Barnwell County, South Carolina tornadoes

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25confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1952). Most recent: March 16, 2025, EF0. 2026 so far: 3 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Barnwell County

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The record

At a glance

Total251950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthApril13 of 25
StrongestEF3Apr 13, 2020
Deaths3whole paths, see note
Injuries36whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

130 Jan: 2Feb: 1Mar: 3Apr: 13May: 2Jun: 1Jul: 0Aug: 0Sep: 2Oct: 1Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 13 of 25 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 5: 1: 06 AM: 1: 1: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 0: 13 PM: 1: 7: 36 PM: 0: 2: 09 PM: 0: 2: 112 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: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 21990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 32000: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 22010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 5: 0: 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. This year so far: 3 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
8
EF1
5
EF2
6
EF3
6

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

EF3, April 13, 2020

2 deaths, 7 injuries Strongest

EF3, April 13, 2020

35.68 mile path Longest path

37.88 miles, EF3

April 13, 2020, whole path Widest

1,760 yards, EF2

March 15, 2008
Every tornado

All 25 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 16, 2025EF00.3 mi50 yd00
Apr 13, 2020EF35.37 mi800 yd00
Apr 13, 2020EF31.39 mi40 yd00
Apr 13, 2020EF335.68 mi770 yd27
Apr 13, 2020EF38.49 mi50 yd00
Apr 13, 2020EF337.88 mi800 yd00
Jan 21, 2017EF213.78 mi1,600 yd01
Apr 10, 2009EF00.1 mi60 yd00
Apr 10, 2009EF00.1 mi100 yd00
Mar 15, 2008EF00.58 mi100 yd00
Mar 15, 2008EF225.51 mi1,760 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F00.5 mi100 yd00
Sep 22, 2000F24.8 mi400 yd15
Apr 15, 1999F00.3 min/a00
Apr 15, 1999F12 mi100 yd00
Apr 8, 1999F00.5 mi50 yd00
Oct 1, 1989F216.5 mi200 yd00
May 1, 1989F24 mi50 yd012
Apr 23, 1983F333 mi200 yd06
Feb 18, 1975F23.3 mi67 yd05
May 24, 1973F127.8 mi33 yd00
Jan 13, 1972F19.9 mi100 yd00
Apr 8, 1964F00.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 30, 1963F11 mi50 yd00
Jun 12, 1952F12 mi167 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Oct 10, 20265 SSW ElkoNot yet rated
Oct 10, 20263 NNW BarnwellNot yet rated
Oct 10, 20261 WSW KlineNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

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 13, 2026.