News Summary

An EF1 tornado struck Langley, South Carolina, causing significant damage early Monday. Wind speeds reached 105 mph, affecting local infrastructure and resulting in power outages. The Langley Fire Department experienced operational challenges due to extensive damage, and various roads were closed. Fortunately, there were no severe injuries reported, although many residents faced property damage. As the community begins recovery efforts, officials are assessing the impact and warning of additional severe weather.

Langley, South Carolina Hit by EF1 Tornado Early Monday Morning

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado struck Langley, South Carolina, around 3:26 a.m. on May 12, 2025. The tornado produced wind speeds reaching up to 105 mph and had a width of 250 yards, causing significant disruption and damage in its path.

The tornado was on the ground for approximately 1.44 miles, resulting in extensive destruction primarily at the Langley Fire Department building located on Augusta Road. The facility suffered ripped bay doors, and carports were scattered, complicating operations for local firefighters. As a result of the damage, retrieving their engine became a difficulty for the fire department, which is critical for emergency response in the community.

Road closures were reported in the area following the storm, with Augusta Road at Dunba Street shut down early Monday and not reopening until around 5:15 p.m. Other affected roads included New Holland Road and Farmfield Road, which remained closed with their status still uncertain. In the city of Aiken, Price Avenue was closed due to flooding, highlighting the ongoing impact of the storm on local infrastructure.

Power outages transpired, affecting at least 42 customers in the Langley region. Residents also reported widespread instances of downed trees and power lines throughout Aiken County. One witness described the tornado’s sound as reminiscent of a train, while her family sought shelter during the incident. Although there was significant property damage, community members expressed relief at the absence of severe injuries among residents.

In one account, a family faced the misfortune of having their only vehicle destroyed by a fallen tree but were thankful that their home suffered no serious damage. Meteorologists indicated that the tornado’s low formation relative to radar made it difficult to detect, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such severe weather phenomena.

This tornado marks the fifth and strongest recorded in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) this year, alerting officials to the potential for additional tornado activity for the remainder of the day. The National Weather Service also warned of flash flooding risks, a concern heightened by recent rainfall adding to already saturated soil conditions.

As the community begins the recovery process, local officials are expected to assess damages thoroughly and repair impacted infrastructure. Residents are urged to stay vigilant regarding weather updates as conditions may continue to evolve throughout the day. Ongoing assessments will determine further response measures needed for effective disaster recovery.

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Langley, South Carolina Devastated by EF1 Tornado

Additional Resources

• WJBF: Langley, SC Confirmed Tornado
• Wikipedia: Tornado
• WRDW: Confirmed Tornado Causes Damage
• Google Search: Langley SC tornado
• WFXG: Strong EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Langley, SC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
• WACH: Possible Tornado Touches Down in Langley, SC
• Google News: Langley SC tornado 2025

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