A tornado was confirmed to have touched down in Unionville on Wednesday, according to Union County Emergency Management and the U.S. National Weather Service. The EF1 tornado struck with wind speeds reaching up to 90 mph, causing moderate damage, particularly in the Porter Ridge area. The event coincided with Severe Weather Preparedness Week, prompting reminders for residents to have a severe weather plan in place.
In a statement provided by the Union County Government news release, Trisha Palmer, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg stated, "Based on our assessment, we have confirmed an EF-1 tornado with peak winds of approximately 90 mph in the Unionville area." The tornado resulted in significant consequences including downed trees and damage to structures but there have been no reported injuries. Around 1,700 residents experienced power outages as a result of the storm, however, power has since been restored to most areas.
The damage assessment was a collaborative effort by officials from the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg and local Emergency Management. They documented the damage and collected data to understand the storm's impact further. Emergency Management Director Andrew Ansley was quoted, "We appreciate the swift response of the National Weather Service and numerous public safety agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to surveying damage," acknowledging the efforts made to manage the effects of the tornado effectively, according to the Union County Government news release.
Union County residents are being urged to sign up for UC Alerts at the county's website, which will keep them informed of emergency notifications, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service. In light of recent events, and as Severe Weather Preparedness Week continues, the importance of having and following a severe weather plan is evident. "We are thankful no one was hurt in this weather event," Ansley communicated, reiterating the fortuitous outcome amidst the chaos. Seek shelter in a sturdy building away from windows, get to the lowest level, and avoid vehicles and mobile homes for safety during tornado warnings are part of the guidance provided to residents, as per the Union County Government news release.
