A cold pool dominated squall line moved through Central North Carolina during the early evening hours of April 3rd. A few isolated storms within the line became severe, producing damaging straight line winds.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS RAH wrote it up.
A cold pool dominated squall line moved through Central North Carolina during the early evening hours of April 3rd. A few isolated storms within the line became severe, producing damaging straight line winds.
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 Apr 3, 2:40 PM EST, 1 hour 35 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Raleigh NC 340 PM EDT Mon Apr 3 2017 .SYNOPSIS... A potent upper level low lifting out of the southern Plains will cross the region late tonight and Tuesday. Weak high pressure will build briefly over the area Tuesday night and early Wednesday, before another low pressure moves through the region Wednesday night and Thursday. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 340 PM Monday... A robust QLCS and associated effective cold front extend from eastern NC through Upstate SC and eastern GA, with a pre-frontal band of showers and storms currently working northeast through the western Piedmont. The lead convection is sub-severe and likely slightly elevated given that the true warm front is just now retreating north across the Savannah River Basin. Ahead of the warm front, winds are backed to southeasterly and hodographs become increasingly long and clockwise closer to the main convective line where the LLJ jet is in excess of 55kt per regional VWP. The biggest question is how far north the warm sector will reach this evening before being overtaken by the QLCS, recent trends suggest the best instability will end up being from Anson to Wayne/Wilson counties as the line moves east through the coastal plain by around 02Z. The HRRR depicts some bowing segments within the line and 0- 3km SRH over 300 m2/s2 will be sufficient for embedded supercells and a tornado threat this evening. Once the line moves east, models have been fairly consistent in showing redestablization across the coastal plain, owing the continued to moisture advection and steepening mid-0level lapse rates associated with the primary trough axis, which becomes negatively tilted across the between 06Z and 12Z. Shear parameters will still be favorable for supercells provided sufficient instability develops, which is uncertain given the time of day. Thus a conditional severe hail/wind threat will exist late tonight. Lows in the 60s tonight. && .SHORT TERM /TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT/... As of 340 PM Monday... The effective front will have moved offshore by early Tuesday, while the main cold front lags west of the mountains and doesn't really push into the area until early Wednesday. Thus westerly flow and an airmass characterized by low level thicknesses of 1380m will result in highs around 80, with wind gusts to 25-30kt. The synoptic cold front is forecast to push into NC from the north Wednesday night, but the airmass change is delayed and lows will be mild in the lower 50s. && .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... As of 315 PM Monday... Wed-Thu Night: Dry conditions are expected in the wake of the cold front Tuesday night through at least noon Wed. Cloud cover will increase from the SW during the day as upstream convection outruns the primary forcing (upper level low and associated cold front) into GA/SC (similar to today). The aforementioned convection is progged to propagate downstream into W/SW portions of NC by mid/late afternoon, affecting the SW Piedmont by 21-00Z, progressing NE through the remainder of central NC between 00-06Z Wed evening/ night. Expect increasing cloud cover to result in slightly cooler temps in the W/SW Piedmont, with highs ranging from the mid 70s (W/SW) to lower 80s (SE). A short lull in precipitation will be possible in the wake of the first round of convection Wed night, however, additional activity will likely accompany the cold front progressing eastward into the region Thu morning as shortwave energy rounding the base of the upper level low (tracking NE from the central MS river valley to the lower Great Lakes) ejects NE into the Carolinas 12-18Z Thu. Expect lows Wed night in the mid 50s (W) to lower 60s (E). Although diurnal timing of the frontal passage will be poor, strengthening deep layer forcing in the presence of steep mid-level lapse rates (assoc/w an elevated mixed layer progged to advect into the region from the SW) may compensate enough to support thunder along with a potential for severe weather. Expect precip to end from west-east by early afternoon as the cold front crosses the area, however, scattered showers could re-develop late Thu afternoon (prior to the onset of CAA) as the upper level low tracks east across the northern Mid-Atlantic. Strong westerly winds will develop Thu afternoon as the MSLP gradient tightens over the region, becoming sustained at 15-25 mph with frequent gusts to 35mph. Although the equilibrium level will barely extend up to the -10C isotherm Thu aft/eve (suggesting thunder is unlikely), a low- end potential for damaging winds cannot be ruled out given steep 0- 3km lapse rates and strong westerly flow in the low/mid levels. Expect the potential for showers to end within a few hrs of sunset Thu evening as a drier airmass advects into central NC and upper level forcing shifts to the Mid-Atlantic/Carolina coast. Highs Thu in the 60s to 70F, warmest E/SE. Lows Thu night will be driven by CAA, in the low/mid 40s, coldest NW. Fri-Mon: Shortwave energy digging SE on the western periphery of the upper level low along progressing slowly offshore the Mid-Atlantic coast may result in a small potential for showers along/east of I-95 in the NE Coastal Plain Fri afternoon. Otherwise, expect dry/cooler conditions with highs ranging from the mid 50s (NW) to near 60F (S/SE). The latest 12Z long range guidance suggests dry conditions will prevail this weekend and early next week as an upper level ridge builds over the eastern US. Expect high temperatures to gradually rebound over the weekend, reaching the 70s again by Mon. Although lows may dip into the upper 30s Fri night, a very dry airmass and W/NW breeze will likely preclude a potential for frost Sat morning. Winds will decrease by Sat night, and some potential for frost may exist Sunday morning, depending on the degree of airmass modification on Sat. -Vincent && .AVIATION /18Z Monday through Saturday/... As of 130 PM Monday... INT/GSO/RDU/FAY will stay predominantly MVFR through this afternoon (although periods of VFR cigs are likely), while RWI remains VFR. A powerful storm system now approaching from the SW will bring widespread showers and storms, yielding mainly MVFR to IFR conditions, but perhaps briefly LIFR, for a few hours late this afternoon through the evening. Some of these storms may be severe with large hail and damaging winds. These adverse aviation conditions are most likely to occur 20z-23z at INT/GSO, 22z-01z at RDU/FAY, and 23z-03z at RWI. After the primary band of strong storms moves through, from mid to late evening on through the night, stratiform rain with embedded lightning strikes will follow through much of the night, producing periods of MVFR cigs and vsbys. Conditions will improve to VFR Tue morning, mainly after 12z. Winds will be strong (10-20 kts gusting to 20-30 kts) initially from the SSE, swinging around to SW this evening then to W Tue morning. Winds will be stronger and more erratic in and near storms. Looking beyond 18z Tue: VFR conditions are expected to last through Wed morning. Another low pressure system now over the Western U.S. will strengthen over the central part of the country then track to the ENE, dragging a cold front with sub-VFR conditions ahead of it into central NC starting Wed afternoon, with these poor aviation conditions persisting through Thu with numerous showers and storms and gusty winds. VFR conditions should return Thu evening, although winds will remain brisk and gusty through Thu night. VFR conditions likely Fri/Sat as the storm system moves off the East Coast. -GIH && .RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SYNOPSIS...CBL NEAR TERM...SMITH SHORT TERM...SMITH LONG TERM...Vincent AVIATION...Hartfield
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Raleigh NC 401 PM EDT Mon Apr 3 2017 NCZ007>011-021>028-038>043-073>078-083>086-088-089-042015- 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- 401 PM EDT Mon Apr 3 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. A line of strong to severe storms will cross central NC this evening between 4pm and 10pm. The primary severe threats will be damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, especially south of Highway 64. Additional storms will be possible after midnight, mainly across the coastal plain, where an additional threat of hail and damaging winds may exist. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Another strong storm system may bring multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms to central NC late Wednesday afternoon through the day on Thursday. The primary severe weather threats will again be damaging winds and possibly a few tornadoes. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be need this evening.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
435 PM EDT MON APR 3 2017
NCZ038-039-073-074-032130-
Stanly NC-Randolph NC-Davidson NC-Montgomery NC-
435 PM EDT MON APR 3 2017
...A line of strong thunderstorms will affect portions of Stanly...
Randolph...Davidson and Montgomery Counties Until 530 PM EDT...
At 434 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking A line of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Courtney to near
Monroe. Movement was east at 45 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with these storms.
Deadly cloud to ground lightning will also be possible with these
storms.
Locations impacted include...
High Point, Asheboro, Lexington, Albemarle, Randleman, Troy, Badin
Lake, North Carolina Zoo, Thomasville and Biscoe.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter in a nearby building or vehicle. Wind gusts as high as
50 mph are capable of knocking down small or weakened trees and
blowing around trash cans, potted plants, lawn furniture and other
light outdoor objects.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning, especially in urban areas where prolonged heavy rain
can quickly lead to flooding.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3550 8030 3551 8018 3572 8033 3574 8046
3585 8038 3589 8041 3589 8037 3597 8039
3603 8014 3601 8004 3592 8004 3591 7972
3549 7977 3528 7971 3516 7962 3518 7985
3514 8003 3519 8011 3521 8025 3518 8050
TIME...MOT...LOC 2034Z 265DEG 51KT 3600 8060 3501 8057
ELLISSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
450 PM EDT MON APR 3 2017
NCZ021-022-032145-
Guilford NC-Forsyth NC-
450 PM EDT MON APR 3 2017
...A line of strong thunderstorms will affect portions of Guilford
and Forsyth Counties Until 545 PM EDT...
At 450 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking A line of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near King to near Clemmons.
Movement was east at 45 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with these storms.
Heavy rain and minor flooding and deadly cloud to ground lightning
will also be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Clemmons,
Bermuda Run, McLeansville, Lewisville, Summerfield and Gibsonville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter in a nearby building or vehicle. Wind gusts as high as
50 mph are capable of knocking down small or weakened trees and
blowing around trash cans, potted plants, lawn furniture and other
light outdoor objects.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning, especially in urban areas where prolonged heavy rain
can quickly lead to flooding.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3614 8044 3621 8045 3622 8043 3626 8045
3624 7953 3590 7954 3592 8004 3601 8004
3603 8014 3603 8021 3600 8022 3600 8032
3597 8039 3606 8046 3604 8049 3606 8051
3610 8051
TIME...MOT...LOC 2050Z 271DEG 41KT 3627 8031 3606 8035
EllisSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
453 PM EDT MON APR 3 2017
NCZ083-084-032145-
Richmond NC-Anson NC-
453 PM EDT MON APR 3 2017
...A line of strong thunderstorms will affect portions of Richmond
and Anson Counties Until 545 PM EDT...
At 453 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking A line of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from 10 miles east of Unionville
to near Pageland. Movement was east at 50 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with these storms.
Heavy rain and minor flooding and deadly cloud to ground lightning
will also be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Rockingham, Wadesboro, Hamlet, Ansonville, Hoffman, Polkton, Ellerbe,
Dobbins Heights, Lilesville and Morven.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter in a nearby building or vehicle. Wind gusts as high as
50 mph are capable of knocking down small or weakened trees and
blowing around trash cans, potted plants, lawn furniture and other
light outdoor objects.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning, especially in urban areas where prolonged heavy rain
can quickly lead to flooding.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3519 8028 3521 8026 3516 8022 3517 8020
3515 8018 3519 8012 3514 8007 3514 8003
3518 7985 3517 7962 3512 7957 3507 7957
3506 7948 3503 7948 3499 7957 3494 7959
3491 7956 3485 7963 3482 7962 3482 8032
TIME...MOT...LOC 2053Z 269DEG 45KT 3514 8033 3485 8039
EllisThe Roanoke radar (KFCX), 133 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:13 UTC.
4 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A power line was blown down at the intersection of Liberty Church Drive and Meadowbrook Drive.
A tree and power lines were blown down at the intersection of NC-109 South and Horton Road.
One tree was blown down at the intersection of NC highway 49 south and Union Church Road.
A mobile home was overturned and a large tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds. No one was in the home at the time.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, April 2017
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: 693098, 693097, 693096, 693099.