Laurens County, South Carolina tornadoes

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25confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1960). Most recent: March 3, 2023, EF1. 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

Total251950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMarch5 of 25
StrongestF3Dec 13, 1973
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries52whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

50 Jan: 3Feb: 0Mar: 5Apr: 3May: 4Jun: 1Jul: 1Aug: 2Sep: 2Oct: 2Nov: 1Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

March is the peak month, with 5 of 25 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 2: 1: 63 PM: 3: 4: 36 PM: 4: 0: 19 PM: 0: 0: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 2:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 0: 12010: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 02020: 1: 3: 0: 2: 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
12
EF1
8
EF2
4
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, December 13, 1973

10.7 mile path Longest path

34 miles, F1

April 15, 1993, whole path Widest

700 yards, F2

March 28, 1984
Every tornado

All 25 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 3, 2023EF121.27 mi50 yd00
Jan 12, 2023EF19.05 mi100 yd00
Aug 17, 2021EF11.45 mi75 yd00
Aug 17, 2021EF00.2 mi30 yd00
Mar 25, 2021EF02.14 mi25 yd00
Jun 10, 2020EF00.41 mi30 yd00
Oct 8, 2017EF222.28 mi200 yd00
Oct 8, 2017EF112 mi100 yd00
Apr 3, 2017EF00.74 mi75 yd00
Mar 19, 2011EF00.2 mi30 yd00
Nov 30, 2010EF11.99 mi200 yd00
May 4, 2009EF02.06 mi50 yd00
Sep 14, 2007EF10.1 mi25 yd00
Jan 17, 2006F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jan 13, 2005F212 mi350 yd01
Sep 16, 2004F00.5 mi20 yd00
Jul 1, 2003F03 mi200 yd00
Apr 19, 1998F05 mi50 yd00
May 25, 1993F02 mi50 yd00
Apr 15, 1993F134 mi300 yd00
May 4, 1990F00.1 mi20 yd00
Mar 28, 1984F210 mi700 yd043
May 8, 1977F11.5 mi50 yd05
Dec 13, 1973F310.7 mi200 yd03
Mar 30, 1960F29.8 mi50 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.