Abbeville County, South Carolina tornadoes

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22confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1956). Most recent: May 12, 2025, EF0. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

The record

At a glance

Total221950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMay6 of 22
StrongestF4Mar 31, 1973
Deaths7whole paths, see note
Injuries66whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Abbeville County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 4Apr: 4May: 6Jun: 0Jul: 2Aug: 2Sep: 0Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 6 of 22 tornadoes.

By time of day

40 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 2: 2: 13 PM: 1: 2: 36 PM: 4: 2: 19 PM: 1: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 6:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 02000: 1: 0: 0: 3: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 22010: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 12020: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 119501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones.

By rating

EF0
11
EF1
6
EF2
4
EF4
1

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F4, March 31, 1973

7 deaths, 30 injuries Strongest

F4, March 31, 1973

22.6 mile path Longest path

29.35 miles, EF2

May 3, 2021, whole path Widest

300 yards, EF2

April 10, 2009
Every tornado

All 22 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 12, 2025EF01.69 mi20 yd00
May 3, 2021EF229.35 mi150 yd01
Jan 11, 2020EF02.44 mi50 yd00
Mar 1, 2019EF01.54 mi75 yd00
Aug 1, 2018EF03.82 mi30 yd00
May 3, 2010EF01.09 mi75 yd00
Apr 10, 2009EF26.71 mi300 yd02
Apr 10, 2009EF11.23 mi200 yd00
Mar 15, 2008EF00.5 mi20 yd00
Jul 3, 2005F10.7 mi50 yd00
Nov 19, 2003F015 mi50 yd00
May 6, 2003F03 mi25 yd00
Apr 21, 2003F10.3 mi100 yd00
Dec 16, 2000F00.1 min/a00
May 7, 1998F05 mi50 yd00
Jul 23, 1997F03 mi50 yd00
Dec 4, 1994F13 mi73 yd01
Mar 28, 1984F13 mi177 yd024
May 27, 1973F211.8 mi100 yd07
Mar 31, 1973F422.6 mi200 yd730
Aug 13, 1963F12 mi10 yd00
Apr 6, 1956F25.4 mi100 yd01
Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 12, 2026.