A large area of moderate to heavy rain showers, along with embedded clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms moved slowly across western North Carolina throughout the morning and into the afternoon of the 19th ahead of a slow-moving cold front. Some of the storms produced a couple of isolated, weak tornadoes and locally 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.
A large area of moderate to heavy rain showers, along with embedded clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms moved slowly across western North Carolina throughout the morning and into the afternoon of the 19th ahead of a slow-moving cold front. Some of the storms produced a couple of isolated, weak tornadoes and locally damaging winds. However, the larger impact was from flash flooding resulting from a swath of 4 to 7 inches of rain that fell across portions of the mountains.
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 Apr 19, 5:54 AM EST, 2 hours 26 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
654 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will move through the forecast area today
bringing showers and thunderstorms to the region. There is a
good chance that some of these storms could become severe as
the front moves through the area. Cooler temperatures and
lingering showers are expected behind the front. Temperatures
will warm again by early next week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 650 AM...Latest radar imagery showed a well defined line
thunderstorms extending north out of the Gulf fo Mexico into the
Southern Appalachians. Some thunderstorms have been strong to severe
with a couple of warnings already issued this morning (no damage
reports so far). Rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour raise some
hydro concerns, but the line is moving just fast enough to alleviate
these concerns somewhat. However, there is the potential that this
line will slow down or training of storms could become more
prevalent, increasing this risk. Have tweaked PoPs and other avn
grids to match the latest trends.
Otherwise, the big story continues to be the dynamic upper low
pressing east into the Deep South and the associated severe weather
potential for our area later today. The latest radar showed an
organized line of convection (QLCS) stretching north to south from
the Gulf of Mexico into eastern TN. The upper low responsible for
this line of convection is expected to close off across northern MS
this afternoon before curling east and then northeast into the
southern to mid Appalachian mtns tonight. The closed low will slow
down somewhat while beginning to acquire a negative tilt. This will
likely do two things. One, it will provide a significant couplet of
strong synoptic ascending and descending air associated with a 120
kt jet streak overhead. Two, the slowing should allow for diurnal
instability (especially for the I-77 corridor) to be able to tap
into strong shear (0-1 km BS of 40+ kts) just above the surface (two
key ingredients for severe weather). The leading line of convection
(QLCS) looks to have the greatest widespread severe threat after 11
am with severe winds (in excess of 58 mph) the primary threat due to
the potential for a strong rear inflow jet associated with the QLCS
with a secondary threat for both tornadoes and severe hail. In fact
SPC has issued an moderate risk of severe weather for the I-77
corridor including Charlotte meaning that scattered severe
thunderstorms are likely. The severe risk gradually decreases
heading west across the FA. The mode of convection is more up for
debate after the initial line as model guidance does show a
secondary frontal feature following the main one, but the question
remains as to how much instability will be left and how any
convection may organize along or out ahead of it. Leaning towards
more disorganized convection moving generally SW to NE as llvl flow
veers to the SW with the upper low nearing the FA later this
afternoon. Can't rule out a few supercell thunderstorms developing
ahead or along the main line of convection (if there are breaks) or
mini super cells behind the system (mini due to the relative lack of
instability. The slow moving nature of convection with the main line
of convection in particular will likely cause at least some hydro
issues to small streams and roadways (WPC slight risk for excessive
rainfall across the region). The strong southerly winds along and
ahead of this system will support gusty winds across the high
elevations, especially SW mountains where a wind advisory has been
posted and continues through noon.
Most areas will see rain and thunderstorms come to an end by this
evening as the main forcing exits NE of the region. However, the
cold core upper low will support snow levels falling to around 4K
feet and potential for accumulating snows at this level with several
inches possible above 5K feet, especially where the best upslope
flow (from the SW) overlaps with good synoptic lift and moisture
across the SW mtns. As of now the main winter weather impacts appear
to be above 5K feet so any winter products will be shelved for now,
but considered on future shifts. Temps for most areas will only fall
into the 40s and 50s (30s higher mtn elevations) due to continued
breezy conditions, so frost should not be an issue.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
As of 235 AM EDT Friday: the short-term fcst picks up at 12z on
Saturday with an impressive upper low centered just to our north
as steep upper ridging spreads over the Western CONUS. Because
this system is essentially cut-off from the northern-stream upper
flow, it will push eastward very slowly and is not expected to
move off the Atlantic Coast until the very end of the period on
Monday. At the sfc, a substantial low pressure system will be
centered to our NNW and over the Ohio River Valley as the cold
front associated with it moves offshore. Over the next 24hrs or
so, the low will remain nearly stationary as a substantial plum
of deep-lyr moisture spreads over much of the CWFA from the west.
The latest model guidance continues to open up the low by Sunday
morning as the system gradually lifts NE of the fcst area and
drier air moves back over the area. For the rest of the period,
drier high pressure centered over the Northern Gulf of Mexico
will persist over the Southeast. As for the sensible fcst, we
will likely have some lingering precip on Sat with the remainder
of the period being dry. With the impressive cold-air advection
expected across the region and unusually low thickness values,
some snow flurries are expected over the higher elevations early
Sat and early Sun. Some accumulating snow is possible above 3500
ft, with a better chance above 5000ft. At this time, I do not
anticipate any winter hazard products will be needed, but if
expected snow amounts trend upwards then hazards cannot be ruled
out. The resulting windy conditions should help inhibit any frost
formation across the active zones (which is everywhere except the
Northern NC Mountains). Temps should warm back into the upper 60s
to low 70s across the lower elevations on Sunday, with more warming
as we move into the extended period.
&&
.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 245 PM EDT Thursday: Upper low over the Mid-Atlantic will
continue to lift north, with high pressure building in and
increasing thicknesses. Temperatures will increase through the
extended, 5 to maybe even 10 degrees above seasonal. A shortwave
spinning around the upper low may bring some showery activity or
even possible thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon, GFS a little stronger
with this idea than ECMWF. Next system gearing up over the Rockies
will push off into the Plains sometime midweek, but there are some
very significant timing differences between the global models, so
frankly opted to keep a fairly generic blend through the end of the
period and into the new day 7. As a note to readers, depending on
how near-term activity shapes up tonight, the extended forecast may
not be updated until Friday afternoon.
&&
.AVIATION /12Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Rapidly deteriorating conds expected between
12Z and 18Z associated with a dynamic storm system to move through
the region. Model guidance shows that the strong line of showers and
thunderstorms (QLCS) approaching across the deep south will hold
together and even intensify east of I-26 and especially near the I-
77 corridor, including KCLT. Brief SW/W gusts in excess of 40 kts
is possible with the QLCS. Light to occasionally moderate LLWS is
possible, especially between 15Z and 20Z. LLWS issues may linger at
KAVL behind this time as winds veer to the SW. A secondary impulse
of showers and embedded thunderstorms associated with the leading
edge of the upper low are possible just about anywhere between 18Z
and 00Z.
Outlook: Improving conditions are expected early Saturday. Spotty
restrictions cannot be ruled out over the mtns as an upper low
passes by on Saturday.
Confidence Table...
11-17Z 17-23Z 23-05Z 05-06Z
KCLT High 100% High 81% Med 75% High 93%
KGSP High 85% Low 56% Med 75% Med 71%
KAVL High 93% High 94% High 87% High 85%
KHKY High 100% High 87% High 87% Med 64%
KGMU Med 71% Low 56% High 81% Med 71%
KAND Med 71% High 87% High 81% High 85%
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...Wind Advisory until noon EDT today for NCZ033-048>052-058-059-
062>064.
SC...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...JPT
NEAR TERM...Munroe
SHORT TERM...JPT
LONG TERM...TDP
AVIATION...MunroeHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 804 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 NCZ033-048>053-058-059-062>064-201215- Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Graham- Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania- 804 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT TODAY ABOVE 3500 FEET... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. A band of heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms will also move over the mountains. The primary threat from these showers and storms will be from very heavy rainfall leading to rapid water rises on small streams and in areas of poor drainage. Localized flash flooding will be possible. In addition, brief, damaging wind gusts cannot be ruled out during any heavier showers or thunderstorms. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds or flash flooding to our office. GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ035>037-056-057-065-068>072-082- 501>510-SCZ001>014-019-201215- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell- Davie-Catawba-Rowan-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- 804 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A band of heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms is expected to move across the foothills and Piedmont today. Isolated severe thunderstorms capable of producing locally damaging wind gusts and isolated brief tornadoes will be possible, especially across the Piedmont, and especially in the late morning and afternoon. In addition, localized excessive rainfall may cause flash flooding of small streams and urban areas. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, or flash flooding to our office. Wimberley
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
506 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
GAZ010-NCZ051-058-059-062>064-191000-
Rabun GA-Transylvania NC-Graham NC-Swain NC-Southern Jackson NC-
Northern Jackson NC-Macon NC-
506 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...HEAVY RAIN SHOWERS WITH EMBEDDED THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN
RABUN...MACON...SOUTHWESTERN TRANSYLVANIA...JACKSON...SOUTHWESTERN
SWAIN AND GRAHAM COUNTIES UNTIL 600 AM EDT...
At 504 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking isolated thunderstorms with
torrential rainfall southeast of Franklin, or 5 miles
northwest of Highlands, moving north at 45 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Franklin, Sylva, Bryson City, Robbinsville, Brevard, Cullowhee,
Highlands, Webster, Dillard and Sky Valley.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches
per hour will be possible in these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
The combination of gusty winds and saturated soil conditions will
cause scattered trees and power lines to fall. Seek shelter inside an
interior room.
&&
LAT...LON 3544 8399 3555 8378 3533 8296 3529 8292
3531 8288 3526 8271 3497 8312 3494 8360
3495 8355 3499 8355 3499 8349 3500 8352
3515 8365 3515 8374 3523 8369 3526 8371
3522 8397 3524 8401 3535 8404
TIME...MOT...LOC 0904Z 193DEG 39KT 3510 8329
KRENTZSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
645 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
GAZ010-018-026-028-NCZ052-059-062>064-SCZ001-002-004-005-010-191130-
Hart GA-Franklin GA-Stephens GA-Rabun GA-Transylvania NC-
Northern Jackson NC-Haywood NC-Southern Jackson NC-Macon NC-
Greater Pickens SC-Greater Oconee SC-Pickens Mountains SC-
Anderson SC-Oconee Mountains SC-
645 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...A CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT CENTRAL FRANKLIN...EASTERN
STEPHENS...NORTHEASTERN RABUN...NORTHWESTERN HART...SOUTHEASTERN
MACON...WESTERN TRANSYLVANIA...SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON...SOUTHEASTERN
HAYWOOD...NORTHWESTERN ANDERSON...WESTERN PICKENS AND OCONEE COUNTIES
UNTIL 730 AM EDT...
At 645 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated the leading edge of a cluster
of thunderstorms along a line extending from 9 miles southeast of
Sylva to 8 miles northeast of Carnesville, and moving northeast at 45
mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Clemson, Seneca, Walhalla, Carnesville, Central, Pendleton,
Westminster, Lavonia, Gumlog and Highlands.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3425 8327 3514 8325 3546 8279 3543 8277
3457 8273 3424 8322
TIME...MOT...LOC 1045Z 208DEG 64KT 3526 8312 3447 8314
KRENTZSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
729 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
GAZ010-NCZ052-053-063>065-507-509-510-SCZ001>006-191215-
Rabun GA-Buncombe NC-Transylvania NC-Rutherford Mountains NC-
Eastern Polk NC-Haywood NC-Henderson NC-Polk Mountains NC-
Southern Jackson NC-Greater Pickens SC-Greater Oconee SC-
Pickens Mountains SC-Oconee Mountains SC-Greenville Mountains SC-
Greater Greenville SC-
729 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...A CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN RABUN...
TRANSYLVANIA...HENDERSON...POLK...SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON...SOUTHEASTERN
HAYWOOD...WESTERN BUNCOMBE...NORTHERN GREENVILLE...PICKENS AND
EASTERN OCONEE COUNTIES UNTIL 815 AM EDT...
At 728 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms 11
miles west of Pickens, or near Keowee Toxaway State Park, moving
northeast at 110 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Downtown Asheville, Hendersonville, Seneca, Brevard, Walhalla,
Pickens, Columbus, Clemson, East Asheville and Arden.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph 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 3526 8205 3519 8214 3520 8222 3514 8222
3456 8302 3499 8319 3500 8311 3505 8315
3528 8300 3529 8292 3532 8296 3573 8268
3576 8262
TIME...MOT...LOC 1128Z 209DEG 98KT 3494 8291
KRENTZSpecial Weather Statement...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
730 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
GAZ010-NCZ052-053-063>065-507-509-510-SCZ001>006-191215-
Rabun GA-Buncombe NC-Transylvania NC-Rutherford Mountains NC-
Eastern Polk NC-Haywood NC-Henderson NC-Polk Mountains NC-
Southern Jackson NC-Greater Pickens SC-Greater Oconee SC-
Pickens Mountains SC-Oconee Mountains SC-Greenville Mountains SC-
Greater Greenville SC-
730 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...A CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN RABUN...
TRANSYLVANIA...HENDERSON...POLK...SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON...SOUTHEASTERN
HAYWOOD...WESTERN BUNCOMBE...NORTHERN GREENVILLE...PICKENS AND
EASTERN OCONEE COUNTIES UNTIL 815 AM EDT...
At 728 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms 11
miles west of Pickens, or near Keowee Toxaway State Park, moving
northeast at 40 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Downtown Asheville, Hendersonville, Seneca, Brevard, Walhalla,
Pickens, Columbus, Clemson, East Asheville and Arden.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph 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 3526 8205 3519 8214 3520 8222 3514 8222
3456 8302 3499 8319 3500 8311 3505 8315
3528 8300 3529 8292 3532 8296 3573 8268
3576 8262
TIME...MOT...LOC 1128Z 209DEG 98KT 3494 8291
KRENTZSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 903 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 NCZ036-191330- Iredell NC- 903 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN IREDELL COUNTY UNTIL 930 AM EDT... At 903 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11 miles north of Statesville, or 5 miles southeast of Love Valley, moving northeast at 50 mph. Locations to be impacted include... Harmony, Union Grove and Olin. 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... This storm 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 8070 3586 8088 3594 8100 3606 8094 TIME...MOT...LOC 1303Z 209DEG 42KT 3595 8090 MOORE
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
917 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
NCZ036-056-191345-
Iredell NC-Catawba NC-
917 AM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN CATAWBA AND CENTRAL
IREDELL COUNTIES UNTIL 945 AM EDT...
At 916 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles northwest of Huntersville, or near Lake Norman, moving
northeast at 50 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Statesville, Troutman, Lake Norman, Lake Norman State Park,
Mooresville, Sherrills Ford, Terrell, Doolie and Cool Springs.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph, pea size hail and very heavy rainfall rates
up to 2 inches per hour will be possible in these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm 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.
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 3586 8071 3566 8078 3553 8089 3549 8095
3551 8096 3552 8096 3553 8095 3553 8094
3555 8096 3555 8105 3556 8106 3590 8093
TIME...MOT...LOC 1316Z 203DEG 41KT 3557 8094
MOOREThe Greer radar (KGSP), 56 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:18 UTC.
8 flash flood, 4 thunderstorm wind, 4 tornado, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
County comms reported trees and power lines blown down on River Rd in Etowah and other trees down closer to Hendersonville.
EM reported a short tornado track along Highway 221 in the Ashford area. Most of the damage consisted of uprooted trees and large limbs blown down. However, some minor structural damage was observed to a couple of buildings while some metal skirting was also torn away from the base of a mobile home. Some small outbuildings also sustained damage.
Stream gauges and county comms reported flooding developed along the headwaters of the French Broad River and some of its tributaries after 4.5 to 7.5 inches of rain fell within the basin, with most of that falling in around 6 hours. F;looding first developed along the Little River, which flooded Cascade Lake Rd near Merrill Ln. Flash flooding then developed along the French Broad River near Rosman, where Depot St, a portion of Highway 178 near Chestnut St, and Hannah Ford Rd between Rosman and Brevard. Flooding then developed along the Davidson River during mid-afternoon, which inundated portions of Davidson River Rd and Wilson Rd in the Pisgah Forest area. County comms confirmed closure of these and other roads due to a combination of poor drainage and small stream flooding. Although the heavy rain and flash flooding ended across the county by the evening of the 19th, moderate river flooding developed along the French Broad at Blantyre and continued through the 21st.
Emergency manager and stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed along several creeks and streams across Swain County, including the Tuckasegee River, after widespread rainfall of 3 to 4 inches occurred in the basin in just a few hours. Flooding was first reported along Alarka Creek in the Alarka community, where one home had to be evacuated. Flash flooding also developed along Connelly Creek near Whittier. By mid-afternoon, a stream gauge in the Tuckasegee in Bryson City exceeded its established flood stage by almost two feet, indicating inundation of Bryson Walk, portions of Bear Creek Campground, and low-lying areas along Island and Collins St.
Flash flooding developed across central Buncombe County after 3.5 to 5.5 inches of rain fell across the area in just a few hours. Public first reported flooding of Cane Creek was inundating low-lying areas and some roads in the Fletcher and Fairview areas. The more significant issues were along the Swannanoa River from the Swannanoa community downstream to Biltmore Village in Asheville. Stream gauges along the river at Warren Wilson College and in Biltmore Village exceeded their established flood stages by 2-4 feet. Water inundated low lying areas of Warren Wilson College while multiple streets were flooded in Biltmore Village due to the Swannanoa but also due to backwater effects into Sweeten Creek. These included Swannanoa River Rd, Garfield St, Caledonia Rd, Glendale Ave, Thompson St, Decatur St, and Biltmore Ave. Water entered several businesses on Garfield St and Decatur St. Although waters began to recede in most areas by the evening of the 19th, the Swannanoa remained above flood stage at Biltmore Village through midnight. Minor to moderate river flooding also developed along the French Broad River at Fletcher and Asheville on the 19th, and persisted for a couple of days.
A stream gauge on the North Toe River in the Frank community exceeded its established flood stage after up to 5 inches of rain fell in the basin in just a few hours. Several private bridges were flooded while water entered a business on Blue Bell Ln.
Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed in Sylva due from a combination of urban flooding as well as due to Scott Creek overflowing its banks after 3 to 4 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. Mill St and Main St were impacted in downtown Sylva.
Public reported trees blown down, a collapsed shed and damage to a silo north of Union.
NWS storm survey concluded that a weak tornado touched down along Aderholdt Rd, just north of Bittersweet Ln. A large tree was blown down onto a house at this location, injuring one occupant. The tornado continued almost due north, knocking down a few trees and large limbs before crossing into Lincoln County near Landers Chapel Rd.
A stream gauge on the North Toe River near Spruce Pine exceeded its established flood stage after around 4 inches of rain fell near the headwaters in just a few hours. Several low water crossings/bridges were flooded along the river.
Emergency manager and stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed across western and northern Henderson County after 4 to 5 inches of rain fell over the area in just a few hours. Flooding was first reported along Gosh Creek in Etowah, which inundated at least one road (Timberline Dr.) Flash flooding also developed along Hoopers Creek and Cane Creek in the Fletcher area, impacting portions of Jackson Rd and Howard Gap Road. One residence was evacuated along Jackson Rd. By early evening, flooding had developed along the Mills River, which sent water over Mills River Rd in a couple of locations. Although the heavy rain and flash flooding ended across the county by the evening of the 19th, minor to moderate river flooding developed along the French Broad from Blantyre to Fletcher and continued through the 21st.
NWS storm survey determined that a weak tornado that touched down in northern Gaston County crossed into Lincoln County near Landers Church Rd. The tornado tracked north/northeast, blowing down numerous trees and large limbs, including through the south side of Linconton and the east side of the downtown area before lifting near Highway 155 on the north side of town.
EM reported a large tree blown down on a garage at Main Street and North 9th Avenue. Possible tornado.
Ham radio operator reported multiple trees blown down in Taylorsville, with some blocking roads.
NWS storm survey confirmed a short tornado track that began along Rock Pond Ln, where the metal roof was peeled off a barn and lofted some distance. Otherwise, damage was limited to downed trees and limbs as the tornado moved northeast before lifting shortly after crossing Berea Church Quincy Rd.
A stream gauge on the Ivy River near Marshall exceeded its established flood stage after widespread 2 to 3 inch rainfall fell through the basin, although some of the flooding was likely due to backwater effects from moderate flooding along the French Broad River that developed as a result on much heavier rain falling upstream across Transylvania and Henderson Counties. Ivy River Rd was flooded in several spots. Although flooding along the Ivy was brief, river flooding continued along the French Broad at Marshall and Hot Springs for another day or so.
Although heavy rainfall ended across Mitchell County by early evening, flooding persisted into mid-evening along the North Toe River, with several low water crossings/bridges remaining inundated.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for North Carolina, 2019Warnings in North Carolina, April 2019
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: 821241, 821253, 821431, 821435, 821476, 821486, 822080, 821416, 821259, 821483, 822192, 821258, 821418, 821420, 821264, 821480, 822189.