Dillon County, South Carolina tornadoes

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19confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: October 11, 2020, EF1. 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 Dillon County

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The record

At a glance

Total191950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthSeptember6 of 19
StrongestF3May 20, 1980
Deaths3whole paths, see note
Injuries42whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

September is the peak month, with 6 of 19 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 1: 23 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 19 AM: 0: 1: 012 PM: 2: 5: 03 PM: 3: 0: 26 PM: 1: 0: 09 PM: 0: 0: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 1:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 2: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 02020: 1: 0: 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
10
EF1
5
EF2
3
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

Deadliest

F2, September 29, 1963

3 deaths, 12 injuries Strongest

F3, May 20, 1980

10.7 mile path Longest path

85.8 miles, F2

September 29, 1963, whole path Widest

517 yards, F3

May 20, 1980
Every tornado

All 19 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Oct 11, 2020EF10.5 mi40 yd00
Sep 16, 2018EF00.71 mi30 yd00
Sep 16, 2018EF02.78 mi30 yd00
Sep 16, 2018EF00.24 mi30 yd00
Apr 16, 2011EF11.51 mi440 yd03
Nov 14, 2008EF21.49 mi40 yd00
Mar 15, 2008EF01.36 mi75 yd00
Sep 27, 2004F00.2 mi25 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F01.3 mi30 yd00
Mar 8, 1998F00.3 mi30 yd00
Nov 7, 1995F00.1 mi30 yd00
Feb 21, 1989F01 mi130 yd01
Feb 2, 1981F10.1 mi33 yd00
Feb 2, 1981F10.1 mi33 yd00
May 20, 1980F310.7 mi517 yd026
Mar 17, 1965F01 mi30 yd00
Sep 29, 1963F285.8 mi100 yd312
Jun 25, 1956F13 mi33 yd00
Aug 10, 1955F28.8 mi77 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.