At least two dozen tornadoes tore across the Midwest Thursday and Friday, leaving a trail of destruction from Oklahoma to Minnesota. An EF1 tornado struck the Oklahoma City Community College campus, causing severe structural damage, while another powerful twister destroyed homes and flipped campers in rural Kansas, injuring at least two people.
The outbreak included tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota — a reminder that spring severe weather season is in full swing across the country. The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado emergencies, including for a “large and extremely dangerous” tornado in Wisconsin.
Upstate SC Is Not Immune
While this week’s outbreak targeted the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, Spartanburg County and the Upstate region sit squarely in the Southeast’s own tornado corridor. South Carolina averages about 15 tornadoes per year, and the spring months of March through May represent peak risk for the Upstate.
Spartanburg County Emergency Management recommends every household have a severe weather plan, including identifying interior rooms on the lowest floor for shelter and keeping a weather radio or alert app active through the spring season. The county’s emergency alert system covers all of Spartanburg’s neighborhoods and can push notifications directly to mobile phones.
What’s Happening: Quick Q&A
Q: How many tornadoes hit the Midwest this week?
A: At least 24 confirmed tornadoes across six states from Oklahoma to Minnesota on April 17-18, 2026.
Q: Is Spartanburg at risk for tornadoes?
A: Yes. The Upstate sits in the Southeast tornado corridor. Spring is peak season and residents should have weather alerts enabled and shelter plans ready.
Q: What should I do if a tornado warning is issued?
A: Move immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Mobile home residents should seek a sturdier structure. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts.
