Richland County, South Carolina tornadoes

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43confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: December 29, 2024, EF0. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report 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

Total431950 to 2025
Per year0.6average since 1950
Peak monthMarch9 of 43
StrongestEF3Mar 15, 2008
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries24whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

90 Jan: 4Feb: 2Mar: 9Apr: 2May: 4Jun: 4Jul: 3Aug: 4Sep: 4Oct: 2Nov: 3Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

March is the peak month, with 9 of 43 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 1: 2: 23 AM: 2: 2: 16 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 1: 3: 212 PM: 1: 0: 73 PM: 5: 4: 06 PM: 4: 1: 29 PM: 0: 2: 012 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: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 2: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 01980: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 3: 0: 2: 0: 02000: 2: 2: 0: 0: 3: 0: 2: 0: 2: 02010: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 22020: 2: 0: 0: 0: 2: 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. This year so far: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
17
EF1
16
EF2
8
EF3
1
Unknown
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, May 15, 1976

1 deaths, 3 injuries Strongest

EF3, March 15, 2008

27.51 mile path Longest path

30.5 miles, F2

December 13, 1973, whole path Widest

1,320 yards, EF3

March 15, 2008
Every tornado

All 43 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Dec 29, 2024EF011.22 mi150 yd00
Jan 27, 2024EF10.89 mi90 yd00
Sep 17, 2020EFU6.9 mi150 yd00
Apr 13, 2020EF14.89 mi80 yd00
Mar 3, 2019EF10.6 mi200 yd00
Mar 3, 2019EF11.46 mi150 yd00
Oct 11, 2018EF06.01 mi50 yd00
Mar 3, 2012EF02.54 mi80 yd00
Mar 15, 2008EF13.7 mi660 yd00
Mar 15, 2008EF327.51 mi1,320 yd02
Feb 4, 2006F05 mi60 yd00
Jan 13, 2006F00.2 mi40 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F00.5 mi100 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F11 mi200 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F22.5 mi440 yd03
Jun 13, 2001F00.1 mi40 yd00
Mar 29, 2001F05 mi30 yd00
Mar 16, 2000F00.2 mi50 yd00
Mar 16, 2000F00.3 mi100 yd00
Jul 23, 1997F01.5 mi73 yd00
Jul 23, 1997F13 mi100 yd01
Nov 7, 1995F00.1 mi50 yd00
Oct 27, 1995F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jan 6, 1995F13 mi100 yd00
Aug 16, 1994F02 mi50 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Mar 12, 20262 SSE BallentineNot 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 12, 2026.