​National Weather Service Confirms EF-1 Tornado on Seabrook Island during Severe Weather Event on April 13, 2020

April 16, 2020 -- 9:00 pm
 
Following the severe weather event that took place on Monday, April 13, 2020, the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston Office conducted a damage survey to determine whether a tornado touched down within the Town of Seabrook Island. The results of the damage survey were released by the NWS at 5:40 pm on Thursday, April 16th.
 
The NWS has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado occurred within the Town of Seabrook Island at approximately 8:28 AM on Monday, April 13th. Based on their observations, the NWS estimated that the tornado had a maximum wind speed of 105 mph. The tornado traveled approximately 1.25 miles and had a maximum path width of 120 yards. A summary of NWS damage survey is included below.
 
NWS Damage Survey for April 13, 2020 Tornado Event

• Start Location: SSW Seabrook Island in Charleston County, SC
• End Location: Seabrook Island in Charleston County, SC
• Date: April 13, 2020
• Estimated Time: 08:28 AM EDT
• Maximum EF-Scale Rating: EF-1
• Estimated Maximum Wind Speed: 105 mph
• Maximum Path Width: 120.0 yards
• Path Length: 1.25 miles
• Beginning Latitude/Longitude: 32.5653 / -80.1811
• Ending Latitude/Longitude: 32.5745 / -80.1627
• # Fatalities: 0
• # Injuries: 0
• Summary: The same storm that produced a tornado at Edisto Beach also produced a tornado on Seabrook Island. This tornado developed in the southwest portion of Seabrook Island west of the intersection of Seabrook Island Road and Camp Christopher Lane. The tornado traveled northeast about 1.25 miles while snapping off or uprooting dozens of trees and breaking off numerous large branches. A garage was significantly damaged when a large tree fell on it. Several other homes sustained minor damage due to trees falling near homes or large branches falling on homes. The most significant damage occurred on or near the golf course. The tornado dissipated just northeast of the intersection of Seabrook Island Road and The Lookout Road.

 
In addition to the tornado which was confirmed on Seabrook Island, the NWS determined that the same storm produced tornadoes at Edisto Beach at 8:15 AM (EF-2; 125 mph) and Kiawah Island at 8:33 AM (EF-1; 105 mph).
 
As of 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 16th, the NWS has confirmed at least 9 tornadoes across the state of South Carolina as a result of Monday’s severe weather event. The storm resulted in the deaths of at least 9 people in South Carolina, and more than 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.
 
More Information: View NWS Damage Survey for Seabrook Island & Kiawah Island
 
Blue Tarp & Tree Removal Contractors
​The Town of Seabrook Island maintains a list on its website of licensed local contractors who offer emergency “blue tarp” and tree removal services following a hurricane, tornado or other disaster event. Please note that all contractors operating within the Town of Seabrook Island are required to have a valid town business license. To verify the license status of a contractor who is not on the town's emergency contractor lists, or to report an unlicensed contractor doing business within the town, please contact Town Hall by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected].
 
More Information: Town of Seabrook Island Emergency Contractor Lists
 
Send Us Your Pictures
Do you have pictures of damage or debris from Monday’s tornado? We are currently collecting photos to help document this event. Residents may send digital photos by email to [email protected]. Please include your name in the body of the message, as well as the approximate location where each photo was taken.
 
Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed
As a reminder, Town Hall remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of town staff are working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at [email protected].