CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 25 (UPI) — A tornado caused extensive damage to homes on Johns Island in Charleston County, S.C., early Friday.
St. Johns Fire, the municipal emergency responder, reported at least 10 homes were severely damaged.
Downed power lines and trees slowed responders’ progress on the 84 square-mile island, which has a population of about 14,000 and sits south of the city of Charleston. Utility companies reported at least 9,000 customers were without power at some point Friday.
Although tornado warnings were issued after the National Weather Service noted debris from the tornado on its radar readings, no injuries were reported. The county typically averages one tornado per year, the South Carolina State Climatology Office said.
“The tornado was especially dangerous because it spun up quickly when it did,”AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said. “That can make the situation even more dangerous as people go to bed for the night and are not aware of the tornado warning that may be issued.”
