Multiple clusters of afternoon thunderstorms developed near a surface trough across Upstate South Carolina and the North Carolina foothills during the afternoon and moved east into the Piedmont during the afternoon and early evening. Several areas of wind damage occurred, mainly across the southern Piedmont.
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.
Multiple clusters of afternoon thunderstorms developed near a surface trough across Upstate South Carolina and the North Carolina foothills during the afternoon and moved east into the Piedmont during the afternoon and early evening. Several areas of wind damage occurred, mainly across the southern Piedmont.
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 28, 3:34 PM EST, 12 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
434 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017
.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will cross the region from the west through
tonight. Cooler and drier air will arrive across the western
Carolinas and northeast Georgia through the weekend and linger
through the early part of next week. More typical summertime
conditions will return about the middle of next week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 430 PM: Loosely organized tstms are oriented just west of I-77
attm. Per SPC Mesoanalysis SBCAPE in this area is near 3000 J/kg,
and given DCAPE exceeding 1000 J it is no surprise that strong
gust fronts characterized by 30-40 kt peak gusts being present
all along the line. Numerous wind damage reports have come in
from the Upstate indicating pockets of stronger downdrafts; hence
liberal use of SVRs. Height falls/tightening height gradient is
expected to result in improving shear throughout the afternoon,
with 0-3km values likely reaching 20-25 kts by late afternoon. This
will be adequate to support continued clustering along cold pools,
supporting a risk of localized damaging winds, especially across
the Piedmont.
A lull in convection of at least a couple of hours appears
to be in the offing once the existing lines exit the area by
about 600 PM. However, we will have to monitor convective trend
across the TN Valley (ahead of the cold front) this afternoon,
as any activity developing that way could find its way into our
far western areas this evening. So far, the air mass across East
Tennessee is struggling to recover from the morning showers that
moved across that area. However, numerous, albeit not especially
strong showers and storms are developing at the leading edge of
an axis of 2000+ sbCAPE across west/middle Tennessee. The more
robust shear remains across the Ohio Valley, and given the rather
modest levels of instability, especially east of the Cumberland
Plateau. While some of those West-Middle TN storms are weakly
organizing much as our local activity has, it looks unlikely
they will grow upscape into a truly organized MCS. Nevertheless,
we will feature likely pops across the mtns this evening, tapering
to chances east of the Blue Ridge for scattered to numerous showers
and a few storms moving into our western areas this evening.
With low level moisture remaining abundant, and mid/upper level
clearing, fog formation is possible late tonight, especially
in sheltered areas, where it could become locally dense. Deeper
moisture and wind shift associated with cold front is expected
to ooze to our southern areas, or just to our south by sunrise
Saturday. Token small pops will be maintained in these areas through
the day, as well as across the mtns (for a relatively moist NW
flow), and across the eastern zones (due to upper level thermal
trough developing in association with Mid-Atlantic upper low).
Otherwise, drier and stable air will preclude the need for pops
elsewhere, while lower thickness values will support max temps
slightly below climo.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 200 PM EDT Friday: A deep trough will extend southwest from a
closed low pressure system over the DelMarVa area through the
western Carolinas Saturday night through Sunday. Deeper moisture
will wrap southward around the back side of the system to contribute
some cloudiness to the northern tier, but any shower chances
Saturday night into early Sunday look rather low. Northerly cold
advection flow will maximize during this period with thicknesses
bottoming out across the region to produce min/max temps 1 to 2
categories below climo.
Meanwhile, at the surface sprawling high pressure will build from
the upper Midwest to the east coast and nose southward through the
western Carolinas and northeast Georgia through Monday. Modest
surface dewpoint recovery will begin in southwest sections by Monday
afternoon, but the potential for any southwest mountain ridge
diurnal convection looks quite limited.
&&
.LONG TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 210 PM EDT Friday: The eastern trough will broaden in the
Tuesday to Friday timeframe as it gets reinforced by rounds of
digging shortwave energy arriving from Manitoba and Ontario. Under
the developing broad ridge, the airmass over the southeast will
continue to modify through the week with temperatures gradually
returning to normal. Diurnal convective coverage from terrain
forcing will increase each afternoon Tuesday through Thursday.
Deeper moisture will pool ahead of a cold front approaching from the
northwest on Friday to generate above climo PoPs.
&&
.AVIATION /21Z FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Showers and storms moving off the Blue Ridge
are expected to expand in coverage and intensity as they move east
across the area through late afternoon. Tempos for TSRA are included
at all terminals...beginning now at all sites except KCLT, and at
20Z at KCLT. Occl visby and/or cig restrictions are likely during
brief periods of heavy rain. Showers and storms are expected to
diminish in coverage from late afternoon into the early evening.
However, additional activity developing ahead of a cold front over
the TN Valley may then move into the area during mid/late evening.
VCSH and Prob30s therefore linger into the early part of the
overnight at all TAF sites. The concern then shifts to the potential
for fog and/or stratus late tonight, as low level moisture remains
plentiful, and mid/upper levels begin to dry. For the time being,
late night/early morning restrictions are confined to KAVL/KHKY, but
more widespread restrictions are certainly possible. SW winds may
gust at times this afternoon, diminishing to 5-10 kts by mid-evening
or so. Winds then shift to the NW at most terminals by mid-morning,
with speeds of 5-10 kts expected (10-15 kts and possibly gusty at
KAVL).
Outlook: Drier air will filter in from the north behind a passing
cold front this weekend. Chances for morning fog and stratus will
also be possible mainly in the mountain valleys. A typical
summer-time pattern is expected to return by the middle of next week.
Confidence Table...
20-02Z 02-08Z 08-14Z 14-18Z
KCLT High 100% High 87% High 90% High 100%
KGSP High 100% High 100% High 95% High 100%
KAVL High 98% High 86% Med 76% High 98%
KHKY High 86% High 97% Med 75% High 100%
KGMU High 100% High 95% High 94% High 100%
KAND High 98% High 94% Med 68% 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...HG
NEAR TERM...JDL/Wimberley
SHORT TERM...HG
LONG TERM...HG
AVIATION...JDLHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 346 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-048>053-058-059-062>065-501>510- SCZ001>007-010>012-019-292000- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Avery-Madison-Yancey- Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon- Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson-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-Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Greenwood- 346 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina, and the central and western Upstate of South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Isolated thunderstorms may redevelop from the west along an approaching cold front later this evening. A few cloud to ground lightning strikes will be possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. ..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..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. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None. NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-SCZ008-009-013-014-292000- Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston- Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union-Cherokee-York-Chester- 346 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for piedmont North Carolina and the eastern Upstate of South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Numerous thunderstorms will sweep east through the Interstate 77 corridor in the piedmont of the Carolinas late this afternoon through early this evening. The main threat will be damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning will occur with these thunderstorms and the heaviest downpours could produce isolated flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. ..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time. ..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. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are asked to relay any reports of severe weather or flooding to the National Weather Service. HG
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
414 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0335 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 SE SPARTANBURG 34.93N 81.90W
07/28/2017 SPARTANBURG SC 911 CALL CENTER
TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN ALONG WASHINGTON ROAD IN THE
DRAYTON COMMUNITY.
&&
HGPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
416 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0337 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NNE SPARTANBURG 34.97N 81.91W
07/28/2017 SPARTANBURG SC 911 CALL CENTER
TREES DOWN ALONG FLOYD STREET.
&&
HGPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
419 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0320 PM TSTM WND DMG 4 NNW LYMAN 35.00N 82.16W
07/28/2017 SPARTANBURG SC 911 CALL CENTER
TREES AND POWERLINES DOWN IN THE 1200 BLOCK OF HAMPTON
ROAD IN THE HOLLY SPRINGS AREA.
&&
HGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
426 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
NCZ035-036-056-282100-
Iredell NC-Alexander NC-Catawba NC-
426 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
...A CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT
EASTERN CATAWBA...ALEXANDER AND IREDELL COUNTIES UNTIL 500 PM EDT...
At 426 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated the leading edge of a cluster
of thunderstorms with intense lightning along a line extending from 7
miles northeast of Taylorsville to 10 miles east of Newton, and
moving east at 20 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Statesville, Taylorsville, Mooresville, Troutman, Stony Point,
Catawba, Harmony, Love Valley, Lake Norman and Lookout Shoals Lake.
In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 50 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.
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 these storms. 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 storms approach.
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 3605 8071 3600 8070 3585 8071 3568 8077
3557 8075 3556 8107 3601 8129 3603 8127
3604 8120 3603 8118 3603 8117 3604 8113
3603 8107 3606 8098
TIME...MOT...LOC 2026Z 255DEG 19KT 3599 8109 3564 8103
RWHPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
442 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0426 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 WSW TEGA CAY 35.02N 81.07W
07/28/2017 YORK SC LAW ENFORCEMENT
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED A TREE DOWN ON MT GALLANT RD
AT MUSEUM RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
&&
LECPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
444 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0426 PM TSTM WND DMG 5 WSW TEGA CAY 35.01N 81.10W
07/28/2017 YORK SC LAW ENFORCEMENT
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED A TREE DOWN ON BOWATER RD IN
RIVER PINES.
&&
LECThe Greer radar (KGSP), 127 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:45 UTC.
3 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Multiple sources reported multiple trees, large limbs, and power lines blown down across Charlotte, especially on the south and east side of the city. Trees fell on homes on Mint St and on Gladstone Ln.
County comms reported multiple trees blown down on Whites Farm Rd/Shumaker Rd.
Law enforcement reported trees blown down on Flagstone Ln.
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: 715575, 715577, 715576.