Likely twister rips through Charleston, S.C. area

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The National Weather Service says a likely tornado has ripped siding off homes and downed trees in the Charleston area. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Emergency officials said at least 10 homes were damaged by the powerful storm.

Meteorologist Douglas Berry says radar and damage reports indicate a tornado probably touched down in Charleston County early Friday morning.

Berry says damage is being reported in the West Ashley and Johns Island areas.

Residents in the Johns Island area were reporting heavy damage, reports CBS Charleston affiliate WCSC-TV.

A Charleston County dispatch supervisor says authorities are working to clear streets to access areas where damage was reported.

Hundreds of homes and businesses were left without power, WCSC says.

The Weather Service was to send crews to survey the area after daybreak.

The tornado warning for the area has expired, but a flash flood watch is in effect until 8 a.m. Friday for a swath of southeast South Carolina that includes the metro Charleston area.

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• Tornado