Storm damage forces recovery efforts in Lancaster, Chester counties

FORT LAWN, S.C. — Families in Lancaster and Chester counties are working to recover after severe storms pushed through the area on Tuesday, damaging homes and power lines.

Crews worked throughout the day to clear debris and repair power lines after downed trees left some residents without electricity for nearly 24 hours.

The storm moved through quickly but with enough force to topple trees, including one that crashed into April Nash’s home in Fort Lawn.

“It was fine and then it wasn’t,” Nash said. “The hail was really bad. It was really fast, and it didn’t last long. I mean, it was maybe five, 10 minutes at the most.”

Nash and her son Hayden had just finished dinner when the sky darkened and strong rain, wind, and hail moved in.

Shortly after the storm passed and the sun returned, Nash discovered a tree had been uprooted by the wind and rain, crashing into her bedroom.

“If I would’ve been there, it would’ve killed me because it crushed everything,” Nash said. “So, this is tough, but we’re okay, and I’m trying to take that as the silver lining from all of this.”

The Nash family now faces significant challenges ahead.

“The whole house is going to have to go, and we didn’t have insurance, unfortunately,” Nash said. “So, I have no idea what we’re going to do. The Red Cross helped us get a hotel for a few nights, but past that, I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Crews have made progress clearing debris from roads and restoring power to most families affected by the storm.

If you’d like to donate to the Nash family, visit their GoFundMe page by clicking here. 

WCNC Charlotte’s Kayland Hagwood discussed the situation on Live Impact News on WCNC+ on Wednesday morning. 

Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.