Numerous thunderstorms developed along a stationary front across northeast Georgia during the afternoon. One of the storms produced brief damaging winds in Rabun County.
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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.
Numerous thunderstorms developed along a stationary front across northeast Georgia during the afternoon. One of the storms produced brief damaging winds in Rabun County.
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 3, 12:50 PM EST, 25 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
150 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020
.SYNOPSIS...
Rain chances increase across the region through this evening as
tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Isaias interacts with a
stalling front. The storm is forecast to make landfall near the
North Carolina and South Carolina border early tonight then cross
eastern North Carolina late tonight. Our risk of heavy rainfall and
isolated flooding will diminish as Isaias moves away from our
region. A more typical summertime pattern of afternoon and evening
thunderstorms will then return for the remainder of the week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 135 PM: More changes based on radar trends, mainly to
reorient the high precip probs over the mtns/foothills and
to account for the new band that has moved N/NW into the wrn
Piedmont. The stalled cold front over East TN will serve to focus
convective activity over the mtns thru the afternoon, driven by
diurnal destabilization and enhanced by an amplifying jet streak
oriented along the Appalachians. The band over the Piedmont should
continue to migrate N and NW. CAPE is expected to stay a little
below typical August values. However, robust mid to upper level
flow surrounding the trough will produce 0-6km shear of 30 to 40
kt over the NW half of the CWA. Therefore SPC has included a D1
Marginal Risk across that part of our area. Loosely organized
multicells producing damaging wind would appear to be the most
likely route that severe wx would occur.
The continued weakening of the front and slightly more eastward
trend in the Isaias track no longer appears as likely to support a
sharp axis of heavy rainfall. There will be at least an isolated
risk of flash flooding across much of the area today. The
Flash Flood Watch for the northern mountains/foothills is
being maintained, however, as it is not yet totally clear the
convective trend is downward. The trough to our west will begin
to make eastward progress tonight, creeping the front eastward,
and some drying is expected both due to that development and as
winds turn more downslope around Isaias as it crosses eastern
NC. The circulation of the storm will be near enough to support a
mixed E to NE flow late tonight in the low levels along and east
of I-77. Breezy conditions likely will develop, with gusts perhaps
up to 25 mph at times. Significant impacts are unlikely aside from
a few trees falling in saturated soil; given flash-flood guidance
being above 3 inches in 6 hours, and total QPF remaining well
under 2 inches by and large in those areas, confidence is fairly
low that the soils will be wet enough for much uprooting.
&&
.SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...
As of 305 am EDT Monday: The center of circulation of Isaias should
move rapidly away to the northeast during the day on Tuesday. After
lingering morning showers and thunderstorms, mainly along and east
of I-77, a more typical summertime pattern of afternoon and evening
convection will return as the lingering, stout upper jet axis moves
slowly east across the forecast area. Low-level flow will quickly
become a westerly downslope with the passage of Isaias to the east,
but the downsloping will likely not counteract the upper forcing,
moist boundary layer, and lingering frontal zone stalled in the
area. Solid scattered coverage should easily return through the
afternoon hours in spite of the westerly flow.
General troughiness will persist west of the Appalachians Wednesday
through Wed night as additional shortwaves move east of the
Mississippi River Valley, and the stalled surface boundary slowly
dissipates in place. Better insolation will permit SBCAPE values to
recover above 2500 J/kg during peak heating to permit scattered to
numerous afternoon and evening storms to return on Wednesday.
Temperatures will return to nearly normal early August values.
&&
.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 310 am EDT Monday: The upper trough axis west of the
Appalachians on Thursday will cross the region through Friday, with
another round of above climo PoPs for diurnal showers and
thunderstorms expected both days. Temperatures will be near or just
below climo, with a bit more clouds under the passing trough.
A broad and flat central CONUS ridge will try to build east over the
weekend, but with persistent northwesterly flow and associated
shortwaves crossing the southeast. This will keep decent, diurnal,
scattered or better coverage of showers and thunderstorms going
through the weekend. Temperatures will return to near climo under
building heights aloft.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
At KCLT and Elsewhere: Now that a broad band of convection at
the edge of the circulation associated with Isaias has moved
into the wrn Piedmont...KCLT will have a good chance at a few
thunderstorms...thus we start them out with a TEMPO. Other sites
can probably hold off for a few hours with just a VCTS in order to
save the 4 hour TEMPO window for later in the afternoon. Conditions
should be VFR outside of the numerous showers and storms, but MVFR
inside/near the deep convection. Wind has been variable because
of the numerous storms, but should come around to NE and then N
this evening once we start to lose the coverage of storms. The
convection could carry on through the evening near most sites, so
a PROB30 was employed. As the center of the storm moves away and we
lose instability, the storm chances should diminish significantly,
leaving VFR conditions until fog starts to develop in the pre-dawn
hours. Most sites stand a good chance of seeing a fog restriction
before daybreak, except for maybe KCLT where the flow stays a bit
stronger. All sites should see VFR after sunrise with wind coming
around to SW.
Outlook: Daily rounds of afternoon/evening SHRA/TSRA will likely
continue most of the week. Morning restrictions can't be ruled out.
Confidence Table...
17-23Z 23-05Z 05-11Z 11-12Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% Med 72% High 100%
KGSP High 100% High 100% High 100% Low 43%
KAVL Med 72% High 95% Low 39% Med 70%
KHKY Med 61% Low 54% Med 61% Low 41%
KGMU High 100% High 100% High 100% Low 38%
KAND High 100% High 100% High 100% High 83%
The percentage reflects the number of guidance members agreeing
with the scheduled TAF issuance flight rule category. Complete hourly
experimental aviation forecast consistency tables are available at
the following link:
www.weather.gov/gsp/aviation
&&
.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
NC...Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday morning for NCZ033-049-050-
501>506.
SC...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...HG
NEAR TERM...PM/08
SHORT TERM...HG
LONG TERM...HG
AVIATION...PMHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 408 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ035>037-048-051>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-507>510-SCZ001>014-019-040815- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell- Davie-Madison-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Catawba-Rowan-Graham- Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson- Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC- 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-Union SC-Chester-Greenwood- 408 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, Piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage through the day today, continuing to produce locally heavy rainfall. Isolated flash flooding may occur where storms repeatedly affect the same location. The thunderstorms will also produce dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and gusty winds. A few damaging wind gusts will be possible with the strongest storms. As Tropical Storm Isaias makes its nearest pass to our region tonight, breezy and occasionally gusty winds may develop. A few trees could fall in areas where soils are saturated by the recent heavy rainfall. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters should relay any reports of flooding to the National Weather Service. NCZ033-049-050-501>506-040815- Avery-Yancey-Mitchell-Caldwell Mountains-Greater Caldwell- Burke Mountains-Greater Burke-McDowell Mountains-Eastern McDowell- 408 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the northern mountains and adjacent foothills of western North Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage through the day today. In addition to the heavy rainfall mentioned in the Flash Flood Watch, the thunderstorms will also produce dangerous cloud-to- ground lightning and gusty winds. A few damaging wind gusts will be possible with the strongest storms. As Tropical Storm Isaias makes its nearest pass to our region tonight, breezy and occasionally gusty winds may develop. A few trees could fall in areas where soils are saturated by the recent heavy rainfall. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters should relay any reports of flooding to the National Weather Service. HG
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
829 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020
NCZ503-504-506-031315-
Burke Mountains NC-Greater Burke NC-Eastern McDowell NC-
829 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN MCDOWELL AND
WESTERN BURKE COUNTIES UNTIL 915 AM EDT...
At 829 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles southwest of Morganton, or 4 miles southwest of Glen Alpine,
moving northeast at 15 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Morganton, Marion, Glen Alpine, Lake James State Park, Table Rock,
Lake James, South Mountains State Park, Nebo, Glenwood and Oak Hill.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches
per hour will be possible in these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.
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 3594 8178 3593 8178 3592 8174 3588 8171
3586 8166 3582 8162 3581 8159 3561 8175
3561 8176 3560 8177 3555 8192 3564 8202
3596 8181
TIME...MOT...LOC 1229Z 211DEG 15KT 3568 8182
MOORESpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1156 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020
NCZ064-065-031630-
Transylvania NC-Henderson NC-
1156 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020
...A THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE LIGHTNING AND TORRENTIAL RAINFALL WILL
IMPACT NORTHEASTERN TRANSYLVANIA AND HENDERSON COUNTIES UNTIL 1230 PM
EDT...
At 1156 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a thunderstorm with
intense lightning and torrential rainfall 5 miles southeast of
Brevard, or near Dupont State Forest, moving northeast at 15 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Hendersonville, Brevard, Mills River, Fletcher, Flat Rock, Etowah,
Mountain Home, Laurel Park, Dupont State Forest and Asheville
Airport.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches
per hour will be possible in these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as
ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded
roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek
higher ground if threatened by flood waters.
Frequent lightning is occurring with this storm. If outdoors, try to
get indoors or into a hard topped vehicle. Otherwise, stay away from
open areas and isolated high objects such as trees. When indoors,
stay away from windows and doors and avoid using wired electronic
devices. Do not take a shower or bath. Try to unplug unnecessary
appliances before the storm approaches.
&&
LAT...LON 3547 8240 3529 8235 3516 8252 3516 8255
3512 8266 3520 8279 3544 8262 3543 8257
3544 8255 3542 8254 3543 8253 3545 8253
3545 8247 3547 8242
TIME...MOT...LOC 1556Z 218DEG 15KT 3521 8265
TDPSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 151 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020 SCZ006-007-031845- Spartanburg SC-Greater Greenville SC- 151 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL GREENVILLE AND WESTERN SPARTANBURG COUNTIES UNTIL 245 PM EDT... At 151 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12 miles northeast of Greenville Downtown, or near Lake Robinson. This storm was nearly stationary.orrential Locations to be impacted include... Greer and Lake Robinson. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour will be possible in these areas. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Heavy rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as ditches and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded roads. Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek higher ground if threatened by flood waters. && LAT...LON 3495 8234 3504 8230 3501 8214 3491 8219 TIME...MOT...LOC 1751Z 291DEG 4KT 3499 8225 LANE
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
204 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020
NCZ036-056-069-070-031900-
Gaston NC-Iredell NC-Lincoln NC-Catawba NC-
204 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020
...THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAINFALL WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN
CATAWBA...IREDELL...EASTERN LINCOLN AND GASTON COUNTIES THROUGH 300
PM EDT...
At 203 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy
rainfall along a line extending from 8 miles northeast of
Statesville to 9 miles southwest of Gastonia, and moving northwest
at 10 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Gastonia, Statesville, Lincolnton, Mooresville, Mt Holly, Belmont,
Bessemer City, South Gastonia, Dallas and Stanley.
Very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour will be possible in
these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall may flood areas with poor drainage, such as ditches
and underpasses. Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded roads.
Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly. Seek higher
ground if threatened by flood waters.
&&
LAT...LON 3598 8071 3582 8072 3568 8077 3556 8074
3551 8091 3549 8094 3545 8094 3538 8099
3536 8098 3515 8106 3525 8132 3528 8136
3534 8137 3599 8091
TIME...MOT...LOC 1803Z 142DEG 7KT 3584 8076 3515 8129
LANESpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 208 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020 GAZ010-031845- Rabun GA- 208 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL RABUN COUNTY UNTIL 245 PM EDT... At 208 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4 miles northwest of Clayton, or near Black Rock Mountain State Park, moving northeast at 10 mph. Locations to be impacted include... Dillard. Wind gusts up to 45 mph and nickel size hail will be possible in these areas. LAT...LON 3499 8352 3500 8336 3486 8346 3487 8353 TIME...MOT...LOC 1808Z 216DEG 10KT 3494 8344 LANE
The Greer radar (KGSP), 110 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:12 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
County comms reported multiple trees and power lines blown down along Wolf Fork Rd.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, August 2020
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: 919333.