Alert archive / North Carolina / Red Flag Warnings in 2021

Red Flag Warning 2, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

April 30, 202116 counties in North Carolina

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC issued this red flag warning at Apr 30, 2021, 5:30 AM EDT for 16 counties in North Carolina. It took effect at Apr 30, 2021, 12:00 PM EDT. It was in force for 8 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Apr 30, 2021, 5:30 AM EDT (09:30 UTC)
In effect from
Apr 30, 2021, 12:00 PM EDT
Expired
Apr 30, 2021, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
8 hr
Issued by
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

Counties Alexander County, NC, Burke County, NC, Cabarrus County, NC, Caldwell County, NC, Catawba County, NC, Cleveland County, NC, Davie County, NC, Gaston County, NC, Iredell County, NC, Lincoln County, NC, McDowell County, NC, Mecklenburg County, NC, Polk County, NC, Rowan County, NC, Rutherford County, NC, Union County, NC

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 117 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 09:31 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, 9.5 hours before the alert went out and 133 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 2021-04-30Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°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 2021-04-30The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 166 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1619 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
42 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
166 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
112 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

148 
WWUS82 KGSP 300930
RFWGSP

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
530 AM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...DRY AND WINDY TODAY...

.Windy conditions are expected starting around daybreak behind 
the departing cold front. A very dry air mass moves in behind the
front as well, bringing relative humidity values down near 
critical levels.

NCZ036-037-057-071-072-082-301700-
/O.UPG.KGSP.FW.A.0002.210430T1600Z-210501T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KGSP.FW.W.0002.210430T1600Z-210501T0000Z/
Iredell-Davie-Rowan-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-
530 AM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued
a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is
in effect from noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening. The Fire
Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Iredell, Davie, Rowan, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus 
  and Union NC.

* TIMING...This afternoon through early evening.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* FUEL MOISTURE...Already seasonably low will likely drop 
  further with no significant wetting rain in the forecast 
  tonight or Friday.

* IMPACTS...Outdoor fires may easily grow out of control in 
  these conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, .or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

NCZ035-056-068>070-502-504-506-508-510-301700-
/O.CON.KGSP.FW.A.0002.210430T1600Z-210501T0000Z/
Alexander-Catawba-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Greater Caldwell-
Greater Burke-Eastern McDowell-Greater Rutherford-Eastern Polk-
530 AM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT TODAY
THROUGH THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE
FOOTHILLS AND PIEDMONT OF NORTH CAROLINA...

* AFFECTED AREA...Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, 
  Gaston, Greater Caldwell, Greater Burke, Eastern McDowell, 
  Greater Rutherford and Eastern Polk.

* TIMING...This afternoon through early evening.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* FUEL MOISTURE...Already seasonably low will likely drop further
  with no significant wetting rain in the forecast until early
  next week.

* IMPACTS...Outdoor fires may easily grow out of control in 
  these conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
626 
WWUS82 KGSP 301243
RFWGSP

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
843 AM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...DRY AND WINDY TODAY...

.Windy conditions are expected today behind a departing cold 
front. A very dry air mass will also move into the region before
the front, bringing relative humidity values down to critical 
levels.

NCZ035-056-068>070-502-504-506-508-510-010000-
/O.UPG.KGSP.FW.A.0002.210430T1600Z-210501T0000Z/
/O.EXA.KGSP.FW.W.0002.210430T1600Z-210501T0000Z/
Alexander-Catawba-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Greater Caldwell-
Greater Burke-Eastern McDowell-Greater Rutherford-Eastern Polk-
843 AM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA
FOOTHILLS AND WESTERN PIEDMONT...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued
a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is
in effect from noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening. 

* AFFECTED AREA...Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, 
  Gaston, Greater Caldwell, Greater Burke, Eastern McDowell, 
  Greater Rutherford and Eastern Polk.

* TIMING...This afternoon through early evening.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph at
  times.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* FUEL MOISTURE...Already low fuel moisture will likely dry out 
  further today in the windy conditions.

* IMPACTS...Outdoor fires may easily grow out of control under 
  these conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of 
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can 
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

NCZ036-037-057-071-072-082-010000-
/O.CON.KGSP.FW.W.0002.210430T1600Z-210501T0000Z/
Iredell-Davie-Rowan-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-
843 AM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE PIEDMONT
OF THE WESTERN CAROLINAS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Iredell, Davie, Rowan, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus 
  and Union NC.

* TIMING...This afternoon through early evening.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph at times.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* FUEL MOISTURE...Already low fuel moistures will dry out 
  further with the windy conditions today.

* IMPACTS...Outdoor fires may easily grow out of control under 
  these conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of 
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can 
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

HG
634 
WWUS82 KGSP 301829
RFWGSP

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
229 PM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...DRY AND WINDY CONDITIONS PRODUCING CRITICAL FIRE DANGER
TODAY...

.Windy conditions have developed this afternoon behind a 
departing cold front. A very dry air mass has moved into the
region as well, bringing relative humidity values down to 
critical levels.

NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-502-504-506-508-510-010000-
/O.CON.KGSP.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210501T0000Z/
Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-
Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-Greater Caldwell-Greater Burke-
Eastern McDowell-Greater Rutherford-Eastern Polk-
229 PM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA
FOOTHILLS AND WESTERN PIEDMONT...

* AFFECTED AREA...Alexander, Iredell, Davie, Catawba, Rowan, 
  Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union NC, 
  Greater Caldwell, Greater Burke, Eastern McDowell, Greater 
  Rutherford and Eastern Polk.

* TIMING...This afternoon through early evening.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph at 
  times.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* FUEL MOISTURE...Already low fuel moisture will likely dry out
  further this afternoon in the windy conditions.

* IMPACTS...Outdoor fires may easily grow out of control under 
  these conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

HG
270 
WWUS82 KGSP 010003
RFWGSP

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
803 PM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-502-504-506-508-510-010115-
/O.EXP.KGSP.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210501T0000Z/
Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-
Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-Greater Caldwell-Greater Burke-
Eastern McDowell-Greater Rutherford-Eastern Polk-
803 PM EDT Fri Apr 30 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA
FOOTHILLS AND WESTERN PIEDMONT...

Winds will continue to steadily diminish and relative humidity
steadily increase through the evening. Therefore, the Red Flag
Warning has been allowed to expire. 

$$
Lane

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in North Carolina, 2021Every red flag warning in 2021

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.