South Carolina, 2018

Damaging Winds in South Carolina, June 24, 2018

June 24, 2018 · NWS GSP · 7 events in 5 counties and zones

Scattered thunderstorms and clusters of storms developed over and moved in from the west over Upstate South Carolina throughout the afternoon. Some of the storms produced areas of wind damage.

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

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The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
7

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 GSP wrote it up.

Scattered thunderstorms and clusters of storms developed over and moved in from the west over Upstate South Carolina throughout the afternoon. Some of the storms produced areas of wind damage.

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 Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 24, 1:46 PM EST, 1 hour 39 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 24, 1:46 PM EST, 1 hour 39 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
246 PM EDT Sun Jun 24 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will persist through Monday as
the region remains in a warm and humid airmass. A weak cold front
will drop into the forecast area early next week, bringing more
seasonable temperatures Tuesday. A passing trough will increase
chances for showers and storms Wednesday, with hot weather returning
to end the week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 230pm EDT Sunday: Stationary or slowly sagging front lies
along north extent of surface high over the Gulf of Mexico/FL, with
lee trough lifting northeastward. Winds veer to northwesterly
and weaken in vicinity of front as it sags southward into part
of the area. 850mb winds also weaken tonight with todays
slightly gusty westerlies ending near sunset, and less wind on
Monday (except near thunderstorms). Model soundings have
moderate levels of instability with some capping and limited
forcing, with region between upper waves and fairly flat mid-
level flow. With help from initiation over higher terrain, some
afternoon thunderstorms approaching severe limits are possible
today, declining after sunset. CAMs are somewhat variable in
coverage, but have had a tendency to produce the strongest
updrafts to the east, but there is some chance for showers most
locations this afternoon.

Potentially more significant convection will occur on Tuesday when
SPC has the area in a marginal risk category with some prospect for
an upgrade to slight.  NAM and extended HRRR have shown an MCS with
an MCV structure propagating along frontal zone from IL to TN,
reaching the GSP area Monday afternoon.  Timing is favorable for
continuing any severe convection with this feature.  If this feature
becomes sufficiently organized, more wide spread severe winds
may be possible.

Temperatures will remain 5 or so degrees above seasonal normals as
weak sagging front does little to change the air mass.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 230 PM EDT Sunday: A potent packet of energy will be crossing
our forecast area (FA) Monday evening, all still tied into the NWLY
flow aloft. Meanwhile the meandering weak surface front will settle
into our southern forecast area (FA) Monday night, or just south by
Tuesday morning. Depending on how the convection works out earlier,
our trend is to decrease POPS from the west and north through Monday
night, with some low end chance in our south by daybreak Tuesday.

Tuesday appears to be an odd weather day with a surface wedge-like
configuration, while moisture tries to return to our southern and
western areas particularly on a developing east to southeast flow.
POPS will go back up, actually to likely in the afternoon, over our
east facing slopes. We have tried to have a minimum in POPS over our
northeast FA,

We then draw POPS back to slight chance in the mountains Tuesday
night, although some lingering light rain or drizzle might still be
in the cards for the far south. We will leave that out for now.

Another shot of energy will be approaching Wednesday. Although the
solutions from the various deterministic models vary on the
strength, the trend remains. We will follow with taking POPS back up
to likely in our western FA Wednesday afternoon, and chance POPS
elsewhere at this time.

Temperatures will be knocked back with the clouds and potential
precipitation, but fairly uniform with the guidance.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 210 pm Sunday: Upper trough that will be impacting the region
during the short term is expected to shift east of the forecast area
Wed night/early Thursday, allowing the strengthening subtropical
ridge to build into eastern Conus from mid-to-late week. The
forecast area should be far enough displaced from the axis of the
ridge that sufficient instability and weak capping are expected to
support diurnal convection each day through the period. The main
story will be the persistent heat, as max temps in the mid-90s and
lows in the lower-to-mid 70s are expected across much of the
Piedmont and foothills through the period (around 90 in the mtn
valleys), with maximum heat indices likely reaching the 98-102 range
east of the mtns each afternoon.

&&

.AVIATION /19Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Increasing clouds this afternoon with
ceilings near 5000 ft, with showers and thunderstorms possible until
sunset.  Hi-res models are somewhat variable in placement and
coverage of convection today, but tend to have more coverage in
eastern areas, including KCLT and KHKY.  Winds are a little gusty
this afternoon as 850mb winds are still 15 to 20kts, but will relax
near sunset  Winds are expected to veer to become more northwesterly
overnight as lee trough moves eastward and a week front sags into
the area.  More showers and thunderstorms are possible Monday
afternoon as a low-level disturbance/MCV approaches the region.  Fog
is expected to be limited to mountain valleys Monday morning, with
only KAVL being worthy of mention at this point.

Outlook: A slow-moving or stalled front will bring better chances
for convection starting Monday and continuing through the week.
Patchy morning fog and/or low stratus may increase as well in
mountain valleys and/or locations with wet ground.

Confidence Table...

            18-24Z        00-06Z        06-12Z        12-18Z
KCLT       High 100%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KGSP       High 100%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KAVL       High 100%     High 100%     High  87%     High  91%
KHKY       High 100%     High 100%     High  95%     High  91%
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...Wimberley
NEAR TERM...WJM
SHORT TERM...TS
LONG TERM...JDL
AVIATION...WJM
Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 24, 4:25 AM EST, 11 hours before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
525 AM EDT Sun Jun 24 2018

GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065-
068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-250930-
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-
525 AM EDT Sun Jun 24 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont
North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected today and tonight.
Cloud-to-ground lightning, gusty winds, and torrential rainfall will
be possible with any of these storms.

.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.

Wimberley

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jun 24, 2:44 PM EST, 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
344 PM EDT SUN JUN 24 2018

SCZ007-008-242015-
Cherokee SC-Spartanburg SC-
344 PM EDT SUN JUN 24 2018

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN SPARTANBURG AND
NORTHWESTERN CHEROKEE COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM EDT...

At 343 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles north of Spartanburg, or 5 miles west of Chesnee, moving east
at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Boiling Springs SC, Cowpens, Mayo, Chesnee, Cowpens National
Battlefield, Lake Bowen and Fingerville.

Wind gusts up to 40 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.

&&

LAT...LON 3510 8215 3519 8206 3519 8205 3518 8172
      3518 8171 3494 8182
TIME...MOT...LOC 1943Z 291DEG 8KT 3513 8195

HG
Special weather statement, Jun 24, 2:58 PM EST, 27 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
358 PM EDT SUN JUN 24 2018

NCZ048-242030-
Madison NC-
358 PM EDT SUN JUN 24 2018

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WESTERN MADISON COUNTY UNTIL 430
PM EDT...

At 357 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles east of Newport, or 8 miles northwest of Hot Springs, moving
east at 10 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Hot Springs, Spring Creek, Allenstand and Walnut.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch 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.

&&

LAT...LON 3604 8261 3603 8259 3600 8261 3599 8260
      3574 8276 3583 8294 3584 8292 3587 8292
      3588 8290 3593 8292 3593 8290 3594 8290
      3595 8287 3595 8285 3592 8282 3597 8278
      3599 8279 3600 8277 3605 8268
TIME...MOT...LOC 1957Z 291DEG 8KT 3596 8294

HG
Special weather statement, Jun 24, 3:00 PM EST, 25 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
400 PM EDT SUN JUN 24 2018

GAZ017-018-NCZ059-063-SCZ001-242030-
Stephens GA-Habersham GA-Southern Jackson NC-Northern Jackson NC-
Oconee Mountains SC-
400 PM EDT SUN JUN 24 2018

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT STEPHENS...CENTRAL HABERSHAM...
JACKSON AND OCONEE COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM EDT...

At 400 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated strong thunderstorms along a
line extending from 3 miles north of Franklin to 7 miles northeast of
Clayton to 3 miles north of Clarkesville, and moving east at 35 mph.

Locations to be impacted include...
Toccoa, Walhalla, Sylva, Clarkesville, Cullowhee, Westminster,
Webster, Martin, Avalon and Cashiers.

Wind gusts up to 45 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.

&&

LAT...LON 3475 8356 3476 8356 3472 8335 3488 8324
      3494 8311 3499 8310 3524 8322 3524 8329
      3534 8334 3543 8306 3529 8292 3505 8306
      3505 8290 3499 8294 3481 8290 3460 8317
      3454 8310 3448 8318 3447 8332 3462 8364
TIME...MOT...LOC 2000Z 289DEG 30KT 3524 8337 3497 8333 3466 8354

HG
Local storm report, Jun 24, 3:11 PM EST, 14 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jun 24, 3:21 PM EST, 4 minutes before
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The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 81 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:25 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

7 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oconee

When
June 24, 3:25 PM EST to 3:34 PM EST
Where
Oconee County, 5.03 mi NNE of Mountain Rest to 1.3 mi SSE of Jocassee
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
34.935, -83.110

County comms reported muliple trees blown down across the northern part of Oconee County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spartanburg

When
June 24, 3:32 PM EST
Where
Spartanburg County, 1.38 mi N of Mayo
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.100, -81.870

County comms reported several trees blown down in the Mayo area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pickens

When
June 24, 3:49 PM EST to 3:53 PM EST
Where
Pickens County, 1.77 mi SW of Crow Creek to 2.5 mi N of Pickens
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
34.901, -82.771

Multiple sources reported multiple trees blown down in Pickens County, mainly across the central part of the county, with trees down on Rushmore Dr and Fox Squirrel Ridge Rd in Pickens. Additional sporadic tree damage was reported elsewhere in the county, including in Six Mile and Easley.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oconee

When
June 24, 3:54 PM EST
Where
Oconee County, 0.9 mi SW of Fair Play
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.510, -82.990

Public reported a few trees blown down in the Fair Play area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spartanburg

When
June 24, 4:12 PM EST
Where
Spartanburg County, 0.57 mi W of Fingerville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.130, -82.010

County comms reported multiple trees and power lines blown down in the Fingerville area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greenville

When
June 24, 4:20 PM EST
Where
Greenville County, 1.59 mi E of Woodside
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
34.870, -82.372

County comms reported multiple trees and power lines blown down along Wade Hampton Bvd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
June 24, 6:12 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.84 mi SW of Baldwin Mills
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
34.684, -81.256

County comms reported a tree and power lines blown down on Meadowbrook Road.

What these are

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.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in South Carolina in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in South Carolina, June 2018

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 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 768937, 768938, 768945, 768947, 768948, 768952, 768953.