An upper level trough over northern Texas lifted into the Midwest. A series of upper level disturbances embedded in the trough moved over the Southeast during the afternoon and evening. The associated surface low developed across Missouri/Illinois with a trailing cold front which moved eastward from Mississippi to South Carolina through the day. The main area of thunderstorms developed ahead of the cold front in a quickly advancing line with some discrete supercells developing in southeastern Georgia. The main and most significant band of convection, enhanced by a strong low level jet and moisture transport off of the Gulf of Mexico, pushed quickly across the Midlands and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) during the afternoon and early evening. The combination of moderate atmospheric instability and very strong vertical wind shear set the stage for a severe weather outbreak, which included a few tornadoes, strong damaging straight-line wind gusts, and a few hail reports across the Midlands and CSRA.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHESTERFIELD, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 16:35:00 to 03-APR-17 16:38:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHERAW MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 49.00 MG
Property damage: 0.01K
Crop damage: 0.01K
Reported by: AWOS

AWOS at Cheraw Municipal Airport measured a 49 knot wind gust due to thunderstorm activity.

Thunderstorm Wind in AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:08:00 to 03-APR-17 15:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: LANGLEY
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees down on Lee Dr.

Thunderstorm Wind in SALUDA, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:08:00 to 03-APR-17 15:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIDGE SPG
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees down in roadway near the intersection of Hwy 39 and Hwy 23 near Ridge Spring.

Hail in AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:05:00 to 03-APR-17 15:06:00 (EST-5)
Location: AIKEN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Quarter size hail at Two Notch Rd and Brandy Rd.

Tornado in AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:08:00 to 03-APR-17 15:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: AIKEN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several trees downed in multiple directions along Longwood Dr indicates that a brief tornado occurred in the Aiken Estates subdivision.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARENDON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 17:07:00 to 03-APR-17 17:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: GABLE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

SC Highway Patrol reported trees down across Interstate 95 in the southbound lanes at Mile Marker 130.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 16:00:00 to 03-APR-17 16:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: ARTHURTOWN
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

Richland Co Mesonet device measured a wind gust of 65 MPH at the top of Williams Brice Stadium.

Thunderstorm Wind in AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:13:00 to 03-APR-17 15:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLOVERVILLE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Fire caused by downed power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in LANCASTER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:30:00 to 03-APR-17 15:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: UNITY
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees down in roadway at Old Pardue Rd and Zion Rd.

Tornado in AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:14:00 to 03-APR-17 15:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: MONETTA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down near Old Shoals Road just south of Abney Rd where it snapped numerous pine trees, resulting in EF1 damage. The tornado then weakened as it moved in a general eastward direction, snapping additional pine trees as it crossed
Shealy Pond Rd and then Alberta Peach Rd before dissipating.

Tornado in CALHOUN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 16:11:00 to 03-APR-17 16:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: RILEY
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down near the Orangeburg and Calhoun County line near Pasture Lane. The tornado moved east-northeast for about 6.5 miles. The tornado lifted just before Highway 6 near Kings Grant Rd.
The most significant damage occurred along Sikes Rd near Belleville Rd and extended eastward to Mossdale Rd. A row of power poles along Sikes Rd and Mossdale Rd were snapped near their base. Several structures were heavily damaged. This includes
several barns...large metal storage buildings with anchors removed from the ground and roof damage to homes. There were numerous hardwood and softwood trees that were either uprooted or snapped along the path of the tornado. A pivot tilt irrigation system along US Highway 176 was overturned.

Thunderstorm Wind in LANCASTER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:32:00 to 03-APR-17 15:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAMP CREEK
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees down near John Everhall Rd and John Truesdale Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:33:00 to 03-APR-17 15:38:00 (EST-5)
Location: GILBERT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Fence around properties blown over near Juniper Springs Rd and Tiger Circle. Multiple trees snapped. Barn with cinder block walls blown out.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:30:00 to 03-APR-17 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: LEXINGTON
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A line of severe thunderstorms swept east across Lexington Co and produced widespread strong damaging winds. Numerous trees were downed near Pond Branch Rd and Interstate 20. Other trees were downed on Ball Park Rd near the back of the baseball complex, and along Barr Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 14:49:00 to 03-APR-17 14:51:00 (EST-5)
Location: BELVEDERE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees downed in North Augusta.

Thunderstorm Wind in AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:05:00 to 03-APR-17 15:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: AIKEN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Multiple trees down near Lynwood Dr and Longwood Dr in the Aiken Estates subdivision.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 15:44:00 to 03-APR-17 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: BARR
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Multiple trees down on house and car near Longs Pond Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHESTERFIELD, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 03-APR-17 16:30:00 to 03-APR-17 16:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIVERS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Trees down in roadway on SC 102.