Damaging Wind in North Carolina, February 21, 1997

Rapidly moving, low-topped convection moved from northern Georgia and Upstate South Carolina across parts of the mountains and foothills and into the piedmont. Most of the damage resulted from damaging winds in short line segments. However, a strong F1 tornado managed to spin up along the SC/NC border and moved across the southern and eastern parts of Gaston county. By far, the most significant damage occurred in this area. Several structures were severely damaged or destroyed directly by the wind including a church, a swim club bathhouse, and several homes. Damage in other parts of the Charlotte metro area was notable, but in most cases was the result of trees falling on structures. Most of the reported damage listed above was downed trees and power lines. Roofs were reported damaged in at least one section of the southern part of Charlotte. There were no reports of hail, and very little, if any, thunder reported east of the mountains.