FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – An intriguing meteorological event unfolded at Folly Beach when a waterspout emerged just offshore, later transforming into a tornado as it made landfall.
According to insights from the National Weather Service, this waterspout was first spotted on Saturday, a little to the north of the iconic Folly Beach Pier. It made its dramatic debut at approximately 2:23 p.m.
Forecasters explained that the waterspout traveled lazily to the west-northwest, gliding over the sea for nearly ten minutes before it transitioned into a tornado as it reached the shore.
As the tornado arrived on land, just south of the 3rd Street East public beach access, it wreaked minor havoc along the beach. It lifted tents, tossed shades, and scattered chairs into the air before fading away near East Arctic Avenue.
Forecasters from the NWS reported, “The damage was minor, affecting only low-lying beach vegetation, while sparing nearby trees and homes. Remarkably, as the tornado passed through a densely populated area, no injuries have been reported.”
Forecasters rated the tornado an EF0 with maximum sustained winds of 55 mph.
Several waterspouts were seen off the Folly Beach shore on Saturday associated with showers.