Straight-line winds cause damage in Chester, Lancaster counties

FORT LAWN, S.C. — Officials with the National Weather Service in Columbia surveyed storm damage in Chester and Lancaster counties on Monday.

FORECAST: Humidity drops as temps cool

A strong line of storms blew through the region Sunday night. In Chester County, it caused the roof of a Marathon gas station to blow over, falling onto a car. The station is in the town of Fort Lawn.

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People in the area told reporter Tina Terry that two women were inside the car when the awning fell on top of it. They were both able to get out of the car without any injuries.

The NWS also received several reports about tree damage in southern Lancaster County and power outages in both Chester and Lancaster counties.

Resident Alex Fernandez described what he called a very long night after the storms knocked down trees and power lines in his area.

“On my way here, I had to take a detour because one of the trees was across the road. I moved to another road, so I had to go zig-zag my way to make it home,” Fernandez described. “It was pitch black, and because of the humidity, it was also kind of muggy.”

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Some neighbors think the damage may have been caused by a tornado. Fernandez said that regardless of the cause, he is just grateful that no one was hurt.

“I’m super grateful the power’s back on,” Fernandez explained.

Monday evening, the NWS determined all of the damage was a result of straight-line winds. It began in Chester County, intensified around Fort Lawn, headed southeast into southwestern Lancaster County, and weakened.

Peak wind gusts reached an estimated 70–80 mph. It only lasted for around 8 minutes, according to reports.

(WATCH BELOW: Channel 9 hosts NWS storm spotter training)