Several multi-cellular clusters moved across the area during the late afternoon and evening. Multiple clusters produced wind damage as they moved through the area in a moist and unstable environment.
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 RAH wrote it up.
Several multi-cellular clusters moved across the area during the late afternoon and evening. Multiple clusters produced wind damage as they moved through the area in a moist and unstable environment.
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 May 4, 1:56 PM EST, 2 hours 40 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Raleigh NC 256 PM EDT Sat May 4 2019 .SYNOPSIS... A cold front will settle south across the region late Sunday night. Weak high pressure will follow and build across the southern middle Atlantic states through early next week. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 256 PM Saturday... The main concern the rest of today is the svr tstm potential assoc with the line of storms presently moving across E TN and W NC, along with the discrete cells out ahead of the line. Latest mesoanalysis shows 1500+ J/kg ML CAPE across a large portion of our CWA, while 0- 6km bulk shear is in the 25-30kt range, supportive of multicell clusters/line. The latest near-term CAMS, including the HRRR, suggest the main line will sweep across central NC, first reaching the Triad and our western zones between 5-7 PM, the Triangle region and US-corridor between 7-9 PM, and the I-95 corridor and coastal plain between 9 PM and midnight. Of course the isold-scat cells ahead of the main line will arrive earlier. The main hazard assoc with this activity is damaging straight-line winds, although some hail is possible with the earlier discrete cells. Then later tonight, another round of showers and perhaps tstms will move across central NC, this activity associated with the tstm complex currently moving across MS and AL. The HRRR suggests that this activity will sweep across central NC during the overnight hours. The svr potential will be limited however, since most of the CAPE should have been consumed by them thanks to the activity earlier in the evening. Nevertheless, heavy downpours will be possible, so will have the watch out for the potential for localized poor drainage flooding, which at night is always a heightened concern. Lows tonight in the 60s. && .SHORT TERM /SUNDAY and SUNDAY NIGHT/... As of 256 PM Saturday... The tstm complex and assoc short wave noted in the near-term that is forecast to move across central NC during the pre-dawn hours Sunday morning, is expected to pass by to our east by 15Z Sunday morning. Until then, we'll see the chance for showers persist. After it exits though, we should see a brief break in the rain during the late- morning to mid-day hours. However, the risk for showers and tstms will increase again Sunday afternoon and evening as the main synoptic cold front, currently extending from northern VA west- southwest toward the mid-Mississippi Valley, drifts south and across central NC during the late-day period. Given the earlier rain and assoc cloudiness, the degree of instability and thus svr tstm potential, looks fairly limited. However, given the timing of the front, it's possible that there could be some renewed heating across the eastern third of the state, sufficiently such that we can't rule out a strong storm or two later Sunday across our far eastern zones. Any fropa-related shower/tstm activity should be over by mid to late- evening across most of our CWA. However, NE low level flow coupled with lingering moist BL may set the stage for a round of low stratus early Mon morning. Temps Sunday will depend on which side of the front you are...so look for highs in the mid-upr 70s across our N and NW zones, to low 80s S and SE zones. Post-frontal lows Sunday night from the upper 50s NW to lower 60s SE. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... As of 220 PM Saturday... Through Tuesday night: Medium range models are in fairly good agreement that the surface front should be east and south of central NC by Monday morning, with the main surface trough axis offshore and along the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast US coastlines, possibly extending westward into SC. Aloft, the flow will be nearly zonal with weak perturbations potentially helping regenerate some shower activity along the front on Monday as they swing through the Carolinas. Otherwise, generally expect central NC to be dry Monday through Tuesday night. Still expect the surface high to slide southeast through VA/eastern NC and offshore Monday/Tuesday. As the high shifts offshore southeasterly to southerly return flow will set up, advecting warm moist air into the region once again. There is the chance some light showers could develop as a result of isentropic lift, but that will be primarily limited to western portions of the state. Temperatures will be slightly above normal on Monday, highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and lows in the upper 50s to low 60s. Temperatures begin to moderate on Tuesday, increasing a category to highs in the low to mid 80s and lows in the low to mid 60s. Wednesday through Saturday: While the general picture is becoming a bit more clear for this part of the forecast, confidence still remains somewhat low and decreases significantly into the weekend. The cold front that was gradually approaching from the north- northwest early in the week will become west-east oriented, hanging up to the north of NC mid-week, sagging southward into VA on Wednesday before lifting away once again. The sub-tropical ridge aloft will amplify over the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic Wed/Thu before shifting eastward off the US coast. Meanwhile, the upper level trough will remain anchored over the West/Rockies/Southwest regions through the remainder of the extended period. However, it appears a couple of lows will develop within the trough, the northeast most low breaking away from the trough, swinging eastward late-week. At the surface, southerly flow will continue advecting warm, moist air into the region between the Bermuda high and the next approaching front from the west. The parent surface low is expected to lift northeast through the Midwest and into the Great Lakes through Thursday night, while the attendant cold front will gradually push eastward. However, beyond Friday the eastward progression of the front is in question and will depend on the track of the surface low. As a result, confidence is low for Friday and Saturday, but best chances for showers and thunderstorms will be along and just ahead of the front, wherever that is and when. && .AVIATION /12Z SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... As of 256 PM Saturday... Through 18Z Sunday...Currently flight conditions are VFR across most of central NC. However, when the showers and tstms move through look for conditions to temporarily decrease to IFR in downpours along with gusty/variable winds. With plenty of BL moisture in place and renewed risk for additional showers associated with the arrival of the shower/tstm complex currently located across the deep south, flight conditions will remain low-MVFR or IFR across much of central NC tonight. We may see a brief improvement in the cigs after 15Z Sunday, but with the approach of the synoptic front Sunday afternoon, look for renewed chances for showers/tstms and assoc reduction in flight conditions. After 18Z Sunday...The risk for showers/tstm will continue through about 04Z Monday until the cold front clears central NC, however, cigs will remain low with stratus Sunday night into Monday morning. Flight conditions should improve as Monday progresses with high pressure and somewhat drier air building into the area. && .RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SYNOPSIS...np NEAR TERM...np SHORT TERM...np LONG TERM...KC AVIATION...np
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Raleigh NC 722 AM EDT Sat May 4 2019 NCZ007>009-021>025-038>041-073>077-083>086-088-051130- Person-Granville-Vance-Forsyth-Guilford-Alamance-Orange-Durham- Davidson-Randolph-Chatham-Wake-Stanly-Montgomery-Moore-Lee-Harnett- Anson-Richmond-Scotland-Hoke-Cumberland- 722 AM EDT Sat May 4 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A cluster or two of thunderstorms will move northeast across the Piedmont and Sandhills this afternoon through early evening, primarily between 4 PM and 10 PM. The primary hazard will be wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph, with isolated gusts up to 60 mph. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Scattered thunderstorms on Sunday could produce strong wind gusts and hail up to one inch in diameter. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening. NCZ010-011-026>028-042-043-078-089-051130- Warren-Halifax-Franklin-Nash-Edgecombe-Johnston-Wilson-Wayne-Sampson- 722 AM EDT Sat May 4 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A cluster or two of thunderstorms will move northeast across the Coastal Plain this evening, primarily between 8 PM and midnight. The primary hazard will be wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph, with isolated gusts up to 60 mph. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Scattered thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and evening may become severe, with a threat of both damaging wind gusts and large hail. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
428 PM EDT SAT MAY 4 2019
NCZ038-039-073-074-083-042145-
Stanly NC-Anson NC-Randolph NC-Davidson NC-Montgomery NC-
428 PM EDT SAT MAY 4 2019
...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE INTO AND AFFECT
SOUTHEASTERN DAVIDSON...NORTHWESTERN
ANSON...MONTGOMERY...SOUTHWESTERN RANDOLPH AND STANLY COUNTIES UNTIL
545 PM EDT...
At 425 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a line of strong
thunderstorms extending from near China Grove to near Unionville.
Movement was east at 25 mph.
Nickel size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
these storms.
Deadly cloud to ground lightning will also be possible with these
storms.
Locations impacted include...
Albemarle, Troy, Badin Lake, Ansonville, Plyler, Locust, Norwood,
Badin, Oakboro and Denton.
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.
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.
These storms 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 3550 8030 3551 8018 3558 8021 3562 8025
3564 8007 3561 7985 3517 7988 3516 7990
3516 7998 3514 8002 3514 8007 3512 8007
3508 8015 3509 8029 3520 8028 3517 8035
3518 8037 3516 8044 3519 8050
TIME...MOT...LOC 2025Z 256DEG 23KT 3551 8053 3507 8056
JFDSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
507 PM EDT SAT MAY 4 2019
NCZ084-085-042200-
Scotland NC-Richmond NC-
507 PM EDT SAT MAY 4 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SCOTLAND AND SOUTHEASTERN
RICHMOND COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM EDT...
At 506 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles northeast of Chavistown, or 9 miles north of Bennettsville,
moving northeast at 20 mph.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph will be possible with this storm.
Heavy rain and minor flooding will also be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Laurinburg, Wagram, Gibson, East Laurinburg, Laurel Hill and
Sandhills Game Land.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3480 7968 3481 7978 3502 7943 3497 7937
3494 7935 3493 7936 3485 7934 3482 7936
3478 7934 3465 7949
TIME...MOT...LOC 2106Z 238DEG 18KT 3476 7965
23The Raleigh/Durham radar (KRAX), 159 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:35 UTC.
11 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
One tree was reported down on Willie Road at Fontana Drive and another tree down on Willie Road at Spivey Road.
One tree was reported down at North Carolina Highway 109 at Ophir Road.
One tree was reported down along State Route 742 near the South Carolina state line.
One tree was reported down at Browns Mill Road and Bascom Chapel Road.
One tree was reported down along Yates Hill Road.
Several trees were reported down across Hoke County, including on St. Pauls Road and Aberdeen Road.
Several trees were reported down in the Lobelia Area.
Several trees were reported down along McArthur Road.
One tree was reported down near the intersection of Avent Ferry Road and Bartley Holleman Road.
One tree was reported down on a vehicle near the intersection of Jackpot Lane and Walter Myatt Road, with one person reported injured.
One tree was reported down near the intersection of Old Stage Road and Fanny Brown Road.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderstorm Wind, Wake | 2019-05-04 | Unknown | Direct |
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: 824313, 824314, 824315, 824316, 824317, 824318, 824319, 824320, 824331, 824332, 824333.