EF-1 Tornado Confirmed on Saturday in Seneca

The Greenville-Spartanburg office of the National Weather Service (NWSGSP) confirmed that an EF1 tornado passed just northwest of downtown Seneca around 5:48 p.m. Saturday. According to the statement, Seneca experienced light damage — a radio tower was partially toppled, a business lost 20% of its roof, the force of the wind flipped a car parked in front of the business and a few hardwood trees were snapped or uprooted.

Fortunately, no one was hurt during the storm. The tornado touched down near Keowee School Road (SC188) and traveled toward Lake Keowee. The storm’s estimated peak wind was 90 miles per hour with the tornado moving along a path estimated to be 1.2 miles long and 15 yards (45 feet) wide at its maximum width.

Seneca Baptist Church is inviting everyone to join them this evening to pause and salute the resilient spirit of the city as they remember the one year anniversary of the tornado that devastated many in our community. We spoke with Mayor Dan Alexander today, who reflected back on that day…

The service will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Monday evening at Seneca Baptist Church, and will feature free hot dogs, jump houses for the kids, music and speakers.