The weather service's forecast office in Greer, S.C., said Thursday that investigators confirmed the tornado with winds of around 115 miles an hour.
The storm system struck Rutherford and Burke counties Wednesday afternoon. At least 10 people were hurt in the Ellenboro community of Rutherford County, with five injures reported in Burke County.
Burke County Fire Marshal Mark Pitts says at least 16 homes were destroyed, and about 50 others damaged.
