Alert archive / North Carolina / Special Weather Statements in 2020

Special Weather Statement, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

August 3, 2020McDowell County, North Carolina

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC issued this special weather statement at Aug 3, 2020, 2:59 AM EDT for McDowell County, North Carolina. It was in force for 31 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Aug 3, 2020, 2:59 AM EDT (06:59 UTC)
Expired
Aug 3, 2020, 3:30 AM EDT
In force
31 min
Issued by
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

County McDowell County, NC

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 98 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 06:59 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 00:00Z, 7.0 hours before the alert went out and 199 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 00:00Z on 2020-08-03Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 971 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 00:00Z on 2020-08-03The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 82 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
971 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-35 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1470 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
26 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
82 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
130 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.2
Supercell composite
4.9

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

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What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this special weather statement went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before this special weather statement went out at Aug 3, 2:09 AM EDT, 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 3, 2:09 AM EDT, 50 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
209 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

.SYNOPSIS...
Rain chances increase across the region through today as
tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Isaias interacts with a
stalling front. The storm will pass near the Georgia and
Carolina coasts today and then through eastern North Carolina
tonight, enhancing our risk of heavy rainfall and isolated flooding.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TODAY/...
As of 200 AM: Convection continues to bubble from the southern
Escarpment up thru our eastern I-40 corridor. This activity
initially appeared to fire within a zone of low-level convergence
depicted around 950-900 mb, and it seemingly is now following that
convergence axis as it shifts closer to the Blue Ridge. Several
meso model runs reflect that idea, and their output was blended
into the morning PoPs. The convergence, along with flow becoming
increasingly favorable for upslope, and an amplifying jet streak
oriented along the Appalachians, all should come together to
support widespread showers/storms over the mountains by late
morning. While the Piedmont looks to experience a lull in forcing
and moisture early today, the approach of Isaias will bring likely
to categorical chances back for the afternoon.

&&

.SHORT TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 250 PM Sunday: Tropical storm Isaias will be passing by to our
east Monday night and moving away from the area Tuesday. Expect
widespread precipitation will be ongoing during the evening then
tapering off quickly from west to east overnight. Heavy rainfall may
still be ongoing as well, but should follow similar pattern and
taper off quickly overnight. Flash Flood Watch will remain in effect
Monday night as a result. Gusty winds will be possible Monday night
as the cyclone moves northward. However, wind speeds should be well
below advisory level. Still, a few trees could fall given the
rainfall expected.

Isolated to scattered convection will linger Tuesday but significant
heavy rainfall is not expected. Some low end gusts will be possible
as well, but should be lower than Monday night. Highs will be a
couple of degrees below normal.

Expect a return to scattered diurnal convection on Wednesday. Highs
will back to around normal.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 1250 PM Sunday: Starting Wed evening with a closed upper low
over Quebec which will move east to the Canadian maritimes by
Friday. The upper trough remains over the eastern half of the CONUS
at least early in this forecast period.  A moist low level flow will
aid in the convective development late each day. The axis of the
upper trough on both the GFS and ECMWF on Wed night will be over the
Mississippi Valley. This axis shifts to the East Coast by Sunday.
There is a notable difference on Day 7 in that the EC maintains the
trough over the East Coast into early next week while the GFS begins
replacing the East Coast trough with a ridge.  Models are in
agreement that the more active day may be on Sunday as a significant
shortwave reaches our region. Temperatures will be near normal.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
At KCLT and Elsewhere: At issuance time, SCT SHRA/TSRA are
lined up along an axis from north of KGMU, across KHKY, to near
KINT. Localized IFR cig/vsby will occur within this activity. It
should trend NW toward the mountains with time following the zone of
best low-level convergence, and as a jet streak amplifies along the
Appalachians. Some mountain valley IFR fog/cigs are already evident,
but confidence that these will form over KAVL is not very high,
so that is only TEMPO. Bands of moisture extending outward from TC
Isaias will spread inland today, and strengthening onshore/upslope
flow will make widespread SHRA for the area along with SCT TSRA by
early afternoon. The TS mention is low enough mostly to mention in
VC or PROB. Bases should be mostly VFR but some spotty MVFR will
be possible, and TSRA or heavier SHRA may produce MVFR vsby. Isaias
will make its nearest pass to our area tonight, and widespread MVFR
cigs should develop before 06z in the continued onshore flow. It
will also bring low-end gusts to KCLT in the early hours Tuesday.

Outlook: Daily rounds of afternoon/evening SHRA/TSRA will likely
continue most of the week. Morning restrictions can't be ruled out.

Confidence Table...

            06-12Z        12-18Z        18-24Z        00-06Z
KCLT       High 100%     High  97%     High  99%     Med   78%
KGSP       High  86%     High  85%     High  99%     High  81%
KAVL       Med   74%     Med   78%     High  98%     High  87%
KHKY       Med   76%     Med   79%     High  98%     Med   70%
KGMU       High  82%     High  81%     High  99%     High  85%
KAND       High 100%     High  95%     High  99%     High  97%

The percentage reflects the number of guidance members agreeing
with the scheduled TAF issuance flight rule category. Complete hourly
experimental aviation forecast consistency tables are available at
the following link:

www.weather.gov/gsp/aviation

&&

.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
NC...Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday morning for NCZ033-049-050-
     501>506.
SC...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...08
NEAR TERM...08
SHORT TERM...RWH
LONG TERM...DEO/08
AVIATION...08
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 3, 2:39 AM EDT, 20 minutes before
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In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 3, 1:28 AM EDT, 1 hour 31 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
128 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

NCZ501-502-504-030600-
Caldwell Mountains NC-Greater Burke NC-Greater Caldwell NC-
128 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CALDWELL AND CENTRAL BURKE
COUNTIES UNTIL 200 AM EDT...

At 128 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles southwest of Lenoir, or near Gamewell, moving north at 25 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Lenoir, Gamewell, Hudson, Cajah's Mountain, Blowing Rock In Caldwell
County, Cedar Rock, Lake Rhodhiss, Valdese, Rutherford College and
Sawmills.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph and very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches
per hour will be possible in these areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened
root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed
around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors.

Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.

&&

LAT...LON 3612 8155 3610 8152 3610 8150 3609 8147
      3609 8145 3607 8144 3608 8142 3607 8140
      3604 8140 3604 8138 3575 8154 3580 8175
      3612 8168
TIME...MOT...LOC 0528Z 197DEG 22KT 3585 8163

HG
Special weather statement, Aug 3, 1:37 AM EDT, 1 hour 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
137 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

NCZ036-037-030615-
Davie NC-Iredell NC-
137 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT
NORTHWESTERN DAVIE AND NORTHEASTERN IREDELL COUNTIES UNTIL 215 AM
EDT...

At 137 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning 9 miles northwest of Mocksville, or near Harmony,
moving northeast at 20 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Harmony, Turnersburg, Olin, Sheffield, Farmington, Cool Springs and
Union Grove.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 40 mph and very
heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour will be possible in
these areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened
root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed
around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors.

Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.

Frequent lightning is occurring with this storm. If outdoors, try to
get indoors or into a hard topped vehicle. Otherwise, stay away from
open areas and isolated high objects such as trees. When indoors,
stay away from windows and doors and avoid using wired electronic
devices. Do not take a shower or bath. Try to unplug unnecessary
appliances before the storm approaches.

&&

LAT...LON 3584 8065 3584 8067 3586 8067 3586 8069
      3584 8071 3588 8087 3605 8085 3605 8050
      3604 8049 3606 8047 3606 8046
TIME...MOT...LOC 0537Z 207DEG 18KT 3595 8071

HG
Special weather statement, Aug 3, 2:13 AM EDT, 46 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
213 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

NCZ036-037-030645-
Davie NC-Iredell NC-
213 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN DAVIE AND
NORTHEASTERN IREDELL COUNTIES UNTIL 245 AM EDT...

At 213 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles south of Yadkinville, or 5 miles southeast of Lone Hickory,
moving northeast at 35 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Harmony, Farmington and Sheffield.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph and very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches
per hour will be possible in these areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened
root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed
around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors.

Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.

&&

LAT...LON 3606 8046 3605 8046 3585 8063 3593 8082
      3605 8079 3605 8050 3604 8049 3605 8047
      3606 8047
TIME...MOT...LOC 0613Z 211DEG 30KT 3600 8068

HG
Special weather statement, Aug 3, 2:15 AM EDT, 44 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Aug 3, 2:59 AM EDT, 0 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Aug 3, 2:59 AM EDT, 0 minutes before
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 2, 11:10 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPRutherford35 min
Aug 2, 11:28 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPIredell32 min
Aug 2, 11:40 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPRutherford35 min
Aug 2, 11:56 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPDavie, Iredell34 min
Aug 3, 12:01 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPCleveland29 min
Aug 3, 12:02 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPIredell28 min
Aug 3, 12:21 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGSPBurke, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, Rutherford54 min
Aug 3, 12:23 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPDavie, Iredell37 min
Aug 3, 12:36 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGSPCleveland, Gaston, Lincoln39 min
Aug 3, 12:39 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPPolk36 min
Aug 3, 12:52 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPDavie38 min
Aug 3, 1:07 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPIredell38 min
Aug 3, 1:28 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPCaldwell32 min
Aug 3, 1:37 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPDavie38 min
Aug 3, 2:13 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPDavie32 min
Aug 3, 2:15 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPRutherford30 min
Aug 3, 2:42 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPDavie, Iredell, Rowan3 hr
Aug 3, 2:57 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPPolk, Rutherford3 hr
Aug 3, 4:28 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPCatawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, Rutherford3 hr
Aug 3, 6:10 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPMacon35 min
Aug 3, 6:23 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPSwain52 min
Aug 3, 6:50 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPGraham40 min
Aug 3, 7:26 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPMadison34 min
Aug 3, 7:56 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPMadison34 min
Aug 3, 8:21 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPMadison3 hr
Aug 3, 8:26 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPBurke, Caldwell, McDowell, Mitchell7 hr
Aug 3, 8:29 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPBurke46 min
Aug 3, 8:47 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningGSPMadison3 hr
Aug 3, 9:11 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningGSPBurke, McDowell, Rutherford3 hr
Aug 3, 9:23 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPJackson, Swain3 hr
Aug 3, 9:37 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPCaldwell3 hr
Aug 3, 11:56 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPHenderson34 min
Aug 3, 2:04 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPGaston, Iredell, Lincoln56 min
Aug 3, 2:44 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPCleveland46 min
Aug 2, 8:01 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPAbbeville14 min
Aug 2, 10:42 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPGreenville, Spartanburg48 min
Aug 3, 1:51 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPGreenville54 min
Aug 3, 4:08 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPOconee22 min
Aug 3, 4:32 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPOconee28 min
Aug 3, 5:19 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPAnderson41 min
Aug 3, 5:32 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPAnderson, Pickens4 hr
Aug 3, 7:54 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPGreenwood4 hr
Aug 3, 2:08 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPRabun37 min
Aug 3, 3:01 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPHabersham29 min
Aug 3, 3:44 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPFranklin31 min
Aug 3, 4:19 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPFranklin26 min
Aug 3, 4:48 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPHart27 min
Aug 3, 6:21 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPElbert3 hr

Nearby

Special Weather Statements in North Carolina, 2020Every special weather statement in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.