Clusters of thunderstorms developed across the North Carolina Piedmont during the afternoon in advance of a cold front. A couple of the storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts.
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.
Clusters of thunderstorms developed across the North Carolina Piedmont during the afternoon in advance of a cold front. A couple of the storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts.
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 8, 2:01 PM EST, 29 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
301 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019
.SYNOPSIS...
A southern-stream low pressure system will continue to approach
the forecast area from the west this evening and early tomorrow
with the potential to produce organized thunderstorms. Drier high
pressure will return on Wednesday before another cold front
approaches from the west later in the week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 245 pm Monday: Clusters of heavy rain and thunderstorms have
developed across the western 2/3 of the forecast area, with SBCAPE
values ranging from 3000 J/kg in the southern Upstate to 2500 J/kg
in the NC Piedmont. Severe threat east I-77 looks the most
substantial, with a line of storms likely organizing as a result of
the influence of a well-defined MCV over east-central TN. Areas to
the west of I-85 have generally been worked over, though can't rule
out the potential for some strong storms anywhere in the forecast
area as increasing upper flow creates more favorable shear profiles
through the afternoon. With 850 winds on the order of 40kt (a few
mtn obs sites are seeing SWly gusts to 30kt+) and decently steep low-
level lapse rates, strong winds and possible large hail are the
primary threats with convection with afternoon and evening, though a
brief tornado cannot be ruled out in the NC Piedmont where
hodographs have a bit more curvature in the low levels. The
increased severe threat follows the enhanced risk area well.
Convection will likely linger (per CAMs) through the evening and
early overnight period, though this will likely be weaker overall
(just isolated thunder) but more widespread. With heavier convective
rain rates being observed and PWs decent, some isolated hydro issues
can't be ruled out late tonight, though antecedent conditions are
finally better than "soggy" and most areas may be able to handle the
short periods of heavy rainfall just fine. Temperatures this
afternoon will be near to just above average.
The fun won't end this evening, however. The upper low supporting
much of today's convection will still be meandering through the
southeast tomorrow afternoon, and 500mb winds will be strong enough
to create decent shear profiles (near 40kt 0-6km), at least across
the southern Upstate. Plentiful low cloud will remain over the area
through tomorrow morning, but if some areas are able to destabilize
during the late morning and early afternoon hours, some stronger
storms (with wind being the main threat) will again be possible.
Much of the severe threat depends on the convection that occurs
overnight and how much convective debris remains during the morning
hours. The day 2slight risk from SPC looks well-placed for the areas
that are most likely to destabilize tomorrow afternoon.
&&
.SHORT TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 215 PM EDT Monday: the short-term fcst picks up at 00z
on Wednesday with the southern stream upper trof passing to our
south as an upper ridge spreads over the Central CONUS. By late
Wed/early Thurs the trof should be moving offshore as heights
recover and the ridge axis moves over the SE. At the same time,
a broad upper trof will amplify as it moves over the Western
CONUS. By the end of the period late Thurs, the ridge will have
amplified over the SE as the trof moves closer to our region.
At the sfc, a fairly complex synoptic pattern will exist early
in the period as what's left of a sfc low drifts eastward across
the extreme SE while Canadian high pressure pushes its way over
the Great Lakes and farther south into the Carolinas. The low
should dissipate by early Thursday as it drifts offshore. As this
occurs, the high will shift farther SE and try to establish a
very brief wedge pattern over the fcst area on Thurs. Simultaneously,
an impressive-looking low will deepen over the Great Plains and
bring a robust cold front to our doorstep early Fri and push the
high further off the Atlantic Coast. The front is expected to
move thru the fcst area fairly quickly and be east of the CWFA
by early Sat.
&&
.LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 210 PM EDT Monday: the extended fcst picks up at 00z on Friday
with steep upper ridging over the Eastern CONUS and amplified upper
trofing to our west. By late Friday/early Saturday the ridge axis
will get pushed offshore as the upper trof lifts to the northeast
and towards New England. As the weekend progresses, heights will
begin to recover over the fcst area as the upper trof moves offshore.
At the same time, a southern stream upper shortwave will amplify to
our west and approach the CWFA. This feature is expected to move
over the CWFA, or lift just north of it, by the end of the period
next Monday. At the sfc, a large and deep low pressure system will
be making its way towards the Great Lakes by early Friday as the
cold front associated with the system moves towards the Western
Carolinas. The long-range guidance has the front moving thru the
fcst area on Fri and off the coast by early Sat. The front looks
fairly dry with minimal deep-lyr moisture associated with it. In
is wake, drier air will briefly overspread the area on Saturday.
By early Sunday, another low is expected to rapidly spin-up over
the ArkLaTex region and quickly lift to the NE. This will cause
low-lvl flow to become SLY as deep-lyr moisture surges back over
the region from the gulf. The cold front associated with this low
will likely move thru the area by the end of the period on Monday,
however there are some timing differences between the models.
Temperatures will continue to run 5 to 10 degrees above normal,
keeping frost out of the picture through the week.
&&
.AVIATION /19Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Convection is ongoing across the area, with
some form of TS/SHRA/TSRA featured at all TAF sites this afternoon
and evening. Multiple clusters of convection are possible at all
sites through at least 00Z at eastern sites and at least 02Z at
KCLT/KHKY. Scattered showers will linger through the early overnight
period at most sites as well, though and end to rain is expected at
all sites by 0906Z. At that point, likely looking at another period
of widespread low cigs and at least IFR restrictions tomorrow
morning. Winds are generally light SWly and will remain so through
the night, except for the higher gusts possible in thunderstorms and
related outflows.
Outlook: Periods of low cigs, patchy fog, and convection will remain
possible across the area into Tuesday. Drying is expected late
Tuesday through Wed, before another front approaches late in the
week.
Confidence Table...
19-01Z 01-07Z 07-13Z 13-18Z
KCLT High 92% High 86% High 86% High 89%
KGSP High 80% Med 75% High 81% High 86%
KAVL High 80% Med 65% Med 63% High 85%
KHKY Med 76% Low 57% Med 68% High 86%
KGMU Med 65% Med 78% High 90% High 90%
KAND High 87% High 86% High 82% High 95%
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...JPT
NEAR TERM...Carroll
SHORT TERM...JPT
LONG TERM...JPT
AVIATION...CarrollHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 512 AM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-090915- 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- 512 AM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. There is a risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight over the entire forecast area. The primary threat is high wind gusts, with some threat from hail, and a more remote threat from rotating storms. Rainfall could be, locally, heavy enough to cause isolated flash flooding, especially if storms train over the same area. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Another round of thunderstorms, some possibly severe, is possible on Friday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 254 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 SCZ007>009-013-081930- York SC-Cherokee SC-Union SC-Spartanburg SC- 254 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL YORK...EAST CENTRAL SPARTANBURG...CENTRAL CHEROKEE AND NORTHEASTERN UNION COUNTIES UNTIL 330 PM EDT... At 254 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms 8 miles north of Union, or near Jonesville, moving northeast at 35 mph. Locations to be impacted include... Gaffney, Pacolet, Jonesville, Pacolet Mills, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Smyrna, Buffalo, Cherokee Falls and Draytonville. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail 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. && A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for Upstate South Carolina. LAT...LON 3472 8171 3500 8180 3512 8148 3495 8128 TIME...MOT...LOC 1854Z 228DEG 30KT 3484 8166 SGL
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
302 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019
GAZ029-SCZ010-011-081945-
Elbert GA-Anderson SC-Abbeville SC-
302 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019
...MORE THUNDERSTORMS WITH FREQUENT LIGHTNING TO IMPACT
ELBERT...SOUTHEASTERN ANDERSON AND ABBEVILLE COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM
EDT...
At 258 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking clusters of strong storms
all across the advised area. Storms will continue to move northeast
at 40 mph, producing gusty wind, small hail, brief intense rainfall
and cloud to ground lightning.
Locations to be impacted include...
Elberton, Anderson, Belton, Honea Path, Calhoun Falls,
Due West, Iva and Lake Secession.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Frequent lightning is occurring with these 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.
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.
&&
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
northeastern Georgia...and Upstate South Carolina.
LAT...LON 3399 8283 3398 8286 3411 8301 3426 8286
3429 8277 3434 8279 3467 8247 3456 8242
3451 8235 3440 8227 3434 8233 3433 8233
3400 8260 3398 8280
TIME...MOT...LOC 1858Z 233DEG 36KT 3422 8269
CSHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
302 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019
NCZ036-057-069>072-081930-
Rowan NC-Gaston NC-Iredell NC-Lincoln NC-Cabarrus NC-Mecklenburg NC-
302 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CABARRUS...
SOUTHEASTERN IREDELL...SOUTHEASTERN LINCOLN...NORTHWESTERN
MECKLENBURG...SOUTHWESTERN ROWAN AND NORTHEASTERN GASTON COUNTIES
UNTIL 330 PM EDT...
At 302 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 4 miles north of Huntersville, or over Cornelius,
moving northeast at 30 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Huntersville, Kannapolis, Downtown Concord, Cornelius, Mooresville,
Davidson, Landis, Enochville, Westport and Lake Norman.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph and pea size hail 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.
&&
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
the Piedmont of North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3548 8046 3535 8094 3540 8109 3555 8097
3555 8095 3557 8096 3573 8083
TIME...MOT...LOC 1902Z 220DEG 24KT 3548 8086
SGLPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
311 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0240 PM TSTM WND DMG CHESNEE 35.15N 81.86W
04/08/2019 SPARTANBURG SC COUNTY OFFICIAL
A FEW TREES REPORTED DOWN AROUND CHESNEE, SC.
&&
JPTSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
315 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019
NCZ036-037-057-072-082000-
Rowan NC-Davie NC-Iredell NC-Cabarrus NC-
315 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN CABARRUS...DAVIE...
NORTHEASTERN IREDELL AND ROWAN COUNTIES UNTIL 400 PM EDT...
At 315 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 5 miles southwest of Mocksville, or near Cooleemee,
moving northeast at 30 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Salisbury, Mocksville, Statesville, China Grove, Spencer, Granite
Quarry, Rockwell, Bermuda Run, Cooleemee and Cleveland.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail 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.
&&
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
the Piedmont of North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3547 8046 3574 8084 3605 8088 3604 8049
3606 8046 3601 8042 3599 8042 3596 8038
3590 8037 3588 8042 3584 8039 3585 8042
3583 8043 3583 8049 3577 8045 3574 8046
3571 8033 3568 8033 3559 8021 3551 8018
TIME...MOT...LOC 1915Z 220DEG 24KT 3584 8061
SGLPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
317 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0135 PM TSTM WND DMG WILLIAMSTON 34.62N 82.48W
04/08/2019 ANDERSON SC EMERGENCY MNGR
TREES REPORTED DOWN IN WILLIAMSTON, SC.
&&
JPTThe Greer radar (KGSP), 95 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:27 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
County comms reported trees blown down in the Bessemer City area.
Amateur radio operator reported trees blown down on South Point Rd & Nixon Rd. One tree fell on and damaged the roof of a home.
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 historyWarnings 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: 818953, 818957.