Edisto Island Tornado Rips Roof Off, Thrown 50 Yards
Two Tornadoes Confirmed in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby
A severe weather system that accompanied Tropical Storm Debby resulted in the confirmation of two tornadoes in Moncks Corner and Edisto Island, South Carolina. The devastation caused by the tornadic activity proved insurmountable for some community members, especially on Edisto Island.
The first of these tornadoes occurred on Edisto Island, an event which lasted for approximately 10 minutes. It was subsequently rated as an EF-1, possessing peak wind speeds of 97 mph. Direct from the ocean, the tornado made its way onto the island via the junction of Highway 174 and Palmetto Boulevard.
Residents Left Assessing Unimagined Destruction
Among the fearful residents looking to survive the storm was Tatum McDonald, an inhabitant of Edisto Beach. “The wind was howling. I was pretty scared,” said McDonald. “The winds were crazy; I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
Homes and local businesses alike faced unparalleled damages due to the tornadoes’ force. Yet, the residence of one family in particular bore the brunt of the weather’s wrath. Wayne Williams, a homeowner on Fishing Creek Drive, expressed his dismay at the devastation, his house rendered unrecognizable and only pieces left, thrown at a distance of 50 yards.
Memories Remain Amidst Destruction
The most painful damages were, however, more personal for the Williams family. The rising water levels within their home spared nothing, dampening clothing, ruining valuables, and soaking irreplaceable personal items. Despite the material loss, the most distressful element of their predicament is the loss of a place that harbored numerous memories of familial growth and happiness.
“Both my granddaughters learned to crawl in that house,” revealed Williams. “The boys and my oldest granddaughter loved it down here as well.”
Determined not to let this disaster deter them, the Williams family have decided to rebuild their home which they fondly referred to as “The Marshmallow,” and are ready to create new memories.
Weather Services on High Alert
Meanwhile, weather services and rescue teams remain alert as seven tornadoes have so far been confirmed to have resulted from Tropical Storm Debby. As the storm makes landfall, rain and floods are beginning to make their presence felt along the coast, and authorities are continually updating safety and closure information for residents.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
