Remembering the Tornado: Newberry Reflects on 40 Years of Resilience

Remembering the Tornado: Newberry Reflects on 40 Years of Resilience

Newberry is a small town rich in history, but some days are clouded by memories of natural disasters. March 28 marked the 40-year anniversary of one of the worst tornadoes to hit this quaint community, a day etched into the hearts of residents.

The Patient Wait for Trouble

Back in 1984, as locals went about their routines, the skies above Newberry darkened ominously. Sheriff Lee Foster recalled that there was “a tremendously dark cloud to the west.” He and his colleagues stood in the salley port of the Sheriff’s Department, trying to fathom what was coming their way. “We had little to no sense; we stayed outside, looking at the clouds,” Foster explained. Suddenly, there was a stunning transformation of colors: the sky shifted from a dark grey to a glowing aqua-marine, and then to an eerie orange. The wind picked up dramatically—all signs that trouble was brewing.

Meanwhile, Mike Willingham and his family were tuned into the radio, hearing reports of a brewing thunderstorm. Hail began to pour down, and Mike described it as a wild scene where “the wind was blowing so much that even the hail didn’t fall straight down.” Instead, he said, it was swirling around like something out of a science fiction movie.

The Tornado Hits

But it was just after 5:10 p.m. on March 24 when chaos would reign. The first tornado touched down in the west end of Newberry, kicking off an outbreak across the Carolinas that had not been witnessed since the Enigma Outbreak in 1884. This intense tornado outbreak resulted in 24 tornadoes ranging from categories F2 to F4, causing destruction that left 57 people dead, with one casualty occurring in Newberry.

The F2 tornado that danced through downtown had peak winds of up to 157 miles per hour. Eyewitnesses described the stricken town as looking “like a warzone.” 254 homes and businesses were either destroyed or damaged, causing an estimated $11 million in losses. Interestingly, the tornado had a peculiar pattern where it jumped from building to building, causing selective damage. It was as if the tornado had decided what to hit and what to spare.

Destruction and Miracles

As the storm raged, Whitaker’s Floor Covering became an unintended shelter. Manager John Paul Whitaker relayed how customers and employees dove for cover just seconds before the roof was ripped clean off. “It felt like a bomb went off,” he said, visibly shaken even 40 years later. “After it hit, we looked up—the sky was visible, and the place was wrecked.” One building that bore the brunt of the destruction where nearby children gathered was Wilson Dance Studio, but thanks to Peggy Wilson’s quick thinking, everyone inside survived unscathed.

In another part of town, Epting Automotive suffered a direct hit. The building collapsed, trapping staff inside. Sheriff Foster recalls how their resources were put to the test, but thanks to teamwork from the fire department, they managed to pull off what seemed impossible. Sadly, Christopher Epting lost his life a short while after his rescue.

Aftermath: Working Together

Across Newberry County, it was a scene of utter devastation. Windows shattered, trees uprooted, and debris littered sidewalks. Willingham and others started clearing the roads, helping to restore a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. “It looked like someone had taken a bush hog and just mowed down everything,” Willingham recalled.

Local businesses didn’t just wait for the aid; they mobilized quickly. The community came together as people and organizations like the National Guard, Salvation Army, and the Red Cross provided support. As Foster noted, “It was eerie but heartwarming to see so many people come out to help.”

Rebuilding and Renewal

In the days following the storm, it became evident that the townsfolk of Newberry embodied resilience. The local spirit shone through as neighbors began to rebuild together, tackling even the smallest tasks to restore their community. A mere two days after the disaster, the town looked more normal, even with remnants of the storm still visible.

Today, 40 years later, scars of that harrowing day remain. At Whitaker’s, a clock still stands frozen at the time the power went out moments before the tornado struck, serving as a reminder of what was lost but also of what was rebuilt. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years,” reflected Foster, Whitaker, and Willingham, echoing the sentiments of countless others whose lives were forever changed that day.

Honoring the Past to Inspire the Future

Newberry not only survived that catastrophic event but also emerged united. The tales from that fateful day have become a part of the community’s legacy, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, light comes from unity, resilience, and hope. Residents continue to treasure their stories, holding close the memories of a community that came together to rebuild what was lost and honor those who were forever changed.