Scattered thunderstorms developed across the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and drifted east into the foothills and Piedmont through early evening, with some storms organizing into small clusters. Several of these storms and clusters produced brief damaging wind gusts and hail.
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 developed across the Blue Ridge during the afternoon and drifted east into the foothills and Piedmont through early evening, with some storms organizing into small clusters. Several of these storms and clusters produced brief damaging wind gusts and hail. One especially strong downburst was reported in the Easley 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 1, 4:45 PM EST, 10 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
545 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
.SYNOPSIS...
A persistent upper level trough will support afternoon showers and
thunderstorms into early next week. Deep-layered moisture will
increase Friday and linger...which will maintain the chance of
isolated flooding into Monday.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 540 PM EDT Thursday: Quick update to move around the
higher-than-normal precip chances through early evening based on
radar trends. Temp/dewpt also modulated by the development and
movement of storms, so that will also be changed. Fcst looks good
overall, just has some of the details in the wrong spot.
Otherwise...same upper pattern in place with trough from the Great
Lakes into the Gulf, and ridging over the Desert Southwest and
Southern Plains as well as over the Western Atlantic. A stalled
front across the area continues to provide a bit of focus for
convective development, and little vort waves continue to ride up
out of the Gulf and over the area. Low level moisture advection
continues, and PWs will continue to climb this afternoon and
evening. Surface instability per mesoanalysis is over 2000J/kg just
about area-wide and of course convection fired first across the
mountains but seeing a blossoming of convection across the Piedmont
at AFD time. Steep low-level lapse rates and still some mid-level
dry air could lead to a few wet microbursts as was yesterday, and
have already issued a couple of SVRs. With increasing PWs and the
potential for training convection, even with steering flow allowing
for movement of storms, the heavy rain/isolated flash flood threat
will be higher today than yesterday, and WPC Marginal Risk looks
good. Convection may linger a little later tonight with another vort
lobe lifting up out of GA after 00z, and this is reflected in CAMs
with the HRRR and RAP both maintaining convection toward 06-07z.
As we move into tomorrow, a kink in the ridging expanding into the
Deep South col area will pull another vort lobe up into the area,
supporting even higher pops than today, but the trough will continue
to slide east so storm motion may adjust a little more to the E.
However, upslope low-level flow out of the SE will complicate
things as storm motion and storm propagation may work to almost
cancel each other out, so will have to reevaluate overnight as
that might lead to more flash flood potential. By tomorrow, the
profiles will be more moist so heavy rain will become an increasing
threat through the afternoon. With the increased cloud cover,
expect afternoon highs to be several degrees cooler than today,
a handful or so of degrees below seasonal normals.
&&
.SHORT TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 140 PM Thursday: The upper patter remains in a broad trof
config with pockets of vort energy traversing the flow. There are
sigfnt differences showing up Sun as the 12z NAM generates an upper
low across the Midwest and increases deep lift and thereby a creates
higher than normal stg/svr tstm potential across the FA thru the
day. This feature is not seen in the other op models...so little
weight will be given to this probability.
With the subTrop high remaining centered well off the Atl coast...a
high theta/e airmass will be maintained over the SE CONUS. The
latest GEFS shows increasing positive PWAT anomalies pushing toward
the SE coast Sat...however the FA will likely see moisture levels
reach just abv normal levels over the weekend. So...with the
persistent e/ly flow in the h92-h85 layer...will expect better
convec chances across the higher terrain once again. Not seeing an
issue with widespread flooding as the Balsams and srn BR will get
the brunt of the higher rainfall. A storm total QPF showed the srn
NC mtn ridges receiving just under 2.0 inches...thus isol hydro
issues look to be the main threat.
Otherwise...expect pulse stg/svr convection building on new and
existing outflow bndrys each afternoon....similar to the afternoon
pattern seen the past few days. The atmos remains conditionally
unstable thru the overnight periods with no good potential of
sfc-based inversions nor mlvl capping...so lingering isol -shra with
a few weak tstms will possible into the early morning hrs. Max and
min temps will hover right arnd normal levels each day.
&&
.LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 230 PM Thursday: No big changes were made to the ext range
fcst. The upper level trof will continue to dominate the pattern
while a weak pressure gradient persists at the sfc. There does look
to be some movement with the upper trof axis by Tue as the GFS is
indicating a transition to deep layered subsidence while the flow
becomes more w/ly in the low-levels. This scenario doesn/t look to
offer much more than a mix of lower theta/e air across the far nrn
zones...so still expect a modified persistence type fcst day-to-day
thru the period featuring afternoon isol/sct pulse convec. The hydro
threat will lower somewhat during this time as PoPs have been
lowered closer to climo. Max and min temps will remain close to
normal with high sfc dewpoints maintaining muggy feeling conds.
&&
.AVIATION /22Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Took some time for the fog to lift this
morning, but VFR everywhere at TAF time. TSRA popping across the
mountains and beginning to fire across the Piedmont, especially the
Upstate, so have VCTS for all but KCLT and best timing of TEMPO TSRA
starting between now and 20z. Concerned that another surge of
moisture and upper energy may result in a later max in coverage,
with some TSRA even lingering toward 03-04z, so TEMPO timing will
likely have to be adjusted depending on how the convection evolves
this afternoon and evening. More cloud cover may act to somewhat
limit some of the overnight mountain valley fog/low clouds, but have
continued previous trend at KAVL and added some MVFR fog mention to
KHKY to hint that the increasing surface moisture may result in
restrictions outside the mountains, will need to be reevaluated for
the 00z TAFs. Convective chances greater tomorrow than today and
could get an earlier start, so have already introduced PROB30s and
even prevailing TSRA in the out periods at KCLT. Winds on the S side
this aftn/eve, lgt/vrb overnight, and some question about NE or SE
winds tomorrow but have stayed on the SE side for now.
Outlook: The stalled cold front will continue to result in elevated
chances for scattered diurnal showers and storms/associated
restrictions into the weekend, as well continued potential for
morning low stratus and/or fog.
Confidence Table...
21-03z 03-09Z 09-15Z 15-18Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGSP High 100% High 100% High 98% High 96%
KAVL High 100% High 100% Low 41% High 96%
KHKY High 100% High 100% High 98% High 93%
KGMU High 100% High 100% High 98% High 96%
KAND High 100% High 100% High 100% High 96%
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...SBK
NEAR TERM...PM/TDP
SHORT TERM...SBK
LONG TERM...SBK
AVIATION...TDPHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 441 AM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-020845- 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- 441 AM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Scattered thunderstorms are expected across the western Carolina's and northeast Georgia this afternoon to evening. A few of the storms will be strong to severe with small hail and damaging wind possible. Heavy rainfall with localized flooding will also be possible, especially this evening into tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. Scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon into Friday night and again Saturday. A tropical airmass in place will support periods of heavy rain with localized flooding likely, especially from the I-77 corridor, including Charlotte, northwest into the North Carolina foothills. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
520 PM EDT THU AUG 1 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0512 PM HAIL GASTONIA 35.25N 81.17W
08/01/2019 E0.75 INCH GASTON NC PUBLIC
HAIL UP TO PENNY SIZED FELL BRIEFLY.
&&
OUTLAWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
522 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
NCZ068-012145-
Cleveland NC-
522 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL CLEVELAND COUNTY UNTIL
545 PM EDT...
At 522 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles north of Shelby, or near Lawndale. This storm was nearly
stationary.
Locations to be impacted include...
Shelby, Lawndale, Fallston, Polkville, Lattimore, Waco, Kingstown and
Belwood.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and dime size 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 3543 8146 3542 8146 3536 8141 3535 8139
3525 8156 3532 8172 3535 8170 3539 8170
3550 8159
TIME...MOT...LOC 2122Z 286DEG 3KT 3537 8155
SGLSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 526 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019 NCZ068-508-SCZ007-008-012200- Greater Rutherford NC-Cleveland NC-Cherokee SC-Spartanburg SC- 526 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019 ...A CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN RUTHERFORD... SOUTHWESTERN CLEVELAND...NORTHEASTERN SPARTANBURG AND NORTHWESTERN CHEROKEE COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM EDT... At 526 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated the leading edge of a cluster of thunderstorms along a line extending from 7 miles west of Shelby to 11 miles north of Spartanburg. These storms were nearly stationary. Locations to be impacted include... Gaffney, Boiling Springs NC, Cowpens, Mayo, Chesnee, Mooresboro, Cowpens National Battlefield, Cliffside, Henrietta and Fingerville. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and dime size hail will be possible in these areas. LAT...LON 3525 8156 3497 8176 3513 8204 3532 8172 TIME...MOT...LOC 2126Z 005DEG 1KT 3529 8167 3511 8189 SGL
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
542 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
NCZ068>070-012215-
Gaston NC-Cleveland NC-Lincoln NC-
542 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL LINCOLN...
SOUTHEASTERN CLEVELAND AND CENTRAL GASTON COUNTIES UNTIL 615 PM
EDT...
At 542 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles west of Gastonia, or near Kings Mountain, moving northeast at 5
mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Gastonia, Kings Mountain, Cherryville, Bessemer City, South Gastonia,
Dallas, Lowell, Ranlo, Mcadenville and Crowders Mountain State Park.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and dime size 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 3516 8132 3516 8138 3527 8149 3547 8133
3526 8102
TIME...MOT...LOC 2142Z 233DEG 5KT 3529 8135
SGLSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
544 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
SCZ012-012215-
Laurens SC-
544 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL LAURENS COUNTY UNTIL 615
PM EDT...
At 544 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles southeast of Laurens, moving northeast at 5 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Laurens, Clinton, Joanna, Cross Hill, Waterloo, Mountville, Kinards
and Ora.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
LAT...LON 3439 8217 3462 8194 3445 8170 3445 8172
3436 8179 3435 8181 3435 8183 3432 8186
3430 8190 3426 8190 3424 8192
TIME...MOT...LOC 2144Z 233DEG 5KT 3443 8198
SGLSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
547 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
NCZ036-056-069>072-012215-
Gaston NC-Iredell NC-Lincoln NC-Cabarrus NC-Mecklenburg NC-
Catawba NC-
547 PM EDT Thu Aug 1 2019
...A CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CABARRUS...
SOUTHEASTERN CATAWBA...SOUTHEASTERN IREDELL...LINCOLN...NORTHWESTERN
MECKLENBURG AND NORTHEASTERN GASTON COUNTIES UNTIL 615 PM EDT...
At 547 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated the leading edge of a cluster
of thunderstorms along a line extending from 9 miles east of
Lincolnton to near Downtown Concord, and moving northeast at 10 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Huntersville, Downtown Concord, Lincolnton, Kannapolis, Northeast
Charlotte, West Concord, Cornelius, Mooresville, Mt Holly and
Davidson.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
LAT...LON 3525 8103 3547 8134 3557 8119 3566 8088
3556 8074 3551 8073 3551 8067 3539 8052
TIME...MOT...LOC 2147Z 205DEG 9KT 3547 8107 3542 8062
SGLThe Greer radar (KGSP), 30 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:55 UTC.
3 hail, 2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Emergency manager reported multiple businesses with minor roof damage along Latham Rd east along the Highway 123 corridor to near Old Easley Highway. Multiple trees were also downed in this area, with some snapped about halfway up.
Public reported 3/4 inch hail in the west Greenville area.
Public reported part of the roof blown off an agricultural building on Starkey Rd.
Fire dept reported up to penny size hail fell briefly.
Public reported penny to quarter size hail on Oak Ridge Rd.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in South 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: 852514, 852517, 852516, 852518, 852519.