Storm Aftermath: Tornado Day in Fairfield County

You wouldn’t expect a Sunday morning to start like this, but Fairfield County was in for a surprise. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that a tornado with winds exceeding 90 miles per hour touched down. The twister made its way through parts of the county, causing quite a ruckus. Since Thursday, the First Alert weather team has been closely tracking the incoming storms. The morning after, Winnsboro residents found themselves in the midst of a cleanup operation. Power outages and fallen trees were common sights for many that morning. “I knew something was off when I heard it, ” said Ciji Thompson, a Winnsboro resident. “It was like a freight train. ” Her home temporarily lost power, and the scene outside was astonishing. “From a distance, you could see power lines and trees blocking the roads. Water was everywhere, ” she added. “We’re used to rain and wind, but nothing like this. ”The NWS is assessing the damage across Fairfield County and other parts of the Midlands. Warning Coordination Meteorologist John Quagliariello confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 95 mph hit Winnsboro. “We’re still surveying, but there’s significant tree and power line damage, particularly around Chapin and Winnsboro, ” Quagliariello said. “Spring and Summer are our peak seasons for tornadoes in South Carolina. ” Additional assessments are planned for areas near Lake Murray and Chapin to determine if the tornado extended its path. The sudden storm served as a reminder that Nature can throw us surprises, even on lazy Sunday mornings. Be prepared for any weather. Stay informed and connected with WIS for free content updates. Your feedback is valued; let us know how we can improve!