Reminiscing one of the Biggest Weather Phenomena: Tornadoes in Carolina
It’s a beautiful day in Greenville, S.C. as we sip our morning coffee and enjoy the autumn breeze. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that Mother Nature isn’t always this serene. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember an event that marked this day, exactly seven years ago – October 23, 2017.
On this day, when the common folks were going about their daily life, the skies grew darker, and a potent low-pressure system swept across our beautiful Carolinas. This, paired with a cold front triggered a wave of severe thunderstorms that embarked upon an eastward journey across the Upstate and western North Carolina. The time – between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
The Unleashed Fury
What was merely an afternoon of severe thunderstorms soon turned into a wrathful spectacle as these storms caused a broad swathe of damage across the region. We saw a total of eleven, yes, eleven tornadoes that traveled a destructive path from Spartanburg and Laurens Counties, right up to Alexander County, NC.
The damage was widespread and significant. In fact, at least three of these tornadoes we reported were at the EF-2 level, meaning they brought some serious turmoil with them. Two such tornadoes descended in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, causing extensive damage.
One particularly destructive EF-2 tornado hurtled towards the northwest side of Spartanburg. The warehouse near the Spring St. and Simuel Rd. intersection bore the brunt of the tornado, with several trailers and cars damaged or destroyed. One person even ended up in the hospital after their eardrums burst due to the dramatic shift in pressure as the tornado passed.
But the havoc didn’t end there. The tornado then charged towards a large area of trees near I-85BL and New Cut Road, snapping most of them about halfway up their trunks, showing us the sheer power of nature.
Trail of Destruction
Another EF-2 tornado made its unfortunate appearance in Cherokee County, northwest of Gaffney. It left two homes near Highway 11 with severe damage, most of their roofs were unceremoniously blown off. A home was even ripped off its very foundation on W Diesel Drive, causing it to collapse, while several other structures suffered minor damage.
This destructive cyclone continued its path until crossing into Cleveland County, NC where it finally dissipated. And as if that wasn’t enough, two additional tornadoes, albeit slightly less potent, rated EF-1 , caused further chaos upstate near Chesnee and Woodruff. These tornadoes also left several structures damaged along with a series of tree wreckage.
Remembering the Fury
Seven years have passed since that fateful day, yet the memory of the havoc wrought remains fresh. It’s also a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the need for continual readiness for everything she may throw at us. So on this calm autumn morning, we remember the fury, all while we appreciate the serenity – a true testament to the ever-contrasting moods of Mother Nature.
