Cleanup underway along the South Carolina coast after storm produced major flooding and at least one tornado

Parts of South Carolina were met with widespread rainfall, near gale force winds and a tornado on Sunday.

A brief tornado in Horry County displaced 10 families, according to South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Chief of Public Information Derrec Becker.

A damage survey conducted today provided a preliminary tornado rating of EF-1 with 90 mph winds. The rare December twister touched down two miles east of Socastee, S.C., according to the Wilmington National Weather Service office. More details are expected soon after the full survey is completed.

“It was rather unusual to get a storm of this magnitude at this time,” NWS Meteorologist Ron Morales said.

Flooding was the major impact along the coast, with numerous roads temporarily closed. Power outages across South Carolina peaked at 5,200, according to SCEMD.

Charleston recorded significant flooding during high tide—up to three to six inches around the city. The storm surge is the fourth-highest tide level for Charleston and the highest tide level for a non-tropical event, according to the National Weather Service. Georgetown, S.C. recorded over 13 inches of rain in the city.

Both cities conducted water rescues, according to SCEMD.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter for people affected by the storm at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center. It is now closed as of Monday morning, due to low numbers.

South Carolina’s Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety are responding locally. At this time, there are no requests for state assistance through SCEMD.

More damage reports from yesterday’s tornado from the Wilmington National Weather Service office are to come Monday evening.

Small Craft Advisories are in effect for the East Coast through Thursday. Wind Advisories are in effect for Central South Carolina. Flood warnings are in effect for isolated areas near rivers in South Carolina.

Continue monitoring conditions with South Carolina Emergency Information Network for potential hazards and use precaution when operating a vehicle.