A shortwave in the flow aloft approaching central NC from the southwest resulted in backing low to mid level winds. The backing winds enhanced the low level shear and advected warm moist air into central NC.
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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 RAH wrote it up.
A shortwave in the flow aloft approaching central NC from the southwest resulted in backing low to mid level winds. The backing winds enhanced the low level shear and advected warm moist air into central NC. The resultant moderately unstable |atmosphere lead to the development of numerous showers and thunderstorms. Due to the presence of the available shear and instability, several storms became severe, producing damaging winds.
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 Raleigh, NC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 8, 3:00 PM EST, 21 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Raleigh NC 400 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 .SYNOPSIS... The approach of an upper level disturbance, interacting with a moist and unstable atmosphere, will support the development of numerous showers and thunderstorms late this afternoon and this evening. A few of the storms may be severe. This storm system will allow for another round of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday before exiting the region Tuesday night. Dry and seasonal weather is expected for Wednesday and Thursday. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 400 PM Monday... 19Z meso analysis depicts a slightly unstable air mass over central NC with bulk shear strong enough to aid in organizing the cells into broken convective bands. The atmosphere ahead of the developing convective bands will continue to destabilize further as temperatures climb to or above 80 degrees. As the storms move into this favorable air mass, expect further intensification with a few storms becoming severe. A pocket of dry air in the 700-500mb layer will lend toward evaporation, enhancing downdrafts and leading to locally strong/damaging wind gusts. In addition, updrafts able to persist 20-30 minutes will have the potential to produce large hail. This hail threat currently appears highest over portions of the northern Piedmont. Through 21Z, expect to see the storms to eventually evolve into broken bands with a threat for damaging wind gusts. These band of convection will approach the highway corridor including the Triangle region in the 22Z-00Z time frame. After 00Z, expect the convective threat to increase along the I-95 corridor, though by this time, the near surface atmosphere will begin to stabilize with loss of heating. Expect scattered-numerous showers to persist into the overnight as a series of mid level perturbations move east across eastern GA and South Carolina. While overall coverage will be decent, intensity should be waning as the atmosphere stabilizes. Relatively mild night with overnight temperatures in the 60s. && .SHORT TERM /TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT/... As of 400 PM Monday... Tuesday, the upper level low currently crossing the lower MS Valley will open up and lift newd, in response to a s/w in the northern stream crossing the Great Lakes and into New England. This s/w will propel a sfc cold front toward central NC from the NW. The approach of the upper wave will increase upper diffluence over central NC. Meanwhile west-southwest 850mb flow will maintain a warm and moist air mass. The approach of the cold front will enhance low level convergence Tuesday afternoon through early Tuesday evening. GFS based instability parameters suggest MLCAPE values on the order of 1500-2000 J/kg by early Tuesday afternoon with bulk shear values of 40-50kts. These parameters suggest a better potential for storms with supercellular characteristics; though will caution that morning stratus/low clouds and scattered showers may temper the instability, leading to a less than robust atmosphere for scattered strong/severe convection. Still with better low level shear and a few sfc boundaries likely lurking in the region, could see a weak tornado or two in the afternoon, mainly south of highway 64. Atmosphere will be fairly uniform temperature wise thanks to the considerable cloudiness and scattered-numerous showers. Expect highs generally in the mid-upper 70s. The sfc cold front will drift sewd tuesday evening, bringing an end to the scattered convection NW-SE. NW flow behind the front will usher a stable drier air mass, leading to decreasing cloud cover overnight. Min temps lower 50s NW to the mid-upper 50s SE. && .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... As of 155 PM Monday... Overview: High amplitude ridging aloft will take over for the early part of the period before reverting back to large scale troughing by the weekend. By Wednesday morning, a backdoor cold front will continue its journey south through central NC, reinforced by strengthening surface high pressure descending briefly down the lee side of the Appalachians. Northerly/northeasterly flow will linger into Thursday before giving way to a dynamic WAA regime Thursday night into Friday just ahead of a Cold Front passage Friday night. High pressure returns briefly on saturday, with CAD like conditions strengthening Saturday night and Sunday as a southern stream disturbance begins to track northeastward into the mid Atlantic region Sunday and Monday. Wednesday and Thursday: High pressure settles in from the north Wednesday afternoon as a weak backdoor cold front descends southward. Weak northerly/northeasterly flow will help to limit afternoon high temperatures Wednesday and potentially into Thursday before southerly flow truly re-establishes in a strong WAA regime, allowing for some rapid warm-sector recovery east of the Appalachians. Highs will top out in the low to mid 70s Wednesday and Thursday with overnight lows dipping into the 40s. Friday/Friday Night: A shortwave will round the base of the northern Jet late Thursday into Friday spreading low to mid level vort maxes east through the Mid Atlantic. Best forcing looks to remain well north of our area, but with robust southerly flow helping to maximize the WAA regime in a mid-Spring type environment, it would be irresponsible to not at least carry mention of convection/thunder with the passage of the cold front, likely to spread WNW to ESE through the region Friday afternoon/evening. Rest of the period: Surface high pressure settles in from the northwest on Saturday before a CAD type setup commences on Sunday. Meanwhile, the southern stream becomes a bit more active, with broad scale troughing beginning the early stages of cyclogenesis over the MS River Delta late Saturday, transitioning energy northeastward into the Mid Atlantic by early next week. Will be keeping a close eye on the progression of this system as it could mark the next opportunity for widespread convection along with isolated Severe Weather as early as Sunday evening, highly dependent on the CAD dynamics in place. Check back for frequent updates here. && .AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... As of 115 PM Monday... Expect variable aviation parameters across central NC as the weather pattern will be unsettled through Tuesday evening. Periods of showers and thunderstorms will cross the region late this afternoon, persisting into the first half of the overnight. Another round of showers and thunderstorms will threaten the region late Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. In vicinity of the heavier showers and storms, anticipate MVFR/IFR ceilings and visibilities along with sfc wind gusts 30-40kts. In proximity of the stronger t-storms, some hail may be encountered. After 04Z Tuesday, areas of low stratus may develop with ceilings IFR/LIFR probable. These low ceilings expected to gradually lift Tuesday morning, followed by another round of showers and t-storms with MVFR/IFR parameters likely. Another round of low ceilings or areas of fog are possible late Tuesday evening prior to the arrival of a drier air mass which will overspread central NC from the west late Tuesday night into early Wednesday. VFR parameters appear likely Wednesday into Thursday. Another round of scattered convection with associated sub VFR parameters expected Friday into Friday evening. VFR parameters should return for Saturday. && .RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SYNOPSIS...WSS/Haines NEAR TERM...WSS SHORT TERM...WSS LONG TERM...JJM AVIATION...WSS
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Raleigh NC 243 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 NCZ007>010-021>026-091000- Person-Granville-Vance-Warren-Forsyth-Guilford-Alamance-Orange- Durham-Franklin- 243 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 45 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon through this evening. NCZ042-043-078-088-089-091000- Johnston-Wilson-Wayne-Cumberland-Sampson- 243 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. An isolated strong to severe thunderstorm will be possible this evening with the main severe weather threat being locally damaging winds and hail up to the size of the quarters. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. A few strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible Tuesday. the main severe weather threats will be large hail, locally damaging wind gusts, and an isolated weak tornado. The severe weather threat appears greatest between 12 PM and 9 PM. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed late this afternoon through this evening, and again Tuesday afternoon. NCZ038>041-073>077-083>086-091000- Davidson-Randolph-Chatham-Wake-Stanly-Montgomery-Moore-Lee-Harnett- Anson-Richmond-Scotland-Hoke- 243 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 45 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. A few strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible Tuesday. the main severe weather threats will be large hail, locally damaging wind gusts, and an isolated weak tornado. The severe weather threat appears greatest between 12 PM and 9 PM. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed through 10 PM, and again Tuesday afternoon through early evening. NCZ011-027-028-091000- Halifax-Nash-Edgecombe- 243 PM EDT Mon Apr 8 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. An isolated strong to severe thunderstorm will be possible this evening. The main severe weather threat will be large hail and locally damaging winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed this evening.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
310 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
NCZ021-022-038-039-082015-
Guilford NC-Forsyth NC-Randolph NC-Davidson NC-
310 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
...AN AREA OF SHOWERS AND STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT FORSYTH...
DAVIDSON...WESTERN RANDOLPH AND GUILFORD COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM EDT...
At 309 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking an area of showers and
strong thunderstorms near Enon, or 8 miles west of Winston-Salem,
moving northeast at 30 mph.
Pea size hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph will be possible with this
storm.
Heavy rain and minor flooding and deadly cloud to ground lightning
will also be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Asheboro, Lexington,
Randleman, Thomasville, Kernersville, and Clemmons.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter in a nearby building or vehicle. Wind gusts as high as
40 mph are capable of knocking down tree limbs and blowing around
trash cans, potted plants, lawn furniture and other light outdoor
objects.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning, especially in urban areas where prolonged heavy rain
can quickly lead to flooding.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3614 8044 3626 8045 3624 7963 3551 7992
3551 8018 3558 8021 3568 8033 3572 8033
3574 8046 3583 8048 3584 8039 3586 8039
3588 8042 3589 8037 3596 8038 3606 8046
3604 8049 3608 8052
TIME...MOT...LOC 1909Z 233DEG 28KT 3610 8041
EllisSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
322 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
NCZ073>075-083-084-082015-
Stanly NC-Anson NC-Richmond NC-Moore NC-Montgomery NC-
322 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT MOORE...ANSON...MONTGOMERY...
RICHMOND AND STANLY COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM EDT...
At 320 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles northwest of Rockingham, moving northeast at 35 mph. Other
strong storms continue to develop quickly around the area.
Pea size hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph will be possible with
these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Albemarle, Southern Pines, Rockingham, Wadesboro, Troy, Carthage,
Badin Lake, Pinehurst, Hamlet and Aberdeen.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter in a nearby building or vehicle. Wind gusts as high as
40 mph are capable of knocking down tree limbs and blowing around
light outdoor objects.
Torrential rainfall with these storms may lead to localized
flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Dont wait until you see the first lightning flash before heading to
safety. Move indoors at the first sign of threatening skies or the
first sound of thunder. Deadly lightning strikes can occur well ahead
of an approaching storm, prior to the arrival of rain and wind. Make
sure that lightning is well away from your location before resuming
outdoor activity.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3550 8030 3552 7935 3547 7936 3535 7927
3531 7919 3521 7925 3516 7933 3504 7946
3499 7957 3494 7959 3491 7956 3485 7963
3482 7962 3482 8032 3519 8028 3517 8041
3528 8044
TIME...MOT...LOC 1920Z 218DEG 32KT 3506 7986
GIHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
420 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
NCZ007-022>024-038>040-082115-
Guilford NC-Chatham NC-Alamance NC-Randolph NC-Davidson NC-Person NC-
Orange NC-
420 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
...AN AREA OF SHOWERS AND STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT
ALAMANCE...PERSON...EASTERN DAVIDSON...ORANGE...RANDOLPH...GUILFORD
AND CHATHAM COUNTIES UNTIL 515 PM EDT...
At 419 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking an area of showers and
strong thunderstorms moving northeast at 25 mph across the Piedmont.
Pea size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.
Heavy rain and minor flooding and deadly cloud to ground lightning
will also be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Greensboro, High Point, Chapel Hill, Burlington, Asheboro, Graham,
Roxboro, Hillsborough, Randleman and Pittsboro.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Seek shelter in a nearby building or vehicle. Wind gusts as high as
50 mph are capable of knocking down small or weakened trees and
blowing around trash cans, potted plants, lawn furniture and other
light outdoor objects.
Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning, especially in urban areas where prolonged heavy rain
can quickly lead to flooding.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3624 7895 3561 7907 3562 7914 3556 7920
3557 7924 3553 7927 3556 7929 3552 7935
3551 8018 3558 8021 3565 8030 3602 8008
3601 8004 3625 7993 3624 7915 3654 7914
3654 7880
TIME...MOT...LOC 2019Z 218DEG 23KT 3597 7955
EllisPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC
421 PM EDT MON APR 8 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0409 PM TSTM WND GST 5 ESE COLFAX 36.10N 79.93W
04/08/2019 M46 MPH GUILFORD NC OFFICIAL NWS OBS
PTI AIRPORT MEASURED A WIND GUST OF 46 MPH.
&&The Raleigh/Durham radar (KRAX), 104 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:21 UTC.
15 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Several trees were blown down along Pee Dee Road.
Multiple trees were blown down in Goldston. One large tree fell across the road while another fell on the house of a deputy sheriff.
Several trees were blown down along Marks Road.
Numerous trees were blown down along a swath through Person county, roughly from Maurice Daniels Road to near Chub Lake.
Five trees were blown down along a swath from 3600 Darroch Road in Lillington to the intersection of Highway 27 South and Delma Grimes Road in Grove Township. A couple of the trees fell onto power lines.
One tree was blown down near the intersection of Fayetteville Street and Buxton Drive.
Wind gusts to 60 miles per hour were reported in Angier. Some small limbs were blown down as a result of the gusts.
Multiple trees were blown down in the Willow Springs and Benson areas, including one tree near the intersection of Steel Bridge Road and Benson Hardee Road.
One tree was blown down across the railroad tracks near West Front Street in Clayton.
Several trees were blown down in Franklin county.
One tree was blown down into the back yard of a residence on Peninsula Forest Place in Cary.
One tree was blown down near the intersection of Strickland Road and Cold Springs Road in North Raleigh.
A couple of trees were blown down in Rocky Mount.
One tree was blown down in Pinetops.
A 60 foot tall tree fell onto a residence in Cary.
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: 819349, 819350, 819351, 819352, 819353, 819354, 819363, 819355, 819356, 819357, 819358, 819359, 819360, 819361, 819362.