Tornadoes and Hail in North Carolina, March 4 to 5, 2008

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in North Carolina, March 4 to 5, 2008
Start: 2008-03-04T16:12
End: 2008-03-05T00:25
Location: North Carolina

March 4 to 5, 2008 · NWS RAH · 62 events in 28 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $350,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 62

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS RAH wrote it up.

Central North Carolina endured a one-two punch of severe weather as a well developed upper low and negatively tilted upper trough moved across the region. The first round of severe storms began in the afternoon as discrete storms developed well ahead of an organized squall line. Minor wind damage was reported, along with an isolated tornado. The second round of severe storms came later that evening, as the squall line swept through the state, producing widespread wind damage and another brief tornado touchdown.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Raleigh, NC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 4, 2:44 PM EST, 1 hour 28 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 4, 2:44 PM EST, 1 hour 28 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
244 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

.SYNOPSIS...
WINDS WILL BE INCREASING AND TEMPERATURES WILL BE ON THE RISE TODAY
AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT WHICH WILL MOVE EAST ACROSS THE AREA LATE THIS
AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD INTO THE REGION
BEHIND THE FRONT ON WEDNESDAY... USHERING DRIER AND COOLER AIR INTO
THE AREA.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
AS OF 220 PM TUESDAY...

A VIGOROUS COLD FRONT CROSSING THE UPPER TENNESSEE VALLEY AND NORTH
GA EARLY THIS AFTERNOON IS EXPECTED TO REACH THE WESTERN CWA BY 03Z
AND MOVE ACROSS THE CWA BY 07Z.  BANDS OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND EMBEDDED
TSTMS ARE EXPECTED WELL AHEAD OF THE FRONT WITH A SOLID WIDE BAND
REACHING THE WESTERN PIEDMONT MID TO LATE AFTERNOON AND DOWN EAST BY
600 PM.  THEN ANOTHER BAND OF STRONG DEEP CONVECTION FOLLOWS CLOSER
TO THE ACTUAL SURFACE COLD FRONT.  THE PATTERN APPEARS TO RESEMBLE A
SPLIT FRONT WITH THE FIRST BAND ASSOCIATED WITH A MID LEVEL THETA-E
RIDGE.  THE SECOND BAND IS WITHIN THE DRIER AIR ALOFT SWEEPING
AROUND THE UPPER LOW WITH THE AIRMASS EXHIBITING STEEP THETA-E LAPSE
IN MID LEVELS TO SUPPORT REAR FLANK DOWNDRAFTS WITH THE TSTMS.  THE
MORE LIKELY AREAS FOR SEVERE CONVECTION SHOULD BE TOWARD THE BACK
SIDE OF THE LEADING BAND OF SHOWERS AND WITH THE SECOND LINE.  THE
MESOSCALE ANALYSIS PAGE FROM SPC SHOWS A GROWING SUPERCELL COMPOSITE
INDEX ASSOCIATED IN BOTH OF THESE AREAS.

WINDS WITH AND JUST AHEAD OF THE FRONT ARE EXPECTED TO ACCELERATE
THROUGH THIS EVENING AS THE LARGE AMPLITUDE WAVE ALOFT CONTINUES TO
PACK SIGNIFICANT ENERGY AND ASSUMES A MORE NEGATIVE TILT MOVING FROM
THE SRN MS VALLEY TO THE CENTRAL APPALACHIANS.  WIND SPEEDS NEAR 50
KNOTS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN 2000 FT AGL AND MAY SURFACE WITHIN SHOWERS
AND TSTMS.

TEMPERATURES AND DEWPOINTS SHOULD HOLD TO THE 60S AHEAD OF THE FRONT
THIS EVENING THEN DROP OFF TO THE LOWER 50S AND UPPER 40S BEHIND THE
FRONT TOWARD DAYBREAK.  -RFG

&&

.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
AS OF 240 PM TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY...UPPER FLOW BECOMES BRIEFLY ZONAL AS UPPER LEVEL LOW
EXITS THE NORTHERN MID ATLANTIC. DEEP WLY FLOW WILL ADVECT DRIER BUT
RELATIVELY MILD AIR INTO REGION. THICKNESSES WITH FULL SUN SUPPORT
MAX TEMPS AROUND 60 NW TO THE MID 60S SE.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT...WEAK SURFACE RIDGE AXIS ACROSS REGION WILL RESULT
IN MAINLY CLEAR SKIES AND LIGHT CALM WINDS. THIS SHOULD ALLOW TEMPS
TO COOL INTO THE 30S. WENT A DEGREES OR TWO BELOW MOS GUIDANCE.

THU...MID/UPPER LEVEL FLOW BEGIN TO BACK LATE WED NIGHT THROUGH THU
IN RESPONSE TO AMPLIFYING TROUGH OVER THE CENTRAL U.S. DEEP W-SW
FLOW WILL CONTINUE WARM AND DRY REGIME. THICKNESSES COUPLED WITH SW
FLOW WILL BOOST AFTERNOON TEMPS WELL INTO THE 60S. WOULD NOT BE
SURPRISED IF MAX TEMPS END UP BEING A COUPLE OF DEGREES
WARMER...ESPECIALLY IF LEE SIDE TROUGH DEVELOPS THU AFTERNOON
ENHANCING NEAR SURFACE SW FLOW.

THU NIGHT THROUGH FRI NIGHT...S/W IN THE SOUTHERN BRANCH OF JET
PROGGED TO INDUCE CYCLOGENESIS OVER THE NORTHERN GULF THU INTO EARLY
FRI. MODELS ARE IN GOOD AGREEMENT WITH THIS SCENARIO. MODELS BEGIN
TO DIVERGE WITH THE SPEED/MOVEMENT OF THE LOW FRI INTO FRI NIGHT.
GFS APPEARS TOO FAST AS THERE APPEARS TO BE PLENTY OF JET ENERGY ON
THE BACK SIDE OF  THE TROUGH WHICH USUALLY TRANSLATES TO A SLOWER
THAN EXPECTED MOVEMENT. NONETHELESS....DEVELOPMENT/STRENGTHENING OF
THIS SYSTEM WILL INCREASE LOW LEVEL SLY OVER REGION LATE THU NIGHT
INTO FRI MORNING. LOW LEVEL JET BY FRI AFTERNOON INCREASES TO
BETWEEN 30-40 KTS.

AIR MASS GAINS ENOUGH MOISTURE AND LIFT TO GENERATE RAIN OVER THE
SOUTHERN COUNTIES SHORTLY AFTER DAYBREAK FRI...SPREADING NORTH
THROUGH THE MORNING INTO THE AFTERNOON. THE EVENTUAL TRACK OF SURFACE
LOW WILL DETERMINE MAX TEMPS. A TRACK CLOSER TO THE COAST WILL
RESULT IN VERY COOL TEMPS IN THE NORTHERN PIEDMONT WHILE A TRACK
CLOSER TO THE MOUNTAINS FAVORS A WARMER REGIME. WENT MIDDLE OF THE
ROAD FOR NOW WITH A MAX TEMP TEND OF LOWER 50S NW TO THE LOWER 60S
SE. TEMPS WILL LIKELY HAVE TO BE ADJUSTED AS SCENARIO BECOMES MORE
CERTAIN.

WENT WITH HIGH CHANCE POPS FOR FRI INTO FRIDAY NIGHT. HOWEVER IF
MODEL ACHIEVE RUN TO RUN CONTINUITY...POPS WILL NEED TO BE ADJUSTED
UPWARD. WENT WITH PRECIP AMOUNTS BETWEEN A QUARTER AND A THIRD OF AN
INCH. THIS IS LIKELY CONSERVATIVE AS UPPER LEVEL DIVERGENCE EXPECTED
TO INCREASE ACROSS THE REGION FRI INTO FRI EVENING AND PRECIP WATER
VALUES MAY EXCEED 1.25 INCHES...ESPECIALLY IN THE EAST.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
AS OF 1210 PM TUESDAY

STILL SOME UNCERTAINTY CONCERNING THE TIMING/DEPTH OF THE UPPER
LEVEL TROUGH AND THE ASSOCIATED FRONT. ECMWF APPEARS TOO WRAPPED
UP WHILE THE GFS MAY BE TOO FAST WITH ITS E-NE MOVEMENT. THE 00Z
CANADIAN APPEARS TO OFFER A GOOD COMPROMISE WHICH IS SLOWER THAN
THE GFS BUT NOT AS ROBUST AS THE ECMWF.

WITH THIS IN MIND...ANY RAIN OCCURRING EARLY SATURDAY WILL LIKELY
BE CONFINED TO THE FAR E-NE SECTIONS OF CENTRAL NC...DEPARTING
PRIOR TO 81Z SATURDAY. POTENTIAL FOR A FAIRLY TIGHT PRESSURE
GRADIENT ACROSS REGION SO HAVE INCREASED SUSTAINED WINDS TO AROUND
15 MPH. MAX TEMPS SATURDAY DEPENDENT UPON WHETHER AN EXTENSIVE
STRATOCU DECK DEVELOPS IN THE STRONG CYCLONIC FLOW AND THE EXTENT
OF CAA. THE LOW LEVEL CAA MAY BE DELAYED OR DIMINISHED SOMEWHAT
DUE TO LOW LEVEL DOWNSLOPE FLOW. HAVE ADJUSTED MAX TEMPS UP A
COUPLE OF DEGREES FROM EARLIER FORECAST BUT THESE TEMPS MAY STILL
BE TOO COOL BY A CATEGORY.

DRY AND SEASONABLY COOL WEATHER PATTERN EXPECTED SUNDAY THROUGH
TUESDAY WITH BROAD UPPER LEVEL TROUGH COVERING THE EASTERN TWO-
THIRDS OF THE NATION. PERTURBATIONS IN W-NW WILL CAUSE PERIODS OF
CLOUDINESS MON INTO TUE. AIR MASS APPEAR TOO DRY AND PERTURBATIONS
TOO WEAK TO GENERATE ANY PRECIP OF CONSEQUENCE. TEMPS EXPECTED TO
AVERAGE 3-6 DEGREES BELOW NORMAL.

&&

.AVIATION /20Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
AS OF 105 PM TUESDAY...

WIDESPREAD SHOWERS AND EMBEDDED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE
RAPIDLY SW TO NE ACROSS CENTRAL NC LATER THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
THIS EVENING. PREDOMINANT MVFR CIGS WILL OCCASIONALLY DROP TO IFR
CIGS AND VSBY IN HEAVY SHOWERS AND TSTMS. LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR IS
EXPECTED THIS EVENING WITH SOUTH WINDS NEAR 55 KNOTS WITHIN 2 KFT
AGL.

COLD FRONTAL PASSAGE IS EXPECTED AROUND 03Z AT KINT AND KGSO...
AROUND 05Z AT KRDU AND KFAY... AND AROUND 06Z AT KRWI. CONDITIONS
SHOULD IMPROVE TO VFR BEHIND THE COLD FRONT BEFORE DAYBREAK WED.

VFR CONDITIONS SHOULD CONTINUE THROUGH THU NIGHT...THEN LOWER TO
MVFR AND POSSIBLY IFR IN STRATUS AND RAIN FRI AS A LOW PRESSURE
SYSTEM MOVES UP THE EAST COAST FROM THE GULF. VFR CONDITIONS WILL
RETURN FRI NIGHT AND CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND AS HIGH PRESSURE
AND A DRY AIRMASS DRIFTS ACROSS THE AREA. -RFG

&&

.RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NONE.

&&

SYNOPSIS...RFG
NEAR TERM...RFG
SHORT TERM...WSS
LONG TERM...WSS
AVIATION...RFG

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 4, 11:26 AM EST, 4 hours 46 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
1126 AM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

NCZ007>011-021>028-038>043-073>078-083>086-088-089-051000-
PERSON-GRANVILLE-VANCE-WARREN-HALIFAX-FORSYTH-GUILFORD-ALAMANCE-
ORANGE-DURHAM-FRANKLIN-NASH-EDGECOMBE-DAVIDSON-RANDOLPH-CHATHAM-WAKE-
JOHNSTON-WILSON-STANLY-MONTGOMERY-MOORE-LEE-HARNETT-WAYNE-ANSON-
RICHMOND-SCOTLAND-HOKE-CUMBERLAND-SAMPSON-
1126 AM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS LATE TODAY
AND EARLY TONIGHT. THE PRIMARY THREAT WILL BE FROM ISOLATED
TORNADOES AND DAMAGING WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THE MOST
LIKELY TIME FOR SEVERE WEATHER TO OCCUR WILL BE BETWEEN 4 PM
THIS AFTERNOON AND MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

IN ADDITION...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINS COULD POSE A FLOODING PROBLEM
IN FLOOD PRONE URBAN AREAS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED FROM 4 PM UNTIL
MIDNIGHT TNOIGHT.  SPOTTERS SHOULD REPORT SEVERE WEATHER AS SOON
AS IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LATER WATCHES AND
WARNINGS.

RFG

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 4, 3:11 PM EST, 1 hour 1 minute before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
311 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

NCZ021-038-042115-
DAVIDSON-FORSYTH-
311 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE ACROSS NORTHEAST INTO FORSYTH AND
DAVIDSON COUNTIES THROUGH 415 PM EST...

AT 311 PM EST...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED STRONG THUNDERSTORMS 20 MILES
SOUTHWEST OF LEXINGTON...OR ABOUT 7 MILES SOUTH OF SALISBURY...MOVING
NORTHEAST AT 50 MPH.

THE STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR LEXINGTON AROUND 330 PM EST...
WELCOME AROUND 335 PM EST...MIDWAY AROUND 340 PM EST...SEDGE GARDEN
AROUND 350 PM EST...KERNERSVILLE AROUND 355 PM EST.

GUSTY WINDS OF 35 TO 45 MPH...SMALL HAIL AND DANGEROUS
CLOUD-TO-GROUND LIGHTNING CAN BE EXPECTED WITH THESE THUNDERSTORMS.

BLAES

Special weather statement, Mar 4, 3:29 PM EST, 43 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
329 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

NCZ042-042100-
JOHNSTON-
329 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

...A HEAVY SHOWER WITH GUSTY WINDS WILL MOVE ACROSS JOHNSTON COUNTY
THROUGH 400 PM EST...

AT 329 PM EST...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A HEAVY SHOWER WITH GUSTY
WINDS OVER BENSON...OR ABOUT 15 MILES SOUTHWEST OF
SMITHFIELD...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

THE HEAVY SHOWER WILL BE NEAR FOUR OAKS AROUND 340 PM
EST...SMITHFIELD AROUND 345 PM EST...FLOWERS AROUND 400 PM EST.

GUSTY WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH AND VERY HEAVY RAIN CAN BE EXPECTED WITH
THIS SHOWER. ROTATION HAS ALSO BEEN DETECTED WITH THIS SHOWER. THESE
WINDS ARE CAPABLE OF BRINGING DOWN SMALL TREE LIMBS. LIGHT OBJECTS
SUCH AS TRASH CANS...POTTED PLANTS...LAWN FURNITURE AND AWNINGS
COULD BE TOSSED AROUND.

VINCENT

Special weather statement, Mar 4, 3:52 PM EST, 20 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
352 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

NCZ074-083-084-042145-
ANSON-MONTGOMERY-RICHMOND-
352 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE ACROSS RICHMOND...MONTGOMERY AND
ANSON COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM EST...

AT 352 PM EST...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED STRONG THUNDERSTORMS OVER
MORVEN...OR ABOUT 7 MILES SOUTH OF WADESBORO...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 50
MPH.

THE STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR LILESVILLE AROUND 400 PM EST...
COVINGTON AROUND 420 PM EST.

GUSTY WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH...VERY HEAVY RAIN AND DANGEROUS
CLOUD-TO-GROUND LIGHTNING CAN BE EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS. THESE
WINDS ARE CAPABLE OF BRINGING DOWN LARGE TREE LIMBS. LIGHT OBJECTS
SUCH AS TRASH CANS...POTTED PLANTS...LAWN FURNITURE AND AWNINGS COULD
BE TOSSED AROUND.

BLAES

Special weather statement, Mar 4, 3:56 PM EST, 16 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
356 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

NCZ022-039-042130-
GUILFORD-RANDOLPH-
356 PM EST TUE MAR 4 2008

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE ACROSS GUILFORD AND RANDOLPH
COUNTIES THROUGH 430 PM EST...

AT 356 PM EST...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED STRONG THUNDERSTORMS OVER
ASHEBORO...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

THE STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR RANDLEMAN AROUND 405 PM
EST...PLEASANT GARDEN AROUND 415 PM EST...FOREST OAKS AROUND 420 PM
EST.

GUSTY WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH... AND VERY HEAVY RAIN CAN BE EXPECTED
WITH THESE STORMS.

11

The radar

The Raleigh/Durham radar (KRAX), 118 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:14 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

55 thunderstorm wind, 5 hail, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Guilford

When: March 4, 4:12 PM EST
Where: Guilford County, 1.68 mi W of Climax
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.920, -79.760

Penny size hail was reported near NC Highway 62, two miles west of climax.

Hail, Guilford

When: March 4, 4:20 PM EST
Where: Guilford County, 1.81 mi WSW of Greensboro May Arpt
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.990, -79.710

Penny size hail was reported near Southeast Guilford High School along SE School Road and Woody Mill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Alamance

When: March 4, 4:41 PM EST
Where: Alamance County, 1.49 mi NNW of Elon College
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.120, -79.510

Trees were blown down. Minor damage also occurred to the roof of a home just north of Elon at 1034 Shallowford Church Road.

Tornado, Alamance

When: March 4, 4:54 PM EST to 4:57 PM EST
Where: Alamance County, 1.11 mi E of Union Ridge to 2.98 mi NE of Union Ridge
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.3 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Continued into: Caswell, Nc (RNK)
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.220, -79.380

A weak EF 0 tornado touched down in northern Alamance County just northeast of the Union Ridge community. The tornado initially|touched down about a half mile south of Willie Pace Road. On the north side of Willie Pace Road the tornado blew the roof off of a tobacco barn, lifted a carport, destroyed one shed and caused roof and porch damage to a home. The tornado exited the WFO RAH CWA and entered into WFO RNK CWA as it continued to track northeast into Caswell County for approximately 2 miles.

Further north the tornado destroyed a barn on Vinson Road and damaged a|tractor and irrigation system. Numerous trees were also blown down in the area. The tornado blew a large oak tree into a brick home on Blaney Road, resulting in substantial roof damage. A garage in the back yard|was also destroyed. The last home to be damaged was on Baynes Road. A single wide mobile home on Baynes Road lost its roof from the high wind. The roof was tossed about 70 feet before becoming wrapped around a tree.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: March 4, 6:00 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 3.93 mi NE of Schley
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.190, -79.020

Three trees reported blown down just north of NC Highway 157 on NC Highway 57 near Caldwell.

Thunderstorm Wind, Durham

When: March 4, 6:05 PM EST
Where: Durham County, Rougemont
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.220, -78.930

Trees were reported blown down in Rougemont.

Thunderstorm Wind, Davidson

When: March 4, 8:30 PM EST
Where: Davidson County, 1.12 mi E of Lexington
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 35.820, -80.250

Thunderstorm wind gust peeled away three-quarters of Lexington City Fire Department Station No. 1's roof.

Thunderstorm Wind, Forsyth

When: March 4, 8:35 PM EST
Where: Forsyth County, 0.56 mi W of Winston Salem
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.100, -80.260

A trained spotter estimated wind gust speeds up to 60 mph near the Forsyth Technical Community College.

Thunderstorm Wind, Forsyth

When: March 4, 8:36 PM EST
Where: Forsyth County, Winston Salem
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.100, -80.250

County 911 center measured a 58 mph wind gust speed.

Tornado, Halifax

When: March 4, 8:50 PM EST to 8:51 PM EST
Where: Halifax County, 2.25 mi SSE of Enfield Dunroamin Ar to 2.09 mi SE of Enfield Dunroamin Ar
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.66 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.141, -77.601

A weak EF0 tornado touched down in southern Halifax County, approximately 4 miles to the east-southeast of Enfield, NC. The tornado|produced tree damage and took shingles off a home near the intersection of Thirteen Bridges Road and Douglas Hill Farm Road. The tornado downed and damaged numerous trees, as it tracked to the northeast into a swampy area for approximately one mile before lifting back up.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anson

When: March 4, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Anson County, 1.49 mi NNE of South Wadesboro
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.970, -80.070

Numerous trees were reported blown down throughout the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Guilford

When: March 4, 9:00 PM EST
Where: Guilford County, 1.12 mi W of Guilford
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.080, -79.920

An ASOS at the Piedmont Triad International Airport measured a 60 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Guilford

When: March 4, 9:04 PM EST
Where: Guilford County, 1.31 mi WSW of Deep River
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.020, -79.990

A trained spotter measured a 59 mph wind gust Oak Hollow Lake.

Hail, Guilford

When: March 4, 9:06 PM EST
Where: Guilford County, 0.69 mi N of Colfax
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.130, -80.020

Penny size hail was reported by a trained spotter.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: March 4, 9:11 PM EST
Where: Montgomery County, 1.32 mi ESE of Biscoe
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.360, -79.780

A few trees were blown down in Biscoe, blocking traffic along NC Highway 24.

Thunderstorm Wind, Guilford

When: March 4, 9:15 PM EST
Where: Guilford County, Hamilton Lakes
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.080, -79.830

Numerous trees were reported blown down county wide. Several of the trees had fell on houses in and around Greensboro.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: March 4, 9:18 PM EST
Where: Montgomery County, 1.32 mi ESE of Biscoe
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.360, -79.780

A few trees were reported blown down in Biscoe. The fallen trees blocked east bound lanes on NC Highway 24-27.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: March 4, 9:20 PM EST
Where: Montgomery County, 3.5 mi SW of Pekin
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.190, -79.930

Numerous trees were reported blown down near Town Creek Indian Mound State Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stanly

When: March 4, 9:25 PM EST
Where: Stanly County, 0.69 mi S of Oakboro
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.220, -80.330

Fifteen to twenty trees were blown down. A trailer was also moved 150 FEET by wind speeds estimated at 65 to 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Moore

When: March 4, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Moore County, 1.32 mi WSW of High Falls
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.470, -79.550

Trees were reported blown down near North Moore High School on North Moore Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stanly

When: March 4, 9:30 PM EST
Where: Stanly County, 1.83 mi ESE of Albemarle
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.360, -80.190

Several trees were reported blown down across Albemarle.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stanly

When: March 4, 9:40 PM EST
Where: Stanly County, 0.89 mi SE of Norwood
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.220, -80.120

Severe winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph blew off an awning off of a gas station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Person

When: March 4, 9:45 PM EST
Where: Person County, 0.89 mi NW of Helena
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.330, -78.980

Numerous trees were reported blown down across southern portions of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Orange

When: March 4, 9:50 PM EST
Where: Orange County, 1.68 mi E of Chapel Hill Wllms Ar
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.930, -79.040

Numerous trees were blown down from Chapel hill, east to the Durham County line.

Hail, Durham

When: March 4, 9:57 PM EST
Where: Durham County, 0.69 mi S of West Durham
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.990, -78.920

Penny size hail was reported near the city of Durham. Winds were also estimated at 60 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Alamance

When: March 4, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Alamance County, 0.69 mi S of Mebane
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.090, -79.280

Numerous trees were reported blown down around Mebane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chatham

When: March 4, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Chatham County, 0.69 mi N of Bonlee
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.660, -79.420

One tree was reported blown down across Old US Highway 421.

Thunderstorm Wind, Durham

When: March 4, 10:02 PM EST
Where: Durham County, 1.12 mi W of Mangum Store
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.200, -78.850

One tree was reported blown down, east-southeast of Rougemont.

Thunderstorm Wind, Moore

When: March 4, 10:05 PM EST
Where: Moore County, 0.89 mi NW of West End
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.260, -79.580

A trained spotter estimated 60 mph wind gusts in the Seven Lakes area when he observed large limbs being blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Scotland

When: March 4, 10:15 PM EST
Where: Scotland County, 1.14 mi W of Laurinburg
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.770, -79.470

Several trees were reported blown down in and around Laurinburg.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chatham

When: March 4, 10:18 PM EST
Where: Chatham County, 0.56 mi E of Pittsboro
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.720, -79.170

Trees were reported blown down across Pea Ridge Road in Pittsboro.

Thunderstorm Wind, Granville

When: March 4, 10:20 PM EST
Where: Granville County, Stovall
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.450, -78.570

One tree was reported blown down in Stoval.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hoke

When: March 4, 10:25 PM EST
Where: Hoke County, Raeford
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.980, -79.220

Several trees were reported blown down around Raeford.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cumberland

When: March 4, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 0.89 mi NE of Fenix
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.040, -79.020

Four homes sustained damage by fallen trees. One tree fell on a mobile home resulting in significant damage. Numerous other reports of trees blown down throughout the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Scotland

When: March 4, 10:35 PM EST
Where: Scotland County, 1.14 mi W of Laurinburg
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.770, -79.470

Numerous trees were reported blown down across Laurinburg. Several power lines were also blown down, including in the Laurel Hill area, where a tree fell onto power lines and a tractor trailer.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vance

When: March 4, 10:40 PM EST
Where: Vance County, 0.89 mi SW of Henderson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.320, -78.410

Several trees were reported blown down across central and southern portions of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harnett

When: March 4, 10:54 PM EST
Where: Harnett County, 2.26 mi W of Pineview
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.320, -79.120

One tree was reported blown down near the intersection of Ponderosa Trail Road and Bret Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wake

When: March 4, 10:55 PM EST
Where: Wake County, Cary
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.780, -78.800

Severe winds estimated between 60 to 70 mph, blew a tree down onto a home on Vickie Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: March 4, 11:10 PM EST
Where: Lee County, Sanford
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.480, -79.180

Trees fell through a home in Sanford. There was also numerous trees blown down across the city.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: March 4, 11:10 PM EST
Where: Lee County, Sanford
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.480, -79.180

Numerous trees were reported blown down throughout the city. There was one report of where trees fell through a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cumberland

When: March 4, 11:11 PM EST
Where: Cumberland County, 0.56 mi W of (Fbg)ft Bragg
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.170, -79.010

The Pope Air Force Base ASOS measured a 59 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnston

When: March 4, 11:15 PM EST
Where: Johnston County, 0.56 mi E of Clayton
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.650, -78.460

Thunderstorm Wind, Wake

When: March 4, 11:25 PM EST
Where: Wake County, 1.82 mi ENE of Raleigh
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.810, -78.640

Several trees were blown down along New Bern Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wake

When: March 4, 11:25 PM EST
Where: Wake County, 0.56 mi E of Williams Xrds
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.650, -78.660

Trained spotter measured a 70 mph wind gust with widespread power outages reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnston

When: March 4, 11:30 PM EST
Where: Johnston County, 0.56 mi E of Clayton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.650, -78.460

A home sustained damaged when severe straight line damaging winds, estimated at 60 to 70 mph, blew a tree onto a home.

Hail, Sampson

When: March 4, 11:35 PM EST
Where: Sampson County, 0.56 mi W of Newton Grove
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.250, -78.360

Quarter size hail was reported on Main Street in Newton Grove.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: March 4, 11:35 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 0.89 mi NE of Pearces
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.930, -78.290

One tree was reported blown down across P G Pearce Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnston

When: March 4, 11:35 PM EST
Where: Johnston County, 0.89 mi NE of Smithfield
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.510, -78.340

Numerous trees were reported blown down around Smithfield.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 4, 11:42 PM EST
Where: Halifax County, 5.71 mi WSW of Summit
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.430, -77.910

Several trees blown down around Littleton.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sampson

When: March 4, 11:48 PM EST
Where: Sampson County, Clinton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.000, -78.330

Multiple reports of trees blown down around Clinton and Salemburg.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nash

When: March 4, 11:50 PM EST
Where: Nash County, 0.56 mi E of Bailey
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.780, -78.110

One tree was reported to have fallen on a house in Bailey.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 4, 11:55 PM EST
Where: Halifax County, 0.56 mi W of Hollister
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.250, -77.940

Numerous trees were blown down around Hollister.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wilson

When: March 5, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Wilson County, Lucama
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 35.650, -78.020

Several homes in Lucama were damaged by fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wayne

When: March 5, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Wayne County, 0.89 mi SE of Genoa
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.320, -78.020

Numerous trees were reported blown down near Genoa Road and Pecan Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 5, 12:06 AM EST
Where: Halifax County, 1.67 mi E of Heathsville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.270, -77.740

One pine tree was blown down across the south bound lanes of Interstate 95 near Highway 561.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 5, 12:15 AM EST
Where: Halifax County, 1.38 mi N of Dawson Xrds
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.190, -77.530

Severe straight line winds caused extensive damage to property at the|intersection of NC Highway 125 and Piney Woods Road, approximately 6 miles to the east-northeast of Enfield, NC. Three sheds were destroyed, a cotton trailer was overturned, a grain bin was damaged, and shingles were blown off a roof.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 5, 12:15 AM EST
Where: Halifax County, 1.64 mi N of Tillery
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.273, -77.485

Severe straight line winds caused irrigation towers to overturn at the|Caledonia Prison Farm on 2787 Caledonia Drive. A barn was also damaged on the farm as well.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 5, 12:15 AM EST
Where: Halifax County, 1.64 mi N of Tillery
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.273, -77.485

Severe straight line winds caused irrigation towers to overturn at the|Caledonia Prison Farm on 2787 Caledonia Drive. A barn was also damaged on the farm as well.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 5, 12:15 AM EST
Where: Halifax County, 0.77 mi WNW of Enfield
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.185, -77.683

Severe straight line winds estimated at 70 to 80 mph produced damage to a|tower atop the Eastern Petroleum building. A 140 foot metal tower atop the building was snapped in half and fell into the roof of the building.

Thunderstorm Wind, Edgecombe

When: March 5, 12:20 AM EST
Where: Edgecombe County, 0.56 mi W of Speed
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.970, -77.440

One tree was reported blown down in Speed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Edgecombe

When: March 5, 12:25 AM EST
Where: Edgecombe County, 2.15 mi NNE of Tarboro Arpt
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.930, -77.490

Several trees were reported blown down across US Highway 258 near NC Highway 122.

Thunderstorm Wind, Halifax

When: March 5, 12:25 AM EST
Where: Halifax County, Scotland Neck
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.130, -77.420

One tree was reported blown down across a road in Scotland Neck.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in North Carolina in 2008 Every state in 2008 This day in weather history The tornado archive for North Carolina, 2008 Warnings in North Carolina, March 2008

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 83420, 83422, 83428, 83193, 83430, 83431, 87014, 83488, 83489, 83414, 83438, 83490, 83491, 83429, 83439, 83442, 83444, 83445, 83448, 83449, 83450, 83451, 83452, 83453, 83424, 83454, 83455, 83457, 83493, 83459, 83460, 83461, 83462, 83189, 83463, 83464, 83466, 83469, 83427, 83472, and more.