Anderson County, South Carolina tornadoes

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38confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: August 17, 2021, 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

Total381950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthApril12 of 38
StrongestF3Apr 8, 1974
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries7whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

120 Jan: 3Feb: 2Mar: 2Apr: 12May: 0Jun: 4Jul: 3Aug: 4Sep: 6Oct: 0Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 12 of 38 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 1: 1: 112 PM: 1: 3: 63 PM: 4: 7: 46 PM: 0: 4: 19 PM: 0: 2: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

50 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 4: 1: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 1: 2: 5: 2: 0: 0: 2: 22010: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 02020: 4: 1: 0: 0: 0: 019501960197019801990200020102020

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
17
EF1
15
EF2
5
EF3
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

Strongest

F3, April 8, 1974

1 mile path Longest path

33.4 miles, F2

April 13, 1980, whole path Widest

440 yards, F2

September 16, 1996
Every tornado

All 38 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Aug 17, 2021EF00.15 mi50 yd00
Apr 29, 2020EF00.58 mi30 yd00
Jan 11, 2020EF00.66 mi160 yd00
Jan 11, 2020EF00.27 mi50 yd00
Jan 11, 2020EF00.44 mi30 yd00
Apr 5, 2017EF00.06 mi30 yd00
Apr 5, 2017EF00.14 mi50 yd00
Jun 2, 2013EF14.82 mi125 yd00
Apr 8, 2010EF12.04 mi75 yd00
Apr 10, 2009EF01.58 mi100 yd00
Apr 10, 2009EF12.84 mi400 yd00
Aug 26, 2008EF25.48 mi30 yd00
Aug 26, 2008EF112.44 mi30 yd00
Jul 7, 2005F10.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 12, 2005F03 mi50 yd00
Sep 16, 2004F00.1 mi10 yd00
Sep 16, 2004F00.1 mi15 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F01.2 mi50 yd00
Jun 25, 2004F04 mi50 yd00
Jun 25, 2004F00.5 mi25 yd00
Jul 13, 2003F112 mi75 yd00
Jul 13, 2003F112 mi75 yd00
Nov 11, 2002F06 mi50 yd00
Feb 21, 1997F10.3 mi50 yd00
Sep 16, 1996F15 mi220 yd00
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.