CONWAY, S.C. (AP) – The National Weather Service has confirmed it was a tornado that struck the Conway area as storms moved through the coast.
The NWS determined that an EF-1tornado did in fact cause the damage produced by the storm. They estimated the tornado had winds speeds of 110 mph.
Horry County Fire Rescue and Horry County police conducted primary searches and no injuries have been reported.
About 1,000 people were left without electricity for a time because of the storm. Service had been restored to almost everyone by late Wednesday afternoon.
Horry County spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier said the storm moved sporadically for about five miles.
Below is a statement from the National Weather Service:
The tornado touched down near Adrian Highway just east of Sabrina Lane
causing minor tree damage.The tornado moved eastward and nearly parallel
to Adrian Highway causing extensive tree damage and damage to numerous
farm buildings and sheds. As the tornado continued to move east, just
east of Hucks Rd, there were dozens of snapped trees and two homes. One
home suffered minor damage and the other had windows blown out. The
tornado crossed Johnson Shelly Rd and stayed just north of New Dawn Lane
causing dozens of snapped trees. Near the intersection of New Dawn Lane
and Highway 19, a small barn was destroyed and a large shed was completely
damaged. The tornado continued eastward and crossed New Home Circle where
it nearly toppled a single wide home and caused minor damage to a couple
of other trailers. The tornado lifted in a field just west of Gause Rd.
The preliminary damage assessment from 40 structures that were damaged is $977,300, which includes six homes, Bourcier says.
