Chester County, South Carolina tornadoes

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17confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: November 21, 2023, EF0. 2026 so far: 0 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 Chester County

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The record

At a glance

Total171950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthMay6 of 17
StrongestF2Apr 15, 1994
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries4whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 3May: 6Jun: 1Jul: 1Aug: 3Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 6 of 17 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 1: 012 PM: 2: 0: 03 PM: 0: 7: 16 PM: 2: 1: 09 PM: 1: 0: 212 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

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 1: 1: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 2: 0: 1: 1: 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
6
EF1
9
EF2
2

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

F2, April 15, 1994

1 deaths, 4 injuries Strongest

F2, April 15, 1994

3 mile path Longest path

13.98 miles, EF2

May 5, 2020, whole path Widest

200 yards, EF2

May 5, 2020
Every tornado

All 17 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Nov 21, 2023EF00.04 mi20 yd00
May 23, 2022EF00.45 mi25 yd00
May 5, 2020EF213.98 mi200 yd00
May 5, 2020EF14.57 mi100 yd00
Nov 16, 2011EF11.39 mi100 yd00
Aug 26, 2008EF00.1 mi20 yd00
Aug 26, 2008EF00.1 mi20 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F10.5 mi50 yd00
Jun 4, 1998F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jul 23, 1997F10.1 mi23 yd00
May 29, 1996F11 mi100 yd00
May 1, 1995F00.2 mi20 yd00
Aug 16, 1994F10.3 mi73 yd00
Apr 15, 1994F23 mi73 yd14
Apr 19, 1981F12 mi33 yd00
May 15, 1975F10.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 6, 1955F11.5 mi100 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 13, 2026.