Scattered thunderstorms developed along the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and moved east/southeast. One of the storms produced brief damaging winds in Lincoln County.
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 along the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and moved east/southeast. One of the storms produced brief damaging winds in Lincoln County.
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 May 31, 2:05 PM EST, 57 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
305 PM EDT Wed May 31 2017
.SYNOPSIS...
A weak cold front slowly moves through the area early Thursday.
Dry high pressure will follow the front for late Thursday and
Friday, but as high pressure slides offshore, moist southerly flow
returns and shower and thunderstorm chances increase heading into
the weekend. Temperatures will remain near normal until another
cold front moves through the region early next week with drier
and cooler conditions to follow.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 235 PM EDT: a few widely sct cells have begun to develop across
the CWFA over the past hour or so with one cell producing a few cloud
to ground lightning strikes. The latest CAM guidance has not changed
much since earlier today with additional convection expected to fire
off the escarpment and higher terrain over the next few hours and drift
eastward. Coverage still looks hit or miss for most locations, but the
region along the escarpment will likely have the best coverage overall.
Convection should die down after 00z or so, with instability waning.
Otherwise, the axis of the broad upper trough will continue to shift
east across the Ohio Valley, as steep upper ridging persists over the
Rockies. The deeper moisture will shift SE later this evening as broad
sfc high pressure begins to spread over the fcst area. This trend will
continue thru tomorrow with winds becoming NWLY by late morning and
remaining WLY TO NWLY thru the evening. Convection potential looks
lower tomorrow than the past couple of days with minimal instability
across the CWFA, but some isolated to sct coverage is possible. The
severe threat looks very low. Overnight low temps should be near normal
with some patchy fog likely to develop. High temps tomorrow will be
similar to today, if not a degree or 2 higher.
&&
.SHORT TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/...
As of 240 PM Wednesday: The end of the week looks fairly uneventful
as we remain in an overall W/NW flow aloft with a lack of mid/upper
forcing and a relatively dry air mass, which should be generally
unfavorable to diurnal convection. The trend in the new guidance
is for less in the way of convection each day and the new forecast
follows that trend. The model guidance is especially uninterested
in convective development on Friday, so we have cut back to only a
slight chance over the higher terrain of the central and southern
mountains of NC that ends around sunset. Saturday afternoon holds
a better opportunity for convection, but nothing more than climo
at best if the model trend is correct, so we have cut back to a
chance over the higher terrain and a slight chance outside the
mtns. Some of the convection could linger into the evening east of
the Blue Ridge, but should end by midnight. Little indication of
any MCS activity, so the fcst will be dry for the pre-dawn hours
on Sunday. Temps will be seasonally warm with a warming trend from
Friday into Saturday.
&&
.LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
A shortwave moves across the Great Lakes Sunday afternoon with
an attendant weak trough axis moving across the region that may
help to increase shower and thunderstorm coverage given moist
southerly low-level flow on the back side of a subtropical ridge.
However, instability parameters are rather anemic, with weak
deep-layer shear, a deep boundary layer, and moist mid-levels
(poor lapse-rates) leading to unimpressive CAPE. This appears
to be a change from previous guidance which had more robust
shear parameters. Given previous guidance and potential modest
shortwave forcing in a moist environment, we will have to continue
to monitor the potential for storms but scattered coverage of
showers is still expected at this time.
On Monday, the guidance is in better agreement about a positively
tilted closed upper-level low dropping south over the Great Lakes
while we remain in a moist, southwesterly flow. The presence of
this deeper trough in advance of an attendant cold front to our
west should increase shear and lower our LCLs, thereby increasing
CAPE across the area and increasing the potential for some stronger
storms. Nevertheless, heading into Tuesday, while guidance is in
disagreement regarding the progressiveness of the upper-level low,
precip chances wane as the cold front moves through.
It appears the operational guidance (GFS/Canadian/ECMWF) has slowed
the frontal passage from the evening runs. There is plenty of time
to nail down the details, but the current forecast is essentially
a blend of the guidance and is closest to the 12 UTC GFS with a
Tuesday afternoon passage.
In advance of the front, high temperatures will remain near-normal
with low-temperatures up to 5 degrees above normal with high
humidity and cloud cover. Below-normal high and low temperatures
are in store by Tuesday as the front moves through the region and
the dry continental airmass brings an unusual reprieve from what
should be early summer heat and humidity. High temperatures may be
hard-pressed to reach 80 in the Piedmont under mostly sunny skies
next Wednesday, with dewpoints in the mid 50s. If this comes to
pass, this childhood Yankee will be the first to celebrate.
&&
.AVIATION /19Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: expect VFR conditions thru TAF period with
a TEMPO from 20 to 23z for reduced visby and gusty winds from TSRA
at KCLT. Confidence is not very high that convection will affect the
site, but it is high enough to include the TEMPO. Otherwise, sct mid
and high clouds will continue to stream over roughly the southeastern
half of the CWFA area thru the afternoon with isolated to scattered
SHRA and TSRA likely to develop across the Blue Ridge and drift east
into the Piedmont. Conditions should clear out later this evening,
with patchy fog possible where precip occurs. Drier conditions are
expected tomorrow under broad high pressure, and winds should veer
around to NWLY by the late morning.
Outlook: we get back into a warm-season pattern on Friday that will
allow a return of afternoon SHRA/TSRA through the weekend.
Confidence Table...
19-01Z 01-07Z 07-13Z 13-18Z
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 100%
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...JMP
NEAR TERM...JPT
SHORT TERM...PM
LONG TERM...JMP
AVIATION...JPTHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 410 AM EDT Wed May 31 2017 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-010815- 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- 410 AM EDT Wed May 31 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 showers and thunderstorms will continue into the evening. Strong gusty winds, brief heavy rainfall, and frequent cloud to ground lightning could occur with any of the storms. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. ..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. ..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. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
319 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
NCZ508-510-SCZ002-003-005>007-311945-
Greater Rutherford NC-Eastern Polk NC-Pickens Mountains SC-
Greater Pickens SC-Greenville Mountains SC-Spartanburg SC-
Greater Greenville SC-
319 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
...A CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN RUTHERFORD...
SOUTHEASTERN POLK...NORTHERN GREENVILLE...NORTHWESTERN SPARTANBURG
AND PICKENS COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM EDT...
At 318 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated the leading edge of a cluster
of thunderstorms along a line extending from 4 miles south of
Rutherfordton to 14 miles north of Greenville Downtown to 13 miles
northwest of Pickens, and moving southeast at 10 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Forest City, Rutherfordton, Pickens, Columbus, Easley, Greer,
Taylors, Berea, Travelers Rest and Spindale.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph, pea size hail and very heavy rainfall rates
up to 2 inches per hour 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3481 8290 3495 8291 3499 8294 3502 8292
3511 8250 3519 8233 3520 8226 3522 8227
3539 8193 3529 8173 3518 8177 3518 8187
3512 8184 3491 8226 3479 8288
TIME...MOT...LOC 1918Z 315DEG 9KT 3530 8195 3506 8244 3496 8293
TDPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
335 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
NCZ068-312000-
Cleveland NC-
335 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL CLEVELAND COUNTY UNTIL
400 PM EDT...
At 335 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles east of Forest City, or near Ellenboro, moving east at 15 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Shelby, Boiling Springs NC, Belwood, Lawndale, Patterson Springs,
Fallston, Polkville, Lattimore, Mooresboro and Earl.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph, pea size hail and very heavy rainfall rates
up to 2 inches per hour 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3550 8150 3517 8147 3523 8176 3535 8170
3545 8170
TIME...MOT...LOC 1935Z 264DEG 14KT 3534 8174
TDPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
340 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
NCZ056-069-312015-
Lincoln NC-Catawba NC-
340 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN CATAWBA AND EASTERN
LINCOLN COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM EDT...
At 340 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles south of Newton, or near Maiden, moving east at 20 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Newton, Lincolnton, Maiden, Westport, Boger City, Iron Station,
Denver, Lake Norman, Lowesville and Sherrills Ford.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph, pea size hail and very heavy rainfall rates
up to 2 inches per hour 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3561 8094 3559 8093 3557 8096 3555 8096
3553 8094 3553 8095 3550 8096 3549 8095
3547 8095 3545 8094 3543 8096 3540 8096
3540 8103 3549 8133 3567 8129 3565 8096
3562 8092
TIME...MOT...LOC 1940Z 281DEG 19KT 3557 8122
TDPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
345 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
SCZ002-003-005>007-312015-
Pickens Mountains SC-Greater Pickens SC-Greenville Mountains SC-
Spartanburg SC-Greater Greenville SC-
345 PM EDT WED MAY 31 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN GREENVILLE...
NORTHWESTERN SPARTANBURG AND PICKENS COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM EDT...
At 345 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated strong thunderstorms along a
line extending from 8 miles south of Columbus to 10 miles west of
Pickens, and moving southeast at 10 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Pickens, Easley, Greer, Taylors, Berea, Boiling Springs SC, Travelers
Rest, Lyman, Slater-Marietta and Inman.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph, pea size hail and very heavy rainfall rates
up to 2 inches per hour 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3477 8289 3479 8288 3482 8290 3490 8291
3491 8290 3492 8291 3494 8290 3495 8291
3496 8291 3497 8292 3498 8294 3518 8216
3502 8186 3475 8288
TIME...MOT...LOC 1945Z 316DEG 7KT 3512 8219 3494 8288
TDPThe Greer radar (KGSP), 118 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:04 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
County comms reported a tree blown down on a house and a carport blown down on two vehicles on Reinhardt Cir. Other trees were blown down along Highway 73.
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, May 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: 704628.