Possible Tornadoes Cause Widespread Damage in Charleston, Berkeley, Colleton Counties
Residents in Charleston, Berkeley, and Colleton Counties woke up Tuesday morning to heavy damage following powerful winds and suspected tornado touch downs late Monday night and overnight. Among the affected areas, serious destruction was reported in Edisto Island, Kiawah Island, and Moncks Corner.
Edisto Island Touch Down
A confirmed tornado in Edisto Island late Monday night led to significant structural damage to properties and numerous downed trees. The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident on social media, assuring the public that property damage and downed utility poles were being addressed, with Palmetto Boulevard rendered impassable until further notice.
Kiawah Island and Moncks Corner Reports
Another suspected tornado swept through Kiawah Island, causing substantial damage to trees, while a third potential tornado was reported in Moncks Corner early Tuesday. Live 5 First Alert Meteorologists identified a possible debris field in the vicinity of the Walmart on Highway 52 around 2:55 a.m., providing evidence of a likely tornado touchdown.
Moncks Corner Damage
Moncks Corner Mayor, Thomas Hamilton Jr., detailed the extent of the storm damage. He recounted its devastating path, past an Arby’s restaurant and across a road to a shopping center, causing extensive damage to buildings, broken glass, and minor injuries. Eyewitness accounts from Walmart tell of flying shopping carts and individuals seeking shelter from the glass shards in the chaos.
Mayor Hamilton extended his gratitude to the Moncks Corner police and fire departments, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Rural Moncks Corner, and Northern Berkeley fire departments for their prompt and effective response to the storm damage.
Future Investigation of the Incident
The National Weather Service confirmed it will send crews to inspect the damage when weather permits to substantiate if it was indeed the result of tornadoes. Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort, and Jasper Counties remain under a tornado watch till 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Public Response and Measures
Isle of Palms Police advised residents to stay off roads and remain indoors while displaying images of the heavy debris scattered in the aftermath of the storm. More updates related to this event will be conveyed by HERE News Network as they become available.
