CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — The National Weather Service is now reporting that storm damage in a South Carolina county was likely that of a tornado on Thursday.
The agency shared on Saturday that its survey crews were examining the aftermath south of New Zion, South Carolina. Despite being classified as an EF-0 tornado, the storm reportedly caused some damage in the area.
That included multiple snapped trees a large grain auger knocked on its side and an empty trailer tipped over and moved about 20 yards.
NWS estimates the tornado stayed on the ground for about 1.5 miles with a width of roughly 40 yards and peak winds of 85 mph. The tornado is believed to have first touched down in a field east of Old Manning Road and just south of Knowlton Road before moving northwest along Old Manning.
During that part of its journey, it's believed to have snapped numerous trees and knocked down several large branches before moving across the intersection of Old Manning and Newman Branch roads. This is the area that received the most extensive damage - particularly with the trailer that had moved.
A warehouse was also damaged when an exterior wall made of wood and cinder blocks collapsed. An uplifted roof is believed to have caused the grain auger to fall over. Metal at the top of the silo was also twisted and one equipment shelter made of wood and metal was destroyed. Other nearby buildings also had minor roof damage.
The tornado wasn't done just yet, however, as the NWS reports it crossed into a cornfield and knocked down crops. It ultimately began to weaken as it moved northwest just west of Old Manning Road, causing minor tree damage and then dissipating near Walker Gamble Road.
