Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina Piedmont during the late afternoon. A couple of the storms produced brief severe weather in the Charlotte area.
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.
Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina Piedmont during the late afternoon. A couple of the storms produced brief severe weather in the Charlotte area.
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 Aug 17, 1:24 PM EST, 2 hours 43 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
224 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019
.SYNOPSIS...
A weak area of high pressure will be across the area through the
weekend into next week. Moisture will increase through the first
half of next week, as a Bermuda high strengthens over the western
Atlantic Ocean.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 215 pm: Strong insolation, improved low-to-mid-level lapse
rates and surface dewpoints that are a couple of degrees higher than
in recent days are combining to yield sbCAPE in the 2000-3000 J/kg
range across much of the forecast area this afternoon. Isolated to
widely scattered convection has been firing within this air mass
across the favored high terrain areas for the past 1-2 hours. Robust
dCAPE (AOA 1000 J/kg) indicates cells should output some robust
outflow, with isolated microbursts possible with the stronger
storms. Locally heavy rainfall to the tune of up to 2" in an hour
has also occurred, mainly due to cells anchoring along terrain
features. However, mean cloud-bearing winds of around 10 kts
suggests these types of quasi-stationary or very slow moving cells
should be relegated to said terrain features. Convection will
continue to gradually increase in coverage over the next few hours,
with at least isolated activity developing/spreading out into the
Piedmont along outflow boundaries. Convection should begin steadily
diminishing by early evening, and dissipate for the most part by
late evening. Min temps will remain a couple of degrees above
climo.
Not much change in the air mass or overall pattern is expected on
Sunday, with weak W/SW flow aloft and a nebulous surface pattern,
with the old frontal boundary focusing convection closer to the
coast. Mid-level lapse rates will remain respectable, perhaps even
improve a bit, and strong insolation and seasonable dewpoints will
yield another round of moderate-to-strong instability. Deep
convection should again fire across the usual high terrain areas
during early afternoon, and 30-50 pops are carried across much of
the mtns. At least isolated outflow-driven convection will waft into
the Piedmont again by late afternoon, warranting 20-40 pops there.
Max temps will again by a few degrees above normal.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/...
As of 200 PM EDT Saturday: Mid level heights will start out in a
westerly flow pattern Sunday night and Monday. By Tuesday, there
will be mid level ridging centered across the southern plains and
over the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda. A weakness between the two
ridge centers will exist across the southeastern states allowing for
a more active convective pattern to develop starting on Tuesday.
High temperatures will be in the lower 90s in the Piedmont and mid
to upper 80s in the mountain valleys on Monday. However, with
increased moisture and convection, highs will be a few degrees
cooler on Tuesday.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 200 PM EDT Saturday: The medium range still looks fairly
unsettled, as a weakness in the upper level ridge lingers over the
region thru midweek. High moisture content as indicated by
precipitable water values approaching 2 inches by late week suggest
that some locally heavy rain will be possible by late next week.
Temperatures will be near to slightly below climo due to increased
cloud cover and rainfall potential.
&&
.AVIATION /19Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Convective parameters indicate chances are
higher for showers and storms than they've been over the past
several days, and indeed isolated/widely scattered convection has
begun firing across the high terrain for about the past hour.
Gradual expansion in coverage is expected as cells develop/move
slowly east along outflow boundaries from the high terrain.
VCTS/VCSH is warranted at all terminals by mid-afternoon (earlier at
KAND, where an isolated shower had already developed at 18Z TAF
time). Trends will have to be closely monitored for inclusion of
tempos for TSRA, but coverage is not expected to be quite high
enough to warrant a mention attm.
Otherwise, light/generally vrbl winds will continue through much of
the forecast period. Fog and/or low stratus will likely develop
again early Sunday morning in the mtn valleys and perhaps across the
Piedmont. However, restrictions have had difficulty developing at
the TAF sites (except for very brief periods) and so will feature a
VFR forecast for now, hinting at the restrictions potential with 6SM
at KAVL/KCLT/KHKY.
Outlook: Moisture and instability will gradually increase through
the middle of next weak, resulting in a steady uptick in afternoon/
evening convective coverage each day, especially during the middle
part of the weak as a cold front approaches from the northwest.
Early day fog and stratus will be possible each day across the
mountain valleys.
Confidence Table...
18-24Z 00-06Z 06-12Z 12-18Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% High 100% High 97%
KGSP High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAVL High 100% High 100% High 85% High 90%
KHKY High 100% High 100% High 84% High 99%
KGMU High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAND High 100% High 100% High 99% 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...SW
NEAR TERM...JDL
SHORT TERM...SW
LONG TERM...SW
AVIATION...JDLHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 449 AM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-180900- 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- 449 AM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019 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 widely scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon across the area, especially near the Blue Ridge escarpment. Cloud-to-ground lightning, brief heavy downpours, and locally gusty winds will be the primary threats. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None. ARK
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
115 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019
NCZ504-171745-
Greater Burke NC-
115 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019
...A THUNDERSTORM WITH TORRENTIAL RAINFALL WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN
BURKE COUNTY UNTIL 145 PM EDT...
At 114 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a thunderstorm with
torrential rainfall 11 miles southeast of Morganton, or 5 miles east
of South Mountains State Park, moving east at 15 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
South Mountains State Park and Pleasant Grove.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.
&&
LAT...LON 3563 8148 3561 8151 3557 8154 3556 8158
3557 8158 3557 8163 3564 8165 3571 8151
TIME...MOT...LOC 1714Z 250DEG 12KT 3561 8156
KRENTZSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
120 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019
NCZ033-501-171745-
Caldwell Mountains NC-Avery NC-
120 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019
...A THUNDERSTORM WITH TORRENTIAL RAINFALL WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL
CALDWELL AND SOUTHEASTERN AVERY COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM EDT...
At 120 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a thunderstorm with
torrential rainfall 10 miles southeast of Newland, or 6 miles
southeast of B.R. Parkway-Linville Falls To Grandfather. This storm
was nearly stationary.
Locations to be impacted include...
Edgemont.
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...
Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.
&&
LAT...LON 3601 8169 3591 8172 3594 8178 3595 8178
3595 8180 3597 8182 3597 8183 3598 8185
3603 8183
TIME...MOT...LOC 1720Z 282DEG 3KT 3598 8179
KRENTZSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 356 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019 NCZ068-504-508-172030- Greater Rutherford NC-Cleveland NC-Greater Burke NC- 356 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN RUTHERFORD...NORTHWESTERN CLEVELAND AND SOUTH CENTRAL BURKE COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM EDT... At 356 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm with intense lightning 11 miles south of Morganton, or near South Mountains State Park, moving southeast at 5 mph. Locations to be impacted include... Casar and South Mountains State Park. In addition to intense lightning, wind gusts up to 45 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. Frequent lightning is occurring with this 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. && LAT...LON 3558 8178 3563 8169 3552 8153 3542 8173 TIME...MOT...LOC 1956Z 327DEG 6KT 3557 8170 08
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
444 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019
GAZ029-172100-
Elbert GA-
444 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN ELBERT COUNTY UNTIL
500 PM EDT...
At 444 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles east of Elberton, or 4 miles southeast of Middleton. This storm
was nearly stationary.
Locations to be impacted include...
Lake Russell and Rice Town.
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 3402 8277 3410 8274 3409 8264 3408 8264
3408 8265 3407 8264 3399 8265
TIME...MOT...LOC 2044Z 281DEG 2KT 3406 8269
08Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 452 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019 NCZ036-057-071-072-172115- Rowan NC-Iredell NC-Cabarrus NC-Mecklenburg NC- 452 PM EDT Sat Aug 17 2019 ...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CABARRUS... SOUTHEASTERN IREDELL...NORTH CENTRAL MECKLENBURG AND SOUTHWESTERN ROWAN COUNTIES UNTIL 515 PM EDT... At 452 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 5 miles north of Kannapolis to 3 miles north of Huntersville, and moving east at 5 mph. Locations to be impacted include... Huntersville, Kannapolis, Cornelius, Davidson, China Grove, Landis, Enochville, Coddle Creek Reservoir and Ramsey Creek Park. Wind gusts up to 40 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 3556 8044 3535 8085 3546 8093 3562 8065 TIME...MOT...LOC 2052Z 289DEG 5KT 3558 8063 3546 8085 08
The Greer radar (KGSP), 140 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:07 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Fire dept reported numerous trees blown down across the Huntersville area. One tree fell on a home.
Spotter reported quarter size hail on Huntersville-Concord Rd.
Media reported several trees blown down near Victoria Ave surrounding a mobile home park between Skycrest Dr and Old Statesville Rd. One person suffered injuries after a tree fell on a mobile 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, August 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: 853176, 853179, 853177.