Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in South Carolina, April 13, 2020

Name: Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in South Carolina, April 13, 2020
Start: 2020-04-13T02:18
End: 2020-04-13T04:26
Location: South Carolina

April 13, 2020 · NWS GSP · 18 events in 8 counties and zones

A strong storm system impacted the Southeast, resulting in a line of strong to severe thunderstorms that moved across upstate South Carolina during the early morning hours of the 13th. This resulted in severe weather, including a couple of strong tornadoes, one of which was the strongest tornado to impact the upstate area in more than 25 years.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 1
Injuries: 13
Property damage: $100 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 18

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS GSP wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 13, 1:24 AM EST, 54 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 13, 1:24 AM EST, 54 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
224 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020

.SYNOPSIS...
Drier air will make it's way into the region later today in the wake
of a strong cold front.  A wave of low pressure moving along the
stationary front located just south of our region will bring a
chance of precipitation back to the area late Tuesday and early
Wednesday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM THIS MORNING/...
As of 145 AM EDT: Main update for the 06Z TAF issuance along
with minor adjustments made to temperatures, PoPs/weather, and
winds to coincide with latest trends, as the rest of the near
term forecast remains on track. The first line of convection
continues to slowly push eastward into the FA attm, with the
secondary line continuing to push across central TN/AL attm. A
Flash Flood Watch, Wind Advisories, and a Tornado Watch remain
in effect for the area. The new Tornado Watch (#116) includes
most of the FA, including the Charlotte-Metro area.

Previous discussion: Strong low level warm advection has squeezed
residual in-situ cold air damming to a small area along the eastern
Blue Ridge escarpment, and even this will likely erode in due time.
Per the latest SPC Mesoanalysis...weak surface-based instability as
developed into the upper Savannah River Valley, while sbCAPE > 1000
J/kg has...alarmingly...developed north of the ATL metro area.
Strong southerly flow and steepening lapse rates responding to
strengthening deep-layer forcing will continue to draw this
instability northeastward into the forecast area over the next 3 to
6 hours...ahead of the QLCS. Shear parameters will be through the
roof during this time as 60-70 kt LLJ translates across the
area...supporting outrageous (> 500) values of 0-1 km SRH.
Considering the expected degree of instability, this is looking more
like a "QLCS with embedded supercell structures" type of event,
rather than the "low-topped QLCS with mesovortex" events that we're
used to. That being the case, the SRH parameters are downright
scary, and portend the potential for a strong/damaging tornado or
two. Swaths of downburst damage also appear likely...if based on
nothing else than good old-fashioned convective mixing.

Speaking of which, gradient winds will also be an issue overnight
and into the daytime period Mon. With the lowering jet core, shallow
mixing will allow stg wind gusts to reach the sfc. With moist soils
these winds could down isol weak or dead trees. A Wind Advisory is
in effect for much of the forecast area.

Rainfall continues to pile up across southwest NC...which has
generally seen totals of 1-2 inches since Sunday morning. Widespread
moderate to heavy rain showers will persist across these areas for
the next couple of hours, followed by likely intense rainfall rates
within the QLCS. Storm totals of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher
amounts therefore appear to be very doable, and this will likely be
enough to support localized hydro issues in the Little Tennessee
basin and in the upper French Broad River basin.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM THIS MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...
As of 1215 PM EDT Sunday: A closed 500 mb low pressure center will
be positioned over the Great Lakes Monday night, with an associated
broad trough covering most of the CONUS. As the closed system lifts
over eastern Canada, trailing and reinforcing shortwaves will dive
through the northern Plains to keep a broad trough axis in place
through the day on Tuesday. With low-level flow maintaining a
southerly component, clouds could return in weak moist upglide
through the day. The best upstream vorticity lobe will likely cross
the southern Appalachians Tuesday night into Wednesday. This appears
to be associated with a narrow band of moisture and frontogenetical
forcing which maximizes over the southern Appalachians circa 06Z to
12Z Wednesday. This could overlap just enough with cold air to
support some high elevation snow showers, with rain showers in most
other areas, and possibly isolated thunderstorms on the warm side of
the developing front over the lower Piedmont.

The frontal boundary will then gradually slide southeast through
Wednesday, with drying and cooling developing from the northwest.
Temperatures will dip well below climo, and frost and freeze
concerns will have to be considered for the mountains and the I-40
corridor for Wednesday night.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 1230 PM EDT Sunday: Relatively zonal upper flow will set up
over the southeast on Thursday, with most upstream energy moving
east of the Rockies Thursday night, and across the Midwest on
Friday. Return flow moisture ahead of this system and the associated
cold front will bring cloudiness back on Friday, and possibly low
end PoPs for showers by late day. The passing trough will move off
the East coast early in the weekend. The better support should pass
mainly north of the area, but a brief shot of deeper moisture and
forcing should cross the southern Appalachians and surrounding areas
with a weak cold front mainly Friday night. Otherwise, westerly flow
and drying conditions will return through Saturday. Mid to high
level moisture may sneak back into the picture from the west Sunday,
with a return of late day shower PoPs. Temperatures will see a
gradual warming trend to above climo values by the end of the period.

&&

.AVIATION /07Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
At KCLT and Elsewhere: A mixture of MVFR/IFR prevails at all TAF
sites this morning, as showers and thunderstorms continue to push
into the area from the west. Through the morning hours, expect this
activity to bring periods of +RA and strong to severe +TSRA, along
with reduced vsbys and LIFR cigs, ahead of the approaching cold
front. South-southeast winds AOB 20 kts with higher gusts (30 to 35
kts) are expected through this morning ahead of the front. However,
will note periods of westerly winds will be possible with
convection, as noted by TEMPO groups. Behind the front, expect
conditions to improve from west to east, with convection tapering
off and cigs improving as clouds scatter out. With conditions
improving to VFR, expect winds to veer to the SW, with gusts
subsiding this afternoon.

Outlook: Potential for rain and flight restrictions Tuesday night
into Wednesday. Otherwise expect VFR.

Confidence Table...

            06-12Z        12-18Z        18-24Z        00-06Z
KCLT       High  80%     High  88%     High 100%     High 100%
KGSP       High  85%     High  94%     High 100%     High 100%
KAVL       High  80%     High  95%     High  96%     High  94%
KHKY       High  89%     High  82%     High 100%     High 100%
KGMU       High  81%     High  92%     High  99%     High 100%
KAND       High  87%     High  97%     High 100%     High 100%

The percentage reflects the number of guidance members agreeing
with the scheduled TAF issuance flight rule category. Complete hourly
experimental aviation forecast consistency tables are available at
the following link:

www.weather.gov/gsp/aviation

&&

.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Flash Flood Watch until 8 AM EDT this morning for GAZ010-017.
     Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for GAZ018-026-028-
     029.
NC...Flash Flood Watch until 8 AM EDT this morning for NCZ033-
     048>053-058-059-062>065-501-503-505-507-509.
     Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for NCZ033-035>037-
     048>053-056>059-062>065-068>072-082-501>510.
SC...Flash Flood Watch until 8 AM EDT this morning for SCZ001>003.
     Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for SCZ003>014-019.

&&

SYNOPSIS...DEO
NEAR TERM...SBK/12
SHORT TERM...HG
LONG TERM...HG
AVIATION...12

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 13, 12:57 AM EST, 1 hour 21 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
157 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020

GAZ018-026-028-029-NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-502-504-506-508-
510-SCZ004>014-019-140600-
Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-
Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-
Greater Caldwell-Greater Burke-Eastern McDowell-Greater Rutherford-
Eastern Polk-Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville-
Spartanburg-Cherokee-York-Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Union SC-
Chester-Greenwood-
157 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...TORNADO WATCH 116 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont
North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

Flash flooding may also develop in areas that see multiple rounds of
heavy rainfall.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about
observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state,
and CDC guidelines.

GAZ010-017-SCZ001-002-140600-
Rabun-Habersham-Oconee Mountains-Pickens Mountains-
157 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...
...TORNADO WATCH 116 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia and upstate
South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Flash Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about
observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state,
and CDC guidelines.

NCZ051-052-058-140600-
Swain-Haywood-Graham-
157 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...
...TORNADO WATCH 113 IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT EARLY THIS MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Flash Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about
observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state,
and CDC guidelines.

NCZ033-048>050-053-140600-
Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Buncombe-
157 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

A line of showers and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms will
move into the area from the west. This activity will pose a threat of
damaging winds and perhaps an isolated tornado as it moves across
the area through daybreak.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about
observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state,
and CDC guidelines.

NCZ059-062>065-501-503-505-507-509-SCZ003-140600-
Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson-
Caldwell Mountains-Burke Mountains-McDowell Mountains-
Rutherford Mountains-Polk Mountains-Greenville Mountains-
157 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...
...TORNADO WATCH 116 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina and
upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Flash Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Flash Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about
observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state,
and CDC guidelines.

12

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 12, 8:59 PM EST, 5 hours 19 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
959 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020

NCZ051-058-130245-
Graham NC-Swain NC-
959 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL SWAIN AND GRAHAM
COUNTIES UNTIL 1045 PM EDT...

At 958 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles northwest of Murphy, moving northeast at 60 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Bryson City, Robbinsville, Cherokee, Town Of Santeetlah, Smoky
Mountains-Deep Creek, Smoky Mountains-Fontana Area, Lake Santeetlah,
Fontana Lake, Fontana Village and Smoky Mountains-Twentymile Creek.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.

&&

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 200 AM EDT for western North
Carolina.

LAT...LON 3537 8401 3541 8402 3547 8392 3552 8388
      3553 8382 3556 8377 3558 8360 3556 8358
      3556 8350 3560 8345 3549 8329 3547 8332
      3547 8334 3543 8336 3525 8381 3525 8385
      3522 8396 3524 8401 3531 8404 3535 8404
TIME...MOT...LOC 0158Z 241DEG 55KT 3522 8415

RM

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 77 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 07:15 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

11 thunderstorm wind, 7 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Tornado, Oconee

When: April 13, 2:18 AM EST to 2:22 AM EST
Where: Oconee County, 7.21 mi W of Jocassee to 3.79 mi WNW of Jocassee
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.97 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.990, -83.055

NWS Storm Survey found the path of an EF1 tornado across the high elevations of Oconee County. Damage was first found along Highway 107, less than a mile south of Wigington Rd. Multiple large tree limbs were snapped near this location. The next area of damage was found due east of here along Whitewater Falls Rd, where numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. Additional tree damage was found on Bad Creek Rd, just west of Lake Jocassee. While additional tree damage was observed from a distance on a peninsula in Lake Jocassee, a survey of areas downstream was impossible due to the remote, inaccessible nature of the terrain in the Sumter National Forest/Jocassee Gorges area.

Tornado, Oconee

When: April 13, 2:21 AM EST to 2:33 AM EST
Where: Oconee County, 3.29 mi WNW of Oakway to 1.85 mi NE of Keowee
Rating: EF3
Path length: 14.7 mi
Path width: 1,000 yd
Continued into: Pickens, Sc (GSP)
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 5 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $100 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.617, -83.084

NWS Storm Survey found the path of a strong EF3 tornado that began across southern Oconee County, just south of Westminster along Retreat Rd and W Oak Highway. As the tornado moved northeast, damage was largely confined to uprooted and snapped trees as it crossed Highway 11, Brown Farm Rd, and the Coneross Creek drainage before moving into the southwest side of Seneca. The tornado intensified rapidly after crossing S Radio Station Rd. A house on Return Church Rd experienced complete structural collapse, which combined with surrounding vegetation damage of numerous trees snapped and/or debarked was suggestive of strong EF3 damage, or 160 mph peak wind gusts. The tornado maintained EF3 intensity as it continued northeast, destroying a significant portion of a manufacturing facility Between Return Church Rd and Wells Highway. A 77-year-old male employee was killed inside the facility. Four other employees received mostly minor injuries. At least strong EF2 damage continued as the tornado approached the center of Seneca, with numerous homes receiving minor to severe damage, including EF3 damage to at least one house on Ploma Dr. The tornado rapidly weakened as it continued northeast into the east side of Seneca, but continued to snap and uproot numerous trees as it crossed Shiloh Rd and Clemson Blvd. The tornado moved over Lake Keowee a couple of miles north of Clemson Blvd, crossing into Pickens County. This was the first EF3 or stronger tornado in upstate South Carolina since 1994. It was also the first known EF3 or stronger tornado to impact the western Carolinas during the overnight hours.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oconee

When: April 13, 2:27 AM EST
Where: Oconee County, 5.17 mi ESE of Tokeena Xrds
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.585, -82.891

Public reported numerous large trees down and minor structural damage along Lakefront Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anderson

When: April 13, 2:30 AM EST to 2:32 AM EST
Where: Anderson County, 0.74 mi W of Pendleton to 3.67 mi NE of Pendleton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.651, -82.783

Public reported multiple trees blown down in Pendleton and vicinity, including one blocking the road near Pendleton Square, and other down in the area around Revista Rd and Central Rd.

Tornado, Pickens

When: April 13, 2:34 AM EST to 2:36 AM EST
Where: Pickens County, 3.1 mi NNW of Clemson to 2.76 mi WNW of Central
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.01 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.719, -82.857

NWS Storm Survey found a tornado that began in Oconee County moved into Pickens County on Lake Keowee about 2 miles north of Clemson Blvd. Damage in Pickens County was primarily confined to snapped large tree limbs before the tornado lifted in the area around Six Mile Highway and R C Edwards School Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pickens

When: April 13, 2:36 AM EST to 2:41 AM EST
Where: Pickens County, 1.45 mi NE of Pickens to 0.83 mi N of Central
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.892, -82.679

Public reported multiple trees uprooted in the area surrounding Luna Ln in Central. Ham radio operator reported multiple trees blown down in the Pickens area.

Tornado, Pickens

When: April 13, 2:41 AM EST to 2:46 AM EST
Where: Pickens County, 2.54 mi SSW of Pumpkintown to 2.01 mi E of Rock
Rating: EF2
Path length: 5.3 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Greenville, Sc (GSP)
Injuries: 8 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.966, -82.667

NWS Storm Survey determined the path of a tornado that began in northern Pickens County near the intersection of Highway 8 and Log House Rd. Numerous trees were uprooted and large trees snapped as the tornado moved northeast, crossing Dacusville Highway, Cedar Rd, and the Oolenoy River. From there, it moved roughly parallel to Highway 288 before crossing into Greenville County. The most significant damage was found along the banks of the Saluda River, including along Yankee Rebel Pt and Sherwood Rd, where two mobile homes were rolled and several large hardwood trees snapped. A total of eight people were injured in this area.

Tornado, Pickens

When: April 13, 2:44 AM EST to 2:51 AM EST
Where: Pickens County, 1.36 mi NNE of Beverly to 3.15 mi NE of Latham
Rating: EF0
Path length: 7.42 mi
Path width: 70 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.817, -82.638

NWS Storm Survey found the path of an EF0 tornado that moved across the Easley area. The tornado began on the west side of the city along Old Liberty Rd. moving east/northeast through the heart of the city, although damage was almost exclusively confined to uprooted pine trees and snapped large tree limbs. The tornado moved east from the city of Easley, roughly paralleling Saluda Dam Rd before lifting near the intersection of Saluda Dam Rd and Antioch Rd.

Tornado, Greenville

When: April 13, 2:46 AM EST to 2:49 AM EST
Where: Greenville County, 4.04 mi SSW of Blythe Shoals to 2.18 mi SSE of Blythe Shoals
Rating: EF2
Path length: 2.67 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.015, -82.594

NWS Storm Survey determined an EF2 that began in Pickens County moved into Greenville County near Highway 288. The most significant damage was found along the banks of the Saluda River, where one mobile home was rolled and several large hardwood trees snapped. The tornado weakened from there and additional damage was limited to snapped hardwoods as the tornado crossed Marked Beech Rd before lifting in the vicinity of Sakanaga Trace.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greenville

When: April 13, 2:47 AM EST
Where: Greenville County, 2.12 mi WSW of Cleveland
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.054, -82.532

Public reported multiple trees blown down on North River Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anderson

When: April 13, 2:53 AM EST
Where: Anderson County, 6.88 mi WSW of (And)anderson Co Arp
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 34.448, -82.823

Public reported more than a dozen large trees blown down in the area surrounding Springfield Rd and Providence Church Rd.

Tornado, Greenville

When: April 13, 3:01 AM EST to 3:02 AM EST
Where: Greenville County, 3.66 mi SW of Jordon to 2.99 mi SW of Jordon
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.68 mi
Path width: 30 yd
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.992, -82.295

NWS Storm Survey found a brief, weak tornado touched down in J Verne Smith Park in Greenville County, downing limbs and uprooting some small trees. The tornado downed more limbs along oneal Church Road, but then uprooted a tree onto a house on Scruggs Circle. The tornado briefly intensified in a wooded area along a small creek between Scruggs Circle and Gratiot Lane, where several trees were uprooted. The tornado rapidly weakened and lifted just beyond this point.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anderson

When: April 13, 3:02 AM EST
Where: Anderson County, 4.21 mi WNW of Cheddar
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 34.600, -82.570

NWS employee reported two trees blown down and blocking one lane of Midway Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greenville

When: April 13, 3:02 AM EST
Where: Greenville County, 1.49 mi NNE of Lima
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.100, -82.420

Emergency manager reported an outbuilding and fence blown over along Chinquapin Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Abbeville

When: April 13, 3:12 AM EST
Where: Abbeville County, 1.02 mi NW of Due West to 1.41 mi SSW of Honea Path
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.341, -82.392

Law enforcement reported a few trees and large limbs blown down along with tin ripped off one or two outbuildings between Honea Path and Due West.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greenwood

When: April 13, 3:44 AM EST to 3:57 AM EST
Where: Greenwood County, 2.84 mi SW of South Greenwood to 3.32 mi NE of Ninety Six
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.136, -82.178

Emergency manager reported multiple trees and a few power lines blown down across central Greenwood County, with a few trees blocking roads.

Thunderstorm Wind, York

When: April 13, 3:45 AM EST to 4:12 AM EST
Where: York County, 1.96 mi S of York to 0.11 mi W of Celriver
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.972, -81.224

Public reported (via Social Media) a large oak tree toppled by wind on Devinney Rd, multiple trees down on Billy Wilson Rd and Park Place Rd in York, and trees down on a mobile home on Woodland Dr in Rock Hill. The ASOS at the Rock Hill Airport measured a wind gust of 64 mph (56 kts. Media reported additional trees down on Neely Store Rd southeast of Rock Hill. Other trees and limbs were blown down in the Carowinds area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When: April 13, 4:26 AM EST
Where: Chester County, 0.57 mi W of Ft Lawn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.700, -80.910

Public reported a large cedar tree blown down along with multiple large limbs.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Tornado, Oconee	2020-04-13	77	Male	Long Span Roof	Direct

What these are

Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Carolina in 2020 Every state in 2020 This day in weather history The tornado archive for South Carolina, 2020 Warnings in South Carolina, April 2020

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 886150, 886100, 887431, 887432, 886135, 887430, 886204, 886198, 886207, 889475, 889627, 887085, 887433, 889290, 889292, 887641, 887639, 887640.