Alert archive / South Carolina / Special Weather Statements in 2021

Special Weather Statement, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

July 23, 2021Greenville County, South Carolina

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC issued this special weather statement at Jul 23, 2021, 6:55 PM EDT for Greenville County, South Carolina. It was in force for 35 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
Jul 23, 2021, 6:55 PM EDT (22:55 UTC)
Expired
Jul 23, 2021, 7:30 PM EDT
In force
35 min
Issued by
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

County Greenville County, SC

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 22 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:56 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

Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA (KFFC), launched 12:00Z, 10.9 hours before the alert went out and 249 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, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 12:00Z on 2021-07-23Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 158 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, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 12:00Z on 2021-07-23The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 20 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
158 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-159 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1211 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
8 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
20 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
36 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

834 
WWUS82 KGSP 232255
SPSGSP

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
655 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021
 
SCZ006-232330-
Greater Greenville SC-
655 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT CENTRAL
GREENVILLE COUNTY UNTIL 730 PM EDT...

At 655 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning near Greenville Downtown, moving east at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Greenville Downtown, Greenville Eastside, West Greenville, Taylors,
Berea, Welcome, Cherrydale Point and Furman University.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 40 mph and half
inch hail 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.

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 3481 8248 3482 8249 3483 8248 3483 8249
      3484 8248 3484 8249 3488 8249 3492 8248
      3492 8231 3476 8235
TIME...MOT...LOC 2255Z 291DEG 7KT 3486 8242 

$$

CAC

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 Jul 23, 6:08 PM EDT, 47 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 23, 6:08 PM EDT, 47 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
608 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

.SYNOPSIS...
Air quality should improve somewhat over the weekend while afternoon
showers and thunderstorms increase in coverage and intensity through
Monday.  A backdoor cold front builds into the forecast area early
next week, bringing more active weather at least through Tuesday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 600 PM: Scattered convection continues to develop and drift
S/SEWD across the western third of the FA. So far, a few storms
have been strong, but sub-severe. Cannot rule out a severe storm
or two before convection wanes, as we have strong instability and
high DCAPE in the area. Fortunately, the atmosphere is relatively
suppressed under ridging aloft. Other than some tweaks to the PoPs,
the forecast was left as is.

The CAMs and synoptic guidance have generally backed off on the
previous forecast of an uptick in convective activity this evening
and early overnight. That said, isolated showers may linger,
especially in upslope areas, as a moist, low level southerly flow
continues. This flow may also help low clouds to develop near or
just after sunrise. Mountain valley fog and stratus is expected
once again. Lows will be near to slightly above normal.

Heights rise slightly through the period in the northwesterly flow
aloft as a short wave ridge moves over behind a departing trough.
Guidance generally agrees on a lee trough developing and some
weak upper divergence moving through despite the slight increase
in heights. The guidance disagrees on the resulting coverage of
convection. The do agree that the mountains have the best chance,
but some guidance moves the convection off the mountains and across
the piedmont during the late afternoon. Others show only isolated to
low end scattered across the Piedmont. Have gone with the guidance
blend which favors the mountains and foothills, with less coverage
over the Piedmont. Highs will be near to slightly below normal.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/...
As of 145 PM EDT Friday: With a 500mb ridge entrenched over the
western CONUS, Sunday's opportunity for synoptic forcing will be
severely restricted.  A Bermuda high over the western Atlantic will
help to maintain southerly surface flow...which in turn will help
PWATs ramp up to near 2" by Monday afternoon.  A deep 500mb trough
will spread eastward, though the best DPVA will remain well north of
our CWA.  Global models at least indicate some enhanced QPF response
starting Sunday night and extending through Monday evening, ahead of
a slowly-advancing cold front swooping in from the north.  PoPs on
Sunday afternoon are largely restricted to slight/chance in the
mountains and foothills, as points east appear to be increasingly
well-capped in model soundings, which should inhibit widespread
coverage of convection despite modest SBCAPE of 500-1000 J/kg.
Monday afternoon should fare somewhat better as increased moisture
content, lowered LFCs, and less-stable profiles allow for more
scattered showers and embedded thunderstorms to crop up ahead of the
advancing front.  Activity gradually winds down late Monday night
into Tuesday morning, as the front attempts to clear the region.

For now, have lowered temps a degree or so to more closely match
the latest guidance, which seems to be trending toward slightly
cooler temps for the next few days.  This does little to offset
the unseasonably warm temps forecasted for the weekend.

&&

.LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 200 PM EDT Friday: Upper ridging continues to dominate
the western half of the CONUS.  Following Monday night's frontal
passage we should at least see some improvement in air quality, as
the intrusion of continental air clears out any residual low-level
smoke/haze in the area.  There's a good bit of uncertainty in
the forecast following this fropa, however, as the models haven't
yet reached a consensus on whether the front clears the Carolinas
entirely or stalls for a bit.  What's clear is that the Bermuda high
refuses to budge, and as such we should retain our diurnally-driven
afternoon convection on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon - something
that the presence of a stalled boundary might work to enhance.
Late week may feature the arrival of another robust midlevel
trough, which would drive a wave of renewed precipitation by
Friday afternoon.  Expect temps to remain at least a few degrees
above normal throughout the medium range forecast.

&&

.AVIATION /22Z FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Haze has diminished and no longer expect any
restrictions, but 6SM may continue off and on through the day. Low
VFR cumulus has developed and may have a brief cig from time to time
as well. Convection just now developing near the GA/SC portion of
the Blue Ridge escarpment. Expect coverage to be higher in this
general area, but VCTS retained at the Upstate sites and KAVL where
chance is highest. Guidance has trended away from lingering
overnight convection, but isolated -SHRA are possible. Chance too
low for the TAFs. With a moist, southerly flow in place, MVFR
stratocu may develop toward daybreak or with sunrise. Have SCT
coverage developing, but cigs can't be ruled out. Mountain valley
fog and stratus likely again overnight, have included at KAVL as
well. Did not mention convection for Saturday, but this will need to
be added on the next TAF set. Light southeasterly wind this
afternoon becomes light and variable overnight. Light S to SW wind
expected on Saturday.

Outlook: Diurnal thunderstorm chances will steadily increase through
early next week. Early morning fog or low stratus will be possible,
primarily in the mountain valleys.

Confidence Table...

            22-04Z        04-10Z        10-16Z        16-18Z
KCLT       High 100%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KGSP       High 100%     High 100%     High  95%     High  97%
KAVL       High 100%     Low   42%     Med   60%     High  97%
KHKY       High 100%     High 100%     High  97%     High 100%
KGMU       High 100%     High 100%     High  90%     High  94%
KAND       High 100%     High 100%     High  90%     High  91%

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...None.
SC...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...MPR
NEAR TERM...ARK/RWH
SHORT TERM...MPR
LONG TERM...MPR
AVIATION...RWH
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 23, 3:42 AM EDT, 15 hours 13 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
342 AM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035-036-048>053-056-058-059-
062>065-068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-240745-
Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Avery-Alexander-
Iredell-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Catawba-
Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-
Henderson-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-
Caldwell Mountains-Greater Caldwell-Burke Mountains-Greater Burke-
McDowell Mountains-Eastern McDowell-Rutherford Mountains-
Greater Rutherford-Polk Mountains-Eastern Polk-Oconee Mountains-
Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains-Greater Oconee-
Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville-Spartanburg-Cherokee-York-
Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Union SC-Chester-Greenwood-
342 AM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont
North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening. The
main potential threat will be cloud-to-ground lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

None.

NCZ037-057-240745-
Davie-Rowan-
342 AM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for piedmont North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

None.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 23, 5:20 PM EDT, 1 hour 35 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
520 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

SCZ002-232145-
Pickens Mountains SC-
520 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT
NORTHWESTERN PICKENS COUNTY UNTIL 545 PM EDT...

At 520 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning 9 miles northwest of Pickens, or near Jocassee
Gorges, moving southeast at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Jocassee Gorges, Keowee Toxaway State Park, Lake Keowee, Sunset and
Nine Times.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 40 mph and half
inch hail 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.

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 3501 8291 3501 8279 3489 8274 3487 8277
      3487 8290 3490 8291 3490 8290 3491 8290
      3492 8291 3494 8290 3494 8291
TIME...MOT...LOC 2120Z 334DEG 9KT 3497 8284

CAC
Special weather statement, Jul 23, 5:27 PM EDT, 1 hour 28 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
527 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

SCZ005-010-232200-
Greater Pickens SC-Anderson SC-
527 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT NORTH
CENTRAL ANDERSON AND EAST CENTRAL PICKENS COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM
EDT...

At 527 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning near Easley, moving southeast at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Easley and Liberty.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 40 mph and half
inch hail 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.

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 3483 8271 3486 8261 3471 8247 3465 8267
TIME...MOT...LOC 2127Z 334DEG 9KT 3480 8264

CAC
Special weather statement, Jul 23, 5:32 PM EDT, 1 hour 23 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
532 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

NCZ052-232200-
Haywood NC-
532 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT CENTRAL
HAYWOOD COUNTY UNTIL 600 PM EDT...

At 531 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning over Waynesville, moving south at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, B.R. Parkway-Balsam Gap
To Black Balsam Area and Sunburst.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea
size hail 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 3541 8289 3541 8304 3543 8307 3554 8304
      3554 8294
TIME...MOT...LOC 2131Z 359DEG 9KT 3549 8299

CAC
Special weather statement, Jul 23, 5:50 PM EDT, 1 hour 5 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
550 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

SCZ002-005-232215-
Pickens Mountains SC-Greater Pickens SC-
550 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT CENTRAL
PICKENS COUNTY UNTIL 615 PM EDT...

At 550 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning near Pickens, moving southeast at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Easley, Pickens, Liberty, Norris, Keowee Toxaway State Park, Jocassee
Gorges, Six Mile, Central, Lake Keowee and Sunset.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel
size hail will be possible in these areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dime to nickel size hail can cause considerable damage to vehicles.
Consider moving vehicles to a covered storage area before the storm
arrives.

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.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio and tv
stations, as well as local cable tv outlets for additional
information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3497 8292 3503 8280 3484 8249 3470 8275
TIME...MOT...LOC 2150Z 327DEG 10KT 3487 8272

CAC
Special weather statement, Jul 23, 6:09 PM EDT, 46 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
609 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

SCZ004-005-010-232245-
Greater Pickens SC-Greater Oconee SC-Anderson SC-
609 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT
NORTHWESTERN ANDERSON...SOUTHWESTERN PICKENS AND EAST CENTRAL OCONEE
COUNTIES UNTIL 645 PM EDT...

At 609 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning near Clemson, moving southeast at 5 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Clemson, Central, Pendleton, Norris, Six Mile, Lake Hartwell and
Sandy Springs.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 40 mph and half
inch hail 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.

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 3473 8292 3483 8280 3469 8258 3453 8283
TIME...MOT...LOC 2209Z 318DEG 6KT 3470 8281

CAC
Special weather statement, Jul 23, 6:55 PM EDT, 0 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
655 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

SCZ006-232330-
Greater Greenville SC-
655 PM EDT Fri Jul 23 2021

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT CENTRAL
GREENVILLE COUNTY UNTIL 730 PM EDT...

At 655 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning near Greenville Downtown, moving east at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Greenville Downtown, Greenville Eastside, West Greenville, Taylors,
Berea, Welcome, Cherrydale Point and Furman University.

In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 40 mph and half
inch hail 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.

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 3481 8248 3482 8249 3483 8248 3483 8249
      3484 8248 3484 8249 3488 8249 3492 8248
      3492 8231 3476 8235
TIME...MOT...LOC 2255Z 291DEG 7KT 3486 8242

CAC

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 22, 9:57 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPPolk33 min
Jul 23, 4:37 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPHaywood38 min
Jul 23, 5:32 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPHaywood28 min
Jul 23, 7:23 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPBuncombe37 min
Jul 22, 10:35 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPSpartanburg25 min
Jul 23, 5:20 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPPickens25 min
Jul 23, 5:27 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPPickens33 min
Jul 23, 5:50 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPPickens25 min
Jul 23, 6:09 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPAnderson36 min
Jul 23, 6:32 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGSPAnderson, Oconee, Pickens30 min
Jul 23, 7:11 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPAnderson2 hr
Jul 23, 3:56 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPRabun34 min
Jul 23, 4:32 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPRabun28 min
Jul 23, 5:03 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPStephens27 min

Nearby

Special Weather Statements in South Carolina, 2021Every special weather statement 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.