Tornadoes in Oates and Hartsville: May 4, 2017

During the late evening hours of May 4, 2017, a pair of tornadoes touched down in Darlington County, SC.  The first tornado struck the Oates community along a two-mile long path between 9:37 and 9:44 PM.  There were no injuries reported, however wind speeds as high as 95 mph (EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale) destroyed a mobile home and heavily damaged other structures. 

A second tornado touched down between 10:07 and 10:10 PM, this one in Hartsville, SC.  Producing damage along a 0.9 mile path, this tornado is estimated to have had winds of 100 mph. (EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale)  A mobile home and utility trailer were destroyed and one person was injured near Swift Creek Road.

...TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR OATES IN DARLINGTON COUNTY SOUTH
CAROLINA...

Location...Oates in Darlington County South Carolina 
Date...May 4, 2017 
Estimated Time...9:37-9:44 PM EDT 
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1 
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...95 MPH 
Maximum Path Width...75 yards 
Path Length...2 miles 
Beginning Lat/Lon...34.2296 N / -80.0709 W 
Ending Lat/Lon...34.2595 N / -80.0690 W
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...0

* The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event(s) and publication in
NWS Storm Data.

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Wilmington NC has confirmed a
tornado occurred near Oates in Darlington County South Carolina on 
May 4 2017. 

The initial tornado briefly touched down along Fisherman 
Road north of Andrews Mill Road, where 80 mph winds uprooted a few
large trees which fell onto a garage. The tornado lifted and 
touched down again near Mineral Springs Street, damaging several 
trees as it moved north across Oates Highway. 

After crossing Oates Highway, significant roof and awning damage 
occurred to a home on Dudley Drive, and a tin carport was blown a 
few hundred yards. As the tornado continued north, the most 
significant damage occurred to two mobile homes on Philadelphia 
Street. One received heavy damage, and the other was destroyed. 
Although four occupants were inside the destroyed mobile home, 
none were injured. The tornado crossed East Seven Pines Street, 
where it lifted in a wooded area.

==================================================================

...TORNADO CONFIRMED EAST OF HARTSVILLE IN DARLINGTON COUNTY SOUTH CAROLINA...

Location...Hartsville in Darlington County South Carolina
Date...May 4 2017
Estimated Time...10:07-10:10 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...100 mph
Maximum Path Width...75 yards
Path Length...0.9 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon...34.3570 N / -80.0505 W 
Ending Lat/Lon...34.3695 N / -80.0504 W
* Fatalities...0
* Injuries...1

* The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event(s) and publication in
NWS Storm Data.

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Wilmington NC has confirmed a
tornado occurred east of Hartsville in Darlington County South 
Carolina on May 4 2017.

The tornado initially touched down south of Swift Creek Road and damaged a
few trees before overturning a RV trailer, destroying a mobile home, and 
flipping a utility trailer. One injury was reported to the occupant of the 
RV trailer. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted as the tornado continued
north across Swift Creek Road, and significant damage to siding and awnings 
occurred to several homes and a business in this area. Numerous trees were
damaged as well. The tornado continued across Hartland Drive and lifted in
a stand of trees after crossing South Marquis Highway.

There was additional damage noted near the intersection of East Bobo Newsom
Highway and South 4th Street. A metal building sustained moderate damage, as
well as a billboard and a few trees. An empty tractor trailer was also blown 
over while traveling on East Bobo Newsom Highway. Based on the broad nature
of this damage, it is believed to have been a result of straightline winds.

For reference: the Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes
into the following categories:

EF0...Wind speeds 65 to 85 mph
EF1...Wind speeds 86 to 110 mph
EF2...Wind speeds 111 to 135 mph
EF3...Wind speeds 136 to 165 mph
EF4...Wind speeds 166 to 200 mph
EF5...Wind speeds greater than 200 mph

Additional Information

WSOC TV Charlotte:  http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/mobile-homes-destroyed-as-storms-rip-through-sc-communities/519717513

Page Author: Tim Armstrong
Page Created: May 5, 2017
Page Updated: May 5, 2017