North Carolina, 2019

Damaging Winds in North Carolina, July 23, 2019

July 23, 2019 · NWS AKQ · 5 events in 3 counties and zones

Scattered severe thunderstorms associated with a frontal boundary produced damaging winds across portions of northeast North Carolina.

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

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$8,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
5

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 AKQ wrote it up.

Scattered severe thunderstorms associated with a frontal boundary produced damaging winds across portions of northeast North Carolina.

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 Wakefield, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 23, 9:48 AM EST, 2 hours 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 23, 9:48 AM EST, 2 hours 50 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1048 AM EDT Tue Jul 23 2019

.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front crosses the area today as low pressure
tracks across North Carolina. High pressure builds in from the
north Wednesday through Friday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 1000 AM EDT Tuesday...

Latest upper air analysis shows a deep upper trough centered
from Ontario to the ern Midwest slowly moving eastward. At the
sfc, low pressure was centered over eastern Long Island, with
the trailing cold front extending SW to FCI-FVX-NW NC. A second
sfc low pressure center has started to develop over ern TN/wrn
NC. Closer to our area, there are some pre-frontal showers
across the ern CWA, with an area of steadier rain behind the
front from the VA Piedmont to MD Eastern Shore (including the
Richmond metro and Northern Neck). Temperatures have fallen
into the upper 60s across the Piedmont and Richmond Metro, but
are still in the mid 70s- around 80F over SE VA/NE NC. No
significant wx expected in the from now through midday noon with
just a steady light- moderate rain across northern/western
zones and ongoing (scattered) showers across the SE.

While skies will remain mostly cloudy (even ahead of the front)
through much of the day today, there will be enough sun for
temperatures to quickly rise into the 80s across SE VA/NE NC.
Highs will mainly be in the 70s (w/ temps dropping into the 60s
at times) over the nrn two-thirds of the CWA. As the front moves
into SE VA by this aftn, numerous showers/tstms will quickly
develop along it, with mainly light-moderate rain continuing
from central VA to the nrn CWA border. The front is expected to
slow down as it crosses SE VA (and eventually NE NC) later this
aftn-this evening in response to a developing area of sfc low
pressure tracking ENE across NC during the day today. With
precipitable water values aoa 2 inches and the flow aloft nearly
parallel to the slow-moving frontal boundary, am still concerned
about the potential for training storms. Storms will initially
be discrete but are expected to quickly evolve into a line be
late aftn. The HREF continues to forecast 50% probs of >3"/3
hours (with the focus across SE VA and NE NC). In addition, CAMs
are showing 3-6" of rainfall in this area. Therefore a flash
flood watch has been issued for this afternoon into tonight for
all of NE NC and Hampton Roads. Flash flooding will be possible
in the heaviest thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight. QPFs
through tonight range from 2-3" across the SE to 0.5-1.5" N of
I-64.

There is also a marginal-slight risk of severe wx across SE
VA/NE NC this aftn. Wind fields aloft increase as the upper
trough digs across the eastern half of the country, allowing a
40-50kt 500mb jet to move over the area. This wind field
combined with any afternoon heating will be enough for a few
strong to severe storms. However, the big limiting factor will
be the weak mid level lapse rates owing to the very moist
atmosphere. The best chc of severe wx will likely occur when the
cells are discrete initially (mainly from 17-21z). Tstms
eventually move into NE NC by evening as the front slowly moves
SE and low pressure moves toward the NE NC coast. The front
finally clears the CWA by 00-03z Wed as the low moves offshore.
Showers end from NW to SE tonight as the low slowly pulls away
from the coast. Lows tonight mainly in the 60s (w/ upper 50s
possible across the NW Piedmont and low 70s in coastal SE VA/NE
NC).

&&

.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/...
As of 355 AM EDT Tuesday...

High pressure slowly builds in from the north on Wed, before
becoming centered over the area late Thu. One cannot rule out
scattered showers and isolated storms right through Wednesday
across coastal zones as the upper trough axis approaches the
area on Wed. Kept PoPs mainly in the slight chc range, as the
latest guidance shows that any appreciable deep-layer
moisture will remain to our south and east. It will remain dry
across inland zones on Wed (and dry in all areas from Wed night
through Thu night).

Temps will be below average on Wed/Thu, with highs mainly in the
82-85F range (and lower humidity). Lows Wed/Thu night mainly in
the low-mid 60s inland (while remaining around 70F along the
immediate coast of SE VA/NE NC.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 345 PM EDT Monday...

Quiet and quite pleasant weather expected for the extended with
high pressure in control through the week and weekend. Will keep
with a dry forecast Thu-Monday. Temps will slowly trend upwards
starting out in the mid 80s Thursday, then gradually rising to
the lower 90s Sun/Mon. Very seasonable for late July.

&&

.AVIATION /15Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 700 AM EDT Tuesday...

Scattered SHRAs are ongoing throughout the area this morning and CIGs
are starting to fall into the MVFR range. A cold front
(currently just S of RIC) continues to cross the CWA from NW to
SE through late evening. CIGS likely fall to IFR at RIC by
15-16z, while remaining VFR/MVFR elsewhere. Expect tstms to
develop along the front during the midday-aftn (likely over
SE VA at first), with mainly SHRAs and a slight chc of thunder
N of the front. The front slows down later this aftn-this
evening as it approaches NE NC, with tstms expected to continue
along it. Tstms move SE of the terminals by 00-03z Wed, but
scattered-numerous SHRAs will continue through 06-09z near the
coast and across the SE. Pcpn likely ends at RIC by 00-03z Wed.
CIGS drop to MVFR at all sites by aftn (w/ prevailing IFR CIGs
likely continuing at RIC). Prevailing IFR CIGs are possible at
SBY/PHF/ORF by early evening, but confidence is too low to
include in the TAFs. VSBYs in SHRAs will mainly be 3-6SM, but
IFR/LIFR VSBYs are likely in any tstm. Have added TEMPO groups
of TSRA at PHF/ORF/ECG in the 18-00z timeframe due to high
confidence. Conditions improve from NW-SE tonight-Wed AM. VFR
expected from Wed-Fri.

&&

.MARINE...
As of 1045 AM EDT Tuesday...

Extended the SCA to cover the cold front passage and then a weak
low which will track along the front then offshore later today
and this evening. The front will be slow to push across the
local waters through late today. Overall winds will likely
become 15 kt or less and then increase briefly late afternoon
and evening assuming the weak low traks along the front. Winds
will be 10-20 kt and become WNW then N post cold front today.
Sfc hi pres builds in behind the front from late Wed into Fri
keeping NE winds 5-15 kt. with NE winds 5-15 knots. An increase
in seas to 2-4 ft, especially near and S of the mouth of the
Ches Bay...will accompany the period of NE winds into the late
week period.

&&

.AKQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...None.
NC...Flash Flood Watch from 2 PM EDT this afternoon through this
     evening for NCZ012>017-030>032-102.
VA...Flash Flood Watch from 2 PM EDT this afternoon through this
     evening for VAZ092-093-095>098-100-523>525.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 5 AM EDT Wednesday for ANZ650-652-
     654.
     Small Craft Advisory until midnight EDT tonight for ANZ630>634-
     638-656-658.

&&

SYNOPSIS...ERI/MRD
NEAR TERM...ERI/MRD/CP
SHORT TERM...ERI/MRD
LONG TERM...AJB/MRD
AVIATION...ERI
MARINE...ERI/JAO
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 23, 12:38 PM EST, 0 minutes before
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In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 23, 9:08 AM EST, 3 hours 30 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
1008 AM EDT TUE JUL 23 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1230 AM     TSTM WND DMG     4 SE IRONSHIRE          38.25N 75.17W
07/23/2019                   WORCESTER          MD   PUBLIC

            NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ACROSS THE OCEAN CITY
            GOLF CLUB.

&&

JO
Local storm report, Jul 23, 10:13 AM EST, 2 hours 25 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
1113 AM EDT TUE JUL 23 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1027 PM     TSTM WND DMG     TOANO                   37.38N 76.81W
07/22/2019                   JAMES CITY         VA   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE

            WIDESPREAD TREE DAMAGE ACROSS TOANO, VA.
            STRUCTURES DAMAGED BY FALLEN TREES. MULTIPLE
            TREES DOWN ACROSS RICHMOND RD IN JAMES CITY
            COUNTY. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

&&
Local storm report, Jul 23, 10:29 AM EST, 2 hours 9 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
1129 AM EDT TUE JUL 23 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1110 PM     TSTM WND DMG     LANCASTER               37.77N 76.47W
07/22/2019                   LANCASTER          VA   EMERGENCY MNGR

            NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ACROSS LANCASTER WITH
            ROADS BLOCKED.

&&

JO
Special weather statement, Jul 23, 11:27 AM EST, 1 hour 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1227 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2019

NCZ014>016-VAZ097-231715-
Pasquotank-Camden-Gates-Chesapeake-
1227 PM EDT Tue Jul 23 2019

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN CAMDEN...
NORTHWESTERN PASQUOTANK...AND EASTERN GATES COUNTIES AND THE
SOUTHWESTERN CITY OF CHESAPEAKE...

At 1226 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Sunbury,
moving east at 25 mph.

Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Sunbury, South Mills, Chesapeake, Morgans Corner, Corapeake,
Horseshoe, Lynchs Corner, Easons Crossroads, Pierceville, Savage,
Acorn Hill, Hazelton, Tar Corner, Sharon, Carter, Sandy Cross, Lilly,
Johnsons Corner, Trotville and Burnt Mills.

Motorists should use extra caution in the vicinity of this storm. Be
prepared for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Heavy rain
could cause ponding of water on roads, and possible minor flooding of
ditches and poor drainage areas.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 3634 7670 3655 7671 3655 7649 3660 7649
      3663 7631 3655 7628 3655 7631 3652 7627
      3640 7623 3637 7645 3638 7646 3637 7650
TIME...MOT...LOC 1626Z 252DEG 21KT 3646 7659

JM
Local storm report, Jul 23, 12:25 PM EST, 13 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 23, 12:29 PM EST, 9 minutes before
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The radar

The Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 90 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:38 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Currituck

When
July 23, 12:38 PM EST
Where
Currituck County, 0.69 mi S of Mayock
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.520, -76.180

Large limbs and one tree were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Currituck

When
July 23, 1:45 PM EST
Where
Currituck County, 1.49 mi NNW of Tulls
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
36.500, -76.090

Trees were downed and partially blocking the road along Tulls Creek Road. Also, numerous power outages were reported in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Perquimans

When
July 23, 2:26 PM EST
Where
Perquimans County, 0.69 mi N of Hertford
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.190, -76.470

Trees and power lines were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Camden

When
July 23, 3:00 PM EST
Where
Camden County, 2.15 mi SSW of Indian Town
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
36.300, -76.090

Multiple trees were downed along South Trotman Road, just north of Shiloh.

Thunderstorm Wind, Camden

When
July 23, 4:20 PM EST
Where
Camden County, 1.31 mi ESE of Hastings Corner
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.360, -76.150

Tree was downed near the Camden county library along Run Swamp 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 North Carolina in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, July 2019

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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 847696, 847698, 847699, 847701, 847704.