.
In Georgia, a brief EF0 tornado struck Vidette in Burke County on Sept. 26, damaging trees and powerlines. Similar scenes unfolded across South Carolina, where several EF0 and EF1 tornadoes, with winds ranging from 75 to 95 mph, touched down in areas such as Rowland, Clarendon County, and Cordova.
While no injuries were reported, recovery efforts are underway to restore power and clear debris. Local officials urge caution as residents navigate storm damage, particularly in areas hardest hit by fallen trees and blocked roads. The NWS continues to monitor storm damage as teams assess the full extent of Helene’s impact.
Confirmed Tornadoes:
1. Vidette, GA (Burke County) – EF0, 80 mph, 2.27 miles.
2. Rowland, SC (Clarendon County) – EF0, 80 mph, 1.31 miles.
3. Cordova, SC (Orangeburg County) – EF1, 95 mph, 13.36 miles.
4. Lodge, SC (Colleton/Bamberg Counties) – EF1, 90 mph, 7.81 miles.
5. Orangeburg/Calhoun Counties, SC – EF1, 90 mph, 33.11 miles.
6. Branchville, SC (Orangeburg County) – EF0, 84 mph, 13.77 miles.
7. Staley Crossroads, SC (Orangeburg/Lexington Counties) – EF1, 90 mph, 13.97 miles.
8. West Bowman, SC (Orangeburg County) – EF0, 80 mph, 17.04 miles.
9. Eutaw Springs, SC (Orangeburg County) – EF0, 77 mph, 1.53 miles.
10. West of Shaw AFB, SC (Sumter County) – EF0, 75 mph, 4.56 miles.
11. North Santee, SC (Clarendon County) – EF0, 75 mph, 0.29 miles.
