An approaching cold front produced strong storms along the coast of North Carolina.
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 ILM wrote it up.
An approaching cold front produced strong storms along the coast of North Carolina.
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 Wilmington, NC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 12, 2:04 PM EST, 18 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Wilmington NC 304 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019 .SYNOPSIS... A few strong thunderstorms remain possible late today and tonight ahead of a cold front. The front will slip offshore Monday night, with fair and seasonable weather through mid week. A cold front will approach the coast late this upcoming week. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/... As of 300 PM Sunday...Low-level stability from rain-cooled air has snubbed deep convection from becoming severe so far today, with solid rainfall offerings for several rain buckets across the area. The primary impulse aloft will bring a final possible strong round of TSTMS from 5pm-10pm from SW to NE. Appears enough heating will allow isolated severe storms, favored near or inland from the coast where an axis of higher D-CAPES reside, remnants of Bermuda ridge dryness. Wet-microburst and straight-line wind damage from TSTM gusts the mostly likely threats during evening in addition to lightning. Mid level dryness will deepen downward tonight, beginning a shut down in deep convection and pcpn in general as a drying trend ensues. Aside from an isolated shower Monday, relatively tranquil and fair weather in comparison. Monday, warm, because of downslope flow and partial sunshine, still out ahead of the approaching cold front, slated to cross the coast Monday evening. && .SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/... As of 300 PM Sunday...Very tranquil conditions for the short term period under a northwest flow aloft and surface high pressure building in from the northwest. No pops in the forecast and expect even clouds to be very limited other than a few stray cirrus. Temperatures drop down considerably especially overnight lows down into the lower 50s in places Wednesday morning and highs in the lower to middle 70s. && .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... As of 300 PM Sunday...The northwest flow aloft will continue for several more days through the end of the week with dry conditions continuing. Interesting to note there is an elongated area of what appears to be low level deformation from low pressure pushing down the east coast while Bermuda High pressure which sets up late generates an area of qpf mostly offshore. This is the first time I have really seen this but with water temperatures still on the cooler side forcing has to be very potent for activity to form in these areas so although interesting I kinda of ignored it. The cooler temperatures early on warm up considerably and some highs late in the period may approach && .AVIATION /19Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... As of 18Z...Thunderstorms are expected to develop again after 18 utc, as an upper trough and a cold front slowly moves into the Carolinas. Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase with the possibility of damaging gust late this afternoon and evening. VFR conditions expected away from thunderstorms and MVFR/IFR in and near thunderstorms mainly through 02 UTC. Extended Outlook...VFR Tuesday through Friday as high pressure dominates the weather. && .MARINE... Roughening waters will keep an 'Advisory' flag flying for the NC waters overnight into early Monday for frequent 25 kt gusts, this ahead of a slow approaching cold front. Winds and seas will certainly be higher in and near TSTMs. For the ocean spectrum southerly wave energy the big player, with 3-6 foot waves running in 6-7 second wave periods. Not until very early Tuesday do we see N wind-waves following the frontal passage Monday night. Strong to severe TSTMs will be possible on the waters tonight between 6pm-midnight, after which, a diminishing trend is expected. The storms tonight best avoided as this system has a history of plentiful lightning, dangerous. Expect a northwest offshore flow the first day or two of the forecast then a transition to a somewhat unorganized and poorly forced flow before a bonafide return flow develops late in the forecast period. Forcing is limited and wind speeds will be 10-15 knots at best. The forecast for significant seas has really dropped with this cycle moreso when the wind direction is in transition. Overall expect 1-3 feet. && .ILM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. NC...None. MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until noon EDT Monday for AMZ250-252. && SYNOPSIS...SHK NEAR TERM...MJC SHORT TERM...SHK LONG TERM...SHK AVIATION...DCH/MJC MARINE...
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wilmington NC 317 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019 AMZ250-252-131930- Coastal waters from Surf City to Cape Fear NC out 20 nm- Coastal waters from Cape Fear NC to Little River Inlet SC out 20 nm- 317 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019 ...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the adjacent Coastal Waters. .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. Small Craft Advisory. Isolated Strong to possibly Severe thunderstorms this afternoon thru tonight. Damaging wind gusts is the primary concern. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Small Craft Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. AMZ254-256-131930- Coastal waters from Little River Inlet to Murrells Inlet SC out 20 nm- Coastal waters from Murrells Inlet to South Santee River SC out 20 nm- 317 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the adjacent Coastal Waters. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Isolated Strong to possibly Severe thunderstorms this afternoon thru tonight. Damaging wind gusts is the primary concern. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. NCZ106-108-110-SCZ054-056-131930- Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Brunswick-Coastal Horry- Coastal Georgetown- 317 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Isolated Strong to possibly Severe thunderstorms this afternoon thru tonight. Damaging wind gusts and hail are the primary concerns. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. NCZ087-096-099-105-107-109-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-055-058-059- 131930- Robeson-Bladen-Columbus-Inland Pender-Inland New Hanover- Inland Brunswick-Marlboro-Darlington-Dillon-Florence-Marion- Williamsburg-Inland Georgetown-Central Horry-Northern Horry- 317 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Isolated Strong to possibly Severe thunderstorms this afternoon thru tonight. Damaging wind gusts and hail are the primary concerns. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. 8
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1232 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
SCZ055-056-121730-
Coastal Georgetown SC-Inland Georgetown SC-
1232 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT FOR CENTRAL GEORGETOWN COUNTY UNTIL 130
PM EDT...
At 1227 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
North Santee, or 7 miles southwest of Georgetown, moving northeast at
45 mph.
Pea size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Georgetown, DeBordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet,
Jackson, Sampit, North Santee, Graves, Litchfield Beach, Georgetown
Memorial Hospital and Waccamaw Community Hospital.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Thunderstorms can pose a variety of threats including gusty winds,
small hail, cloud to ground lightning, and localized flooding. It is
recommended that you remain indoors until the storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 3321 7943 3322 7946 3324 7946 3323 7947
3333 7954 3358 7910 3357 7910 3357 7903
3355 7901 3354 7902 3349 7908 3339 7915
3327 7918 3318 7940
TIME...MOT...LOC 1627Z 240DEG 38KT 3329 7940
SHKSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
140 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
NCZ109-110-SCZ054>056-058-121845-
Inland Brunswick NC-Coastal Brunswick NC-Coastal Georgetown SC-
Coastal Horry SC-Inland Georgetown SC-Central Horry SC-
140 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT...
At 139 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking an area of strong
thunderstorms near DeBordieu Colony, moving northeast at 35 mph.
Half inch hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, DeBordieu Colony,
Surfside Beach, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Pawleys Island,
Myrtle Beach Airport, Little River, Yawkey South Island, Murrells
Inlet, Winyah Bay Entrance, Socastee, Red Hill, Garden City, North
Myrtle Beach Airport, Cherry Grove Inlet, Little River Entrance and
Iredell.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Thunderstorms can pose a variety of threats including gusty winds,
small hail, cloud to ground lightning, and localized flooding. It is
recommended that you remain indoors until the storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 3335 7959 3396 7882 3395 7865 3397 7862
3401 7864 3403 7858 3389 7841 3380 7871
3374 7882 3363 7894 3344 7912 3327 7918
3320 7917 3313 7924
TIME...MOT...LOC 1739Z 227DEG 53KT 3343 7920
SHKSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
203 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
NCZ096-099-121900-
Columbus NC-Bladen NC-
203 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT...
At 203 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Elkton, or 8 miles north of Whiteville, moving northeast at 35 mph.
Half inch hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Whiteville, Elizabethtown, Carvers, Lisbon, Abbottsburg, Lagoon,
Elkton, Emerson, Clarkton, White Lake and Bladen County Hospital.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Thunderstorms can pose a variety of threats including gusty winds,
small hail, cloud to ground lightning, and localized flooding. It is
recommended that you remain indoors until the storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 3481 7846 3477 7843 3475 7839 3473 7839
3472 7838 3470 7837 3469 7835 3467 7832
3465 7832 3464 7831 3463 7832 3461 7831
3458 7826 3455 7826 3454 7827 3453 7827
3433 7868 3447 7882 3483 7847
TIME...MOT...LOC 1803Z 226DEG 49KT 3446 7869
SHKSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
232 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
NCZ105-107-109-121915-
Inland New Hanover NC-Inland Brunswick NC-Inland Pender NC-
232 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT FOR NORTHWESTERN NEW HANOVER...PENDER
AND NORTHEASTERN BRUNSWICK COUNTIES UNTIL 315 PM EDT...
At 232 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northwest of Wards Corner, or 13 miles southwest of Wallace,
moving northeast at 45 mph.
Pea size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Leland, Burgaw, Northwest, Penderlea, Point Caswell, Maple Hill, Long
Creek, Ashton, Rocky Point, Currie, Wards Corner, Castle Hayne, The
Borough, Phoenix, White Stocking, Murray Town, Wrightsboro, Rooks,
Montague and Malpass Corner.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Thunderstorms can pose a variety of threats including gusty winds,
small hail, cloud to ground lightning, and localized flooding. It is
recommended that you remain indoors until the storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 3414 7822 3424 7824 3436 7816 3435 7820
3440 7825 3446 7818 3450 7825 3454 7827
3468 7816 3473 7810 3473 7801 3471 7798
3472 7768 3448 7758
TIME...MOT...LOC 1832Z 245DEG 39KT 3460 7817
SCALORASpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
312 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
NCZ105>107-122000-
Inland New Hanover NC-Coastal Pender NC-Inland Pender NC-
312 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT FOR NORTHERN NEW HANOVER AND PENDER
COUNTIES UNTIL 400 PM EDT...
At 311 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Scotts Hill, or 7 miles northwest of Rich Inlet, moving northeast at
40 mph.
Half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Burgaw, Surf City, Hampstead, Topsail Beach, Maple Hill, Long Creek,
Hightsville, Cape Fear Community College North Campus, Ashton,
Wilmington International Airport, Rocky Point, Murrayville, Castle
Hayne, Scotts Hill, Woodside, White Stocking, Murray Town,
Wrightsboro, Montague and Topsail.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Thunderstorms can pose a variety of threats including gusty winds,
small hail, cloud to ground lightning, and localized flooding. It is
recommended that you remain indoors until the storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 3433 7768 3431 7775 3431 7776 3430 7778
3424 7797 3425 7797 3428 7800 3428 7801
3430 7802 3432 7801 3432 7803 3433 7803
3433 7805 3438 7809 3472 7795 3472 7768
3448 7758 3446 7754 3444 7752
TIME...MOT...LOC 1911Z 241DEG 36KT 3438 7780
SCALORASpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
318 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
NCZ108-110-121945-
Coastal New Hanover NC-Coastal Brunswick NC-
318 PM EDT Sun May 12 2019
...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT FOR SOUTH CENTRAL NEW HANOVER AND
SOUTHEASTERN BRUNSWICK COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM EDT...
At 318 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Fort Fisher, or near Kure Beach, moving northeast at 45 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Bald Head Island, Snows Cut, South
Masonboro Island, Southport, Fort Fisher, Sea Breeze, Myrtle Grove
and Dosher Memorial Hospital.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Thunderstorms can pose a variety of threats including gusty winds,
small hail, cloud to ground lightning, and localized flooding. It is
recommended that you remain indoors until the storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 3409 7787 3397 7791 3391 7795 3384 7796
3386 7801 3388 7801 3388 7802 3389 7802
3390 7805 3396 7808 3395 7805 3405 7798
3415 7784
TIME...MOT...LOC 1918Z 240DEG 40KT 3394 7795
21The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 77 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:20 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
There were multiple metal roofs blown off which led to power line damage. Large industrial sized drain pipes were also blown across Wallace Street in Burgaw.
The public reported trees down with damage to power lines in Burgaw.
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, May 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: 830592, 830590.