Scattered thunderstorms, including a couple of supercell thunderstorms developed along a cold front across western North Carolina during the afternoon. A couple of storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging winds.
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.
Scattered thunderstorms, including a couple of supercell thunderstorms developed along a cold front across western North Carolina during the afternoon. A couple of storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of 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 Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 31, 9:02 AM EST, 3 hours 48 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1002 AM EDT Fri May 31 2019
.SYNOPSIS...
A weak cold front will approach today, pushing slowly across the
area through Saturday. This will bring showers and some
thunderstorms to the region, but more importantly bringing an end to
the heat wave. Dry high pressure will develop across the region for
the early and middle part of next week after a second cold frontal
passage on Sunday night. Temperatures are expected to be near of
just above normal.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 1000 AM Friday: Minor tweaks made to
temperatures/dewpoints/winds to coincide with latest trends, as the
rest of the near term forecast remains well on track. Conditions
remain fairly quiet across the area this morning, with a few light
showers moving along the TN border. Per latest analysis, the
approaching cold front is in the process of propagating into
eastern TN attm.
Otherwise, a fairly strong vort max can be seen over the Midwest on
water vapor imagery, beginning to be picked up by westerly flow to
the north. This upper wave will cross the southern Appalachians
later today, providing plenty of DPVA during peak-heating hours
across the FA. At the sfc, a weak cold front was analyzed at 03z
entering the Ohio Valley trailing a sfc low over northern IN. This
front will push into the NC mountains around midday and then into
the piedmont this aftn. The low-level flow ahead of the front will
remain fairly veered out of the west to west-southwest. Just enough
SW to limit any downslope component, but also not that favorable to
bring much low-level moisture into the region. With that said,
dewpts will not mix out as much this aftn, especially over the
eastern half of the area, where some low-level convergence will set
up. Afternoon sbCAPE should be 1000-2000 J/kg roughly from the NC
eastern escarpment east. But a minimum of CAPE is expected over the
Upstate and NE GA, where dewpts will still mix out into the upper
50s. As for severe potential, there will be plenty of mid-lvl dry
air in the fcst soundings, resulting in high DCAPE (and therefore
potential damaging wind gusts). Large hail cannot be ruled out
either, as 0-6 km bulk shear will be around 40-50 kts, supporting
organized updrafts. PoPs range from less than 20% in the SW corner
of the FA to near 60% in Davie County. Temps will be a couple
notches cooler than last few days, thanks to breakdown of the upper
ridge and the passing front. Highs mainly 70s to lower 80s
mountains, and upper 80s to lower 90s piedmont.
Tonight, convection should exit to the east by early evening, and
any lingering precip should dissipate by late evening. Skies clear
out for the most part behind the front, but winds remain somewhat
mixed. So lows will remain above normal (but a little cooler than
last few nights). Lows in the 50s mountains to mid 60s piedmont.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
As of 300 AM EDT Friday: The short term begins Saturday morning with
a potent but speedy little shortwave pushing across the area,
pushing any leftover convection from tonight well to the east. Could
see some lingering shower activity in the northern mountains as a
slug of moisture gets caught up on the high terrain, but chances are
pretty low. Bigger difference will be noted in afternoon high
temperatures on Saturday, which will continue on the decline from
this afternoon and only a couple of degrees above normal.
Another shortwave coming out of the Great Lakes will pass to our
north on Sunday, but a secondary front dragged across the OH Valley
will push through Sunday into Sunday night. Most convection will be
again confined to the mountains, with a lack of dynamics preventing
any substantial moisture from crossing into the Piedmont, though
some isolated activity can't be totally ruled out. We should be able
to warm up a few degrees again Sunday afternoon ahead of the front,
3-5 degrees warmer than Saturday, but the front will pass through
the area Sunday night, leading to more seasonable conditions as we
move into the extended.
&&
.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 320 AM EDT Friday: Post-frontal CAA will lead to temperatures
at or perhaps even below seasonal normals as we move into the new
work week, not a bad way for area school kids to start the summer
break! The trend continues on Tuesday, and possibly even a hair
cooler, but upper ridging building over the TX/LA Gulf Coast and
surface high along the Carolina Coast will lead to another pattern
change. ECMWF is hinting at a slug of moisture lifting north out of
the western Atlantic into the Carolinas late Tuesday, but the bigger
change will be with another northern stream shortwave passing across
the Great Lakes mid-week. Another front will drop into the area but
looks to stall over the area, and depending on where it ends up, a
slow uptick in temperatures will be possible through the end of the
period. The bigger change will be the ramping up in convective
activity through the end of the period, and although QPF isn't
particularly high, it will certainly help to stave off the prolonged
dry spell that has developed. Yesterday's drought monitor has
Abnormally Dry/D0 expanding across the Upstate (it's always either
too much or too little...last measurable rain was 5/11 at GSP and
CLT, 5/17 at AVL).
&&
.AVIATION /14Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: A cold front will pass thru the area today.
Still expect scattered SHRA and TSRA to develop this aftn across the
NC mountains, tracking east across the NC piedmont thru early
evening along and ahead of the front. Only isolated coverage
expected across the Upstate. Not much change from the 06z TAFs. Have
a TEMPO at KCLT from 19-23z, which is the timing of highest chance
for direct impacts. PROB30 and VCTS for KAVL and KHKY. Still not
enough coverage to warrant a mention in any of the Upstate sites.
Otherwise, VFR conditions expected (except in SHRA/TSRA) with a WSW
wind, picking up and becoming gusty across the Upstate. The winds
shift to NW behind the front around 22-00z. Skies become mostly
clear and convection exist to the east this evening.
Outlook: mostly VFR conditions expected with isolated to sct
showers and thunderstorms possible, mainly across the mountains,
thru the weekend. Dry conditions return for Monday and Tuesday.
Confidence Table...
14-20Z 20-02Z 02-08Z 08-12Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGSP High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAVL High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KHKY High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGMU High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAND High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
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...TDP
NEAR TERM...ARK/SGL
SHORT TERM...TDP
LONG TERM...TDP
AVIATION...ARKHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 436 AM EDT Fri May 31 2019 NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-501-502-504-506-508-SCZ008-009-013- 014-010845- Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston- Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union-Caldwell Mountains-Greater Caldwell- Greater Burke-Eastern McDowell-Greater Rutherford-Cherokee-York- Chester- 436 AM EDT Fri May 31 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening. Any thunderstorm that develops will contain lightning, gusty winds, and brief heavy rain. A few of the storms may become severe with damaging winds being the main threat, but large hail will be possible as well. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None. GAZ029-NCZ033-048>053-058-059-062>065-503-505-507-509-510-SCZ002-003- 006-007-011-012-019-010845- Elbert-Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Graham- Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson- Burke Mountains-McDowell Mountains-Rutherford Mountains- Polk Mountains-Eastern Polk-Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains- Greater Greenville-Spartanburg-Abbeville-Laurens-Greenwood- 436 AM EDT Fri May 31 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening. Lightning, gusty winds, and brief heavy rain will be possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None. GAZ010-017-018-026-028-SCZ001-004-005-010-010845- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Oconee Mountains- Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Anderson- 436 AM EDT Fri May 31 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
112 PM EDT Fri May 31 2019
NCZ035-501>504-311745-
Caldwell Mountains NC-Burke Mountains NC-Greater Burke NC-
Greater Caldwell NC-Alexander NC-
112 PM EDT Fri May 31 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN ALEXANDER...CENTRAL
CALDWELL AND NORTH CENTRAL BURKE COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM EDT...
At 112 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles west of Lenoir, or 4 miles west of Gamewell, moving northeast
at 55 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Lenoir, Gamewell, Cajah's Mountain, Cedar Rock, Hudson, Kings Creek,
Collettsville, Patterson and Vashti.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph and half inch 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.
&&
LAT...LON 3609 8147 3609 8145 3607 8144 3607 8141
3604 8140 3602 8135 3600 8133 3603 8127
3604 8120 3603 8117 3604 8113 3603 8107
3605 8103 3604 8103 3577 8170 3592 8181
3610 8148
TIME...MOT...LOC 1712Z 239DEG 49KT 3589 8167
WJMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
148 PM EDT Fri May 31 2019
NCZ035-502-311830-
Greater Caldwell NC-Alexander NC-
148 PM EDT Fri May 31 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT ALEXANDER AND SOUTHEASTERN
CALDWELL COUNTIES UNTIL 230 PM EDT...
At 148 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles southeast of Lenoir, or near Hudson, moving east at 25 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Lenoir, Taylorsville, Hudson, Stony Point, Cedar Rock, Cajah's
Mountain, Sawmills, Bethlehem, Hiddenite and Little River In
Alexander County.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for
western and the Piedmont of North Carolina.
LAT...LON 3603 8110 3603 8105 3590 8102 3586 8104
3583 8106 3583 8152 3595 8156 3603 8134
3600 8133 3603 8127 3604 8120 3603 8118
3603 8117 3604 8113 3604 8111
TIME...MOT...LOC 1748Z 265DEG 21KT 3587 8147
WJMThe Greer radar (KGSP), 68 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:50 UTC.
6 thunderstorm wind, 2 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Public reported a few trees snapped along Pleasant Ridge Church Rd and also along Bradley Rd.
Newspaper reported a steeple blown off a church on Marion St.
Trained spotter reported nickel size hail near Jason Ln.
Spotter reported a few trees blown down on Highway 10.
Law enforcement reported trees blown down across Frank Cline Rd and Gilbert Hilton Rd.
Trained spotter reported a large tree limb and power lines blown down on Island Ford Rd near Beulah Rd. County comms reported power lines blown Old Mountain Rd.
Trained spotter reported multiple large tree limbs blown down along Enochville Rd.
Trained spotter reported quarter to golf ball size hail on Kannapolis Lake.
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: 830866, 830867, 830873, 830868, 830869, 830870, 830871, 830872.