News Summary
On May 30, an EF0 tornado touched down in Rock Hill, SC, causing damage but fortunately no injuries. The tornado, categorized by peak winds of 80 mph, lasted three minutes and impacted the local community. While damage was reported, local authorities continue to assist affected residents and emphasize emergency preparedness as severe weather season approaches.
Rock Hill, South Carolina Reports EF0 Tornado Without Injuries
On Friday, May 30, an EF0 tornado touched down in Rock Hill, South Carolina, specifically in York County. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado’s occurrence on the following Monday.
The tornado struck nearby Percival Road and Southfork Road at approximately 6:30 p.m. and lasted for about three minutes. Its peak wind speeds reached 80 mph, and it traveled a distance of around a quarter of a mile. The maximum width of the tornado was measured at 25 yards. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with the tornado.
Video footage of the tornado was submitted by local resident Amber Burns Irvin, who documented the event and reported damage to her barn, playset, and several trees as a result of the storm’s impact. Following this report, the NWS dispatched a team to survey the area on Monday, validating the storm damage as consistent with an EF0 tornado classification.
Prior to the tornado’s touchdown, the NWS had issued a tornado warning earlier in the day at 3:59 p.m. for surrounding Chesterfield and Lancaster counties due to the presence of severe thunderstorms in the region. The alerts warned residents of damaging winds and hail. However, it is noteworthy that there was no severe weather warning in effect for Rock Hill at the time the tornado occurred.
As conditions developed, the storms exhibited swift movement, traveling at speeds of up to 45 mph. Meteorological monitoring determined that a tornado was likely forming at approximately 6:33 p.m., in an area south and west of Rock Hill.
Impact and Aftermath
The immediate aftermath of the tornado saw damage primarily in the areas documented through resident reports and NWS evaluations. No injuries were reported, indicating that while property damage occurred, the storm’s impact on human safety was minimal.
Community efforts have since focused on assessing and addressing the damage reported by residents like Irvin. Local authorities have been working to provide any necessary assistance to those affected and to ensure awareness around potential future severe weather patterns.
Understanding EF0 Tornadoes
An EF0 tornado is categorized on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornadic winds and damage potential. These tornadoes, while typically less destructive than their stronger counterparts, can still cause significant localized damage, particularly to trees and smaller structures. They can reach wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph, similar to what was recorded in Rock Hill.
Emergency preparedness continues to be a priority for local officials as they remind residents to stay informed about weather alerts and to have plans in place should severe weather arise again. The incident has heightened awareness of weather-related dangers, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance during storm seasons.
As communities assess the damage and recovery plans, residents are encouraged to report any storm-related issues to local authorities to facilitate timely assistance and resource allocation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chesterfield County Faces Strong Thunderstorm Warnings
Brief Tornado Strikes Rock Hill, SC, Causes Damage
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Hits Coastal Georgia and South Carolina!
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in York County
Rock Hill Tornado Causes Damage and Concern
South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfires
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for South Carolina Counties
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Possible Brief Tornado in York County
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- WBTV: EF0 Tornado Touched Down in York County
- Google Search: York County tornado June 2025
- Herald: Tornado Damage in York County
- Google Scholar: EF0 tornado
- WCNC: McConnells York County Tornado
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- Herald: Weather News Article
- Google News: York County tornado
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
