The Quiet Aftermath: Tornadoes After Hurricane Helene

South Carolina, Columbia, USAWed Oct 02 2024
When Hurricane Helene hit Florida, it was a Category 4 storm with winds up to 140 mph. But the real story unfolded later in South Carolina's Midlands region. Two tornadoes, an EF-1 and an EF-0, touched down, causing damage and disruption despite their relatively weak strength. The first twister hit Cordova, near Orangeburg, while the second struck Wedgefield and Shaw Air Force Base. These weren't your usual massive tornadoes, but they left a mark on the communities they affected. Meanwhile, South Carolina dealt with rising river levels and flood warnings due to Helene's lingering impact. What made these tornadoes significant? They were spawned from a storm that was thousands of miles away. It's a reminder that hurricanes don't just bring strong winds and rain; they can also set off a chain reaction of severe weather events. Even after the main event passes, there's still potential for damage.