Scattered thunderstorms developed near the Blue Ridge during the early afternoon, organizing into clusters as they moved east/southeast. Multiple storms and clusters of storms produced brief severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging 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 GSP wrote it up.
Scattered thunderstorms developed near the Blue Ridge during the early afternoon, organizing into clusters as they moved east/southeast. Multiple storms and clusters of storms produced brief severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging 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 Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 23, 9:59 AM EST, 2 hours earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1059 AM EDT Sun Jul 23 2017
.SYNOPSIS...
A cold front will approach the area from the northwest today and
settle across the region Monday through Wednesday. This should
result in a little cooler temperature and better chances for rain
over the next few days.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 1040 AM EDT Sunday: Conditions are looking more favorable for
increased convective coverage this afternoon and early evening. The
potential for severe storms also seems to be increasing. Observed
soundings show a very unstable air mass across much of the CWFA with
increasingly steep mid level lapse rates across NC. DCAPE values are
also very high across the area. Outflow boundaries from the
overnight MCS activity are approaching the area and are already
producing convection to our NW. These boundaries will provide
increasing low level convergence that has been missing the last few
days. The mid level lapse rates have also been missing, along with
any significant bulk shear. While bulk shear values are low,
effective shear values are much higher and increasing ahead of the
MCS boundaries. The latest CAM guidance has also picked up on these
trends and show a broken line of convection developing and moving
into the mountains early this afternoon and sliding SE across the
area through the afternoon and out of the area by early evening. I
have followed these trends for the update showing an area of likely
PoP moving SE through the period. The marginal risk area from SPC is
certainly warranted with an expansion southward or increase to
slight risk possible for the afternoon update.
Temperatures will be hot with humid conditions again today. However,
temps should remain in the mid 90s, so even with less dew point
mixing, heat index values should remain below 105 for the bulk of
the area.
Otherwise...events around the wrn Carolinas have occurred when we
have a few very hot days in a row with limited convection, but then
a subtle change occurs that unleashes pent up energy resulting in
storms more numerous and severe than expected. This could be one of
those days. If that wasn't enough, we will have some potential for
bringing an organized convective system in from the WNW later
tonight. Will keep a chance in the fcst overnight to account for
that.
&&
.SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
As of 300 AM Sunday: a progressive upper trough will deamplify as it
crosses the Appalachians on Monday, then retreating to the New
England coast on Tuesday. At the surface, a cold front is progged to
be draped across the CWFA on Monday, sagging slightly south into the
lower SC Piedmont or the Midlands on Tuesday. Depending on how much
convective overturning occurs on Sunday into Sunday, Monday may end
up being a little less active than the model guidance suggests. The
00z Hires Windows and the NAMnest are now depicting most of the deep
convection off to the east of the area, with only isolated to
scattered weaker activity atop the CWFA Monday aftn. I have lowered
PoPs slightly to trend in this way. However, confidence in the
amount of instability is still low. Temps may also end up being a
tad cooler. However, the 00z MOS guidance has actually trended
warmer than previous runs. In any case, will continue to forecast
highs a category or so above normal.
On Tuesday, the latest operational models now all depict a weak
upper disturbance or possibly an MCV that develops over the lower MS
Valley. This may help enhance convection across the deep south and
to the north along the stalled front. With the overall weak flow
aloft and typical late-July heat and humidity, I expect typical
diurnal convection, expect perhaps a little greater than usual
coverage owing to the lingering front. A small pulse severe threat
can be expected both days.
&&
.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 330 AM Sunday: The medium range starts out 12z Wednesday with
a weak closed 500 mb low trying to develop INVOF the Carolinas under
a building ridge. By the time the low starts to close off, a
northern stream trough will enter the Great Lakes and should kick
the energy out to the east. This trough will continue to dig along
the East Coast Friday into next weekend. At the surface, a weak low
briefly develops along the stalled frontal zone draped across the
Deep South. This wave be at its strongest during the day on
Wednesday, keeping a light easterly low-to-mid level flow across NC.
With a 1025 mb sfc high over New England and models showing plenty
of clouds and precip across the Carolinas, it almost looks like a
weak cold air damming setup. However, low-level thicknesses do not
suggest true damming. So temps will be slightly below normal, but
not as cold as would be with CAD. PoPs will feature basically a
shotgun CHC for now.
From there, with another upper trough digging in across the eastern
CONUS, expect temps to remain near normal to slightly below. PoPs
will be near climo on Thursday, then above climo for Friday with
another front pushing in from the NW. Depending on exactly where the
axis of the upper trough sets up, the unsettled weather may shift
just east of the area, resulting in a relatively dry weekend.
However, the 00z GFS and ECWMF both keep the trough just enough west
to continue at least a chance for diurnal convection.
&&
.AVIATION /15Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: VFR for the balance of the day and evening
along with a light SW wind. The exception will be in thunderstorms,
which are expected to be more numerous this afternoon and evening.
We will see another round of high based Cu forming by midday as we
reach the convective temp. The atmosphere this afternoon is expected
to become highly unstable with sbCAPE on the order of 3000-4000
J/kg. Expect scattered storms to be able to develop over the mtns
and then move outward across the Piedmont on outflow boundaries.
Thus, all sites get an extended PROB30 for the late afternoon and
evening. May need to convert to a TEMPO at KCLT for the morning
update. After storms die down this evening, we look to the west for
a possible organized convective system late this evening. The
guidance suggests a storm threat all the way through the end of the
period, but the fcst will leave it out for the time being.
Outlook: Increasing chances of convection will continue into the
middle of next week ahead of a series of weakening cold fronts.
Overnight restrictions will continue in the mountain valleys with
chance increasing elsewhere.
Confidence Table...
15-21Z 21-03Z 03-09Z 09-12Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGSP High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAVL High 100% High 100% High 100% High 86%
KHKY High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGMU High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAND High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
The percentage reflects the number of guidance members agreeing
with the scheduled TAF issuance flight rule category. Complete hourly
experimental aviation forecast consistency tables and ensemble forecasts
are available at the following link:
www.weather.gov/gsp/aviation
&&
.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
NC...None.
SC...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...ARK
NEAR TERM...PM/RWH
SHORT TERM...ARK
LONG TERM...ARK
AVIATION...PM/RWHHazardous Weather Outlook...CORRECTED National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 557 AM EDT Sun Jul 23 2017 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-241000- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Avery-Alexander- Iredell-Davie-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Catawba- Rowan-Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania- Henderson-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union- 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-Chester-Greenwood- 557 AM EDT Sun Jul 23 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop across the area this afternoon into early evening. The air mass in place is expected to become moderately to highly unstable. Therefore, many of the storms may become severe, capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail. This is in addition to the usual threat of cloud- to-ground lightning and locally heavy rainfall. While most of the activity will diminish after sunset, additional thunderstorms may move into western North Carolina from Tennessee and Virginia overnight, bringing a second round of thunderstorms producing lightning and gusty winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. ..Monday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..Tuesday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..Wednesday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..Thursday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..Friday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None. ARK
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
935 AM EDT SUN JUL 23 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0640 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 ESE FARMINGTON 36.00N 80.50W
07/22/2017 DAVIE NC PUBLIC
ONE LARGE TREE DOWN ON RAINBOW ROAD ALONG WITH SEVERAL
OTHER LARGE LIMBS DOWN.
&&
OUTLAWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1151 AM EDT SUN JUL 23 2017
NCZ033-048>050-052-053-503-231630-
Buncombe NC-Haywood NC-Yancey NC-Burke Mountains NC-Madison NC-
Avery NC-Mitchell NC-
1151 AM EDT SUN JUL 23 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT MADISON...MITCHELL...SOUTHERN
AVERY...NORTHWESTERN BUNCOMBE...FAR NORTHEAST HAYWOOD...AND YANCEY
COUNTIES UNTIL 1230 PM EDT...
At 1151 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated strong thunderstorms along a
line extending from 8 miles northeast of Burnsville to 11 miles west
of Marshall, and moving east at 30 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Spruce Pine, Burnsville, Marshall, Mars Hill, Hot Springs,
Bakersville, Crossnore, Linville Falls, Leicester and Weaverville.
Wind gusts up to 45 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.
These storms 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 3600 8178 3595 8193 3596 8195 3593 8196
3563 8278 3578 8304 3577 8299 3584 8292
3586 8292 3597 8261 3595 8256 3601 8246
3604 8244 3610 8227
TIME...MOT...LOC 1551Z 277DEG 24KT 3603 8224 3582 8288
08Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1236 PM EDT SUN JUL 23 2017
NCZ053-231700-
Buncombe NC-
1236 PM EDT SUN JUL 23 2017
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT
NORTHEASTERN BUNCOMBE COUNTY UNTIL 100 PM EDT...
At 1236 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with
intense lightning 8 miles southeast of Marshall, or near Weaverville,
moving southeast at 15 mph.
Locations to be impacted include... Asheville, Woodfin, Weaverville,
B.R. Parkway from East Asheville To Craggy Gardens, Warren Wilson
College, West Asheville and Biltmore Forest.
In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 55 mph and nickel
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.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3567 8231 3554 8256 3574 8266 3580 8252
3580 8247 3581 8246
TIME...MOT...LOC 1636Z 325DEG 12KT 3574 8255
08Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 1259 PM EDT SUN JUL 23 2017 NCZ036-069-071-231730- Iredell NC-Lincoln NC-Mecklenburg NC- 1259 PM EDT SUN JUL 23 2017 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL IREDELL...EASTERN LINCOLN AND NORTHWESTERN MECKLENBURG COUNTIES UNTIL 130 PM EDT... At 1259 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10 miles northwest of Huntersville, or near Westport. This storm was nearly stationary. Locations to be impacted include... Huntersville, Westport, Denver, Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius, Lake Norman and Lowesville. Wind gusts up to 40 mph 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. The southern part of Lake Norman is in the path of this storm. Cloud to ground lightning and gusty winds will create dangerous boating conditions. Move to shore immediately. && LAT...LON 3543 8108 3554 8109 3555 8088 3541 8087 TIME...MOT...LOC 1659Z 270DEG 3KT 3548 8101 08
The Greer radar (KGSP), 118 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:57 UTC.
9 thunderstorm wind, 4 hail, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Media reported numerous trees and power lines blown down along Pax Hill Road and additional trees down at Highway 18 and Antioch Rd.
Media reported quarter size hail in the Chesterfield community.
Media reported multiple trees blown down from the east side of Valdese, across Connelly Springs, to north of Icard. One tree fell on a house on Hauss Ridge Road, which caused a fire.
EM reported multiple trees blown down at Stacy Hill Rd and Highway 70.
EM reported numerous trees and large limbs blown down in the Old Fort area, including on Parker Padgett Rd, Greenlee Rd, Ebenezer Rd, Lackey Town Rd, and in the Moffitt Hill community.
FD reported multiple trees blown down east of Fletcher.
County comms reported numerous trees and power lines blown down from the Lake Lure area, across Shingle Hollow, to near Rutherfordton. A tree was blown down on a house near Rutherfordton.
Public reported quarter size hail in the Ellenboro area.
County comms reported multiple trees blown down just west of Harrisburg.
Spotter reported nickel size hail near Concord.
County comms reported several trees blown down in the Mint Hill area.
Public reported (via Social Media) trees blown down in the Pineville area.
Spotter reported quarter size hail south of Monroe.
After a slow-moving cluster of thunderstorms produced up to around 3 inches of rain over the area in less than two hours, county comms reported multiple roads closed due to high water resulting from poor drainage issues as well as flooding of small streams, primarily in the Wingate and Marshville areas.
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, July 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: 715438, 715449, 715439, 715441, 715440, 715442, 715443, 715450, 715444, 715448, 715445, 715446, 715447, 715578.