A strong storm system impacted the Southeast, resulting in an area of widespread heavy rain and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms that moved across western North Carolina during the late night and early morning hours. Localized flash flooding, some of which was quite significant developed across the mountains.
Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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.
A strong storm system impacted the Southeast, resulting in an area of widespread heavy rain and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms that moved across western North Carolina during the late night and early morning hours. Localized flash flooding, some of which was quite significant developed across the mountains. Isolated severe weather also occurred, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts. Strong southerly gradient winds also caused some damage across mainly the high elevations of western 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 Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 12, 9:49 PM EST, 1 hour 41 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1049 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020
.SYNOPSIS...
A strong storm system with abundant moisture will cross the
Southeast, bringing a threat of severe weather and flooding to our
area lasting into Monday morning. Dry and cooler weather will return
Monday night following a cold front. A wave of low pressure moving
along the stationary front located just south of our region will
bring a chance of precipitation back to the area late Tuesday
and early Wednesday.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM MONDAY MORNING/...
s of 1030 pm...QLCS is organizing from AL into far southern
middle TN at this time, and this will be the main "show' in terms of
the severe weather potential over our area as it moves quickly
E/NE...likely pushing into far western portions of the CWA by around
06Z. Strong low level warm advection has squeezed residual in-situ
cold air damming to a small area along the eastern Blue Ridge
escarpment, and even this will likely erode in due time. Per the
latest SPC Mesoanalysis...weak surface-based instability as
developed into the upper Savannah River Valley, while sbCAPE > 1000
J/kg has...alarmingly...developed north of the ATL metro area.
Strong southerly flow and steepening lapse rates responding to
strengthening deep-layer forcing will continue to draw this
instability northeastward into the forecast area over the next 3 to
6 hours...ahead of the QLCS. Shear parameters will be through the
roof during this time as 60-70 kt LLJ translates across the
area...supporting outrageous (> 500) values of 0-1 km SRH.
Considering the expected degree of instability, this is looking more
like a "QLCS with embedded supercell structures" type of event,
rather than the "low-topped QLCS with mesovortex" events that we're
used to. That being the case, the SRH parameters are downright
scary, and portend the potential for a strong/damaging tornado or
two. Swaths of downburst damage also appear likely...if based on
nothing else than good old-fashioned convective mixing.
Speaking of which, gradient winds will also be an issue overnight
and into the daytime period Mon. With the lowering jet core, shallow
mixing will allow stg wind gusts to reach the sfc. With moist soils
these winds could down isol weak or dead trees. A Wind Advisory is
in effect for much of the forecast area.
Rainfall continues to pile up across southwest NC...which has
generally seen totals of 1-2 inches since Sunday morning. Widespread
moderate to heavy rain showers will persist across these areas for
the next couple of hours, followed by likely intense rainfall rates
within the QLCS. Storm totals of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher
amounts therefore appear to be very doable, and this will likely be
enough to support localized hydro issues in the Little Tennessee
basin and in the upper French Broad River basin.
&&
.SHORT TERM /6 AM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/...
As of 1215 PM EDT Sunday: A closed 500 mb low pressure center will
be positioned over the Great Lakes Monday night, with an associated
broad trough covering most of the CONUS. As the closed system lifts
over eastern Canada, trailing and reinforcing shortwaves will dive
through the northern Plains to keep a broad trough axis in place
through the day on Tuesday. With low-level flow maintaining a
southerly component, clouds could return in weak moist upglide
through the day. The best upstream vorticity lobe will likely cross
the southern Appalachians Tuesday night into Wednesday. This appears
to be associated with a narrow band of moisture and frontogenetical
forcing which maximizes over the southern Appalachians circa 06Z to
12Z Wednesday. This could overlap just enough with cold air to
support some high elevation snow showers, with rain showers in most
other areas, and possibly isolated thunderstorms on the warm side of
the developing front over the lower Piedmont.
The frontal boundary will then gradually slide southeast through
Wednesday, with drying and cooling developing from the northwest.
Temperatures will dip well below climo, and frost and freeze
concerns will have to be considered for the mountains and the I-40
corridor for Wednesday night.
&&
.LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 1230 PM EDT Sunday: Relatively zonal upper flow will set up
over the southeast on Thursday, with most upstream energy moving
east of the Rockies Thursday night, and across the Midwest on
Friday. Return flow moisture ahead of this system and the associated
cold front will bring cloudiness back on Friday, and possibly low
end PoPs for showers by late day. The passing trough will move off
the East coast early in the weekend. The better support should pass
mainly north of the area, but a brief shot of deeper moisture and
forcing should cross the southern Appalachians and surrounding areas
with a weak cold front mainly Friday night. Otherwise, westerly flow
and drying conditions will return through Saturday. Mid to high
level moisture may sneak back into the picture from the west Sunday,
with a return of late day shower PoPs. Temperatures will see a
gradual warming trend to above climo values by the end of the period.
&&
.AVIATION /03Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
At KCLT and Elsewhere: Much of the terminal forecast area is
experiencing a bit of a lull in SHRA at this time. However, this
will not last, as additional shower activity will impact much of the
area in the 1-3 hour time frame. LIFR cigs will persist at most
terminals through at least the evening, while reduced visby will
occur, mainly in association with showers. However, areas of fog may
reduce visby to less than 2SM, esp at the Upstate SC terminals this
evening as warmer/very moist air continues to displace residual cool
air wedge tucked up next to the high terrain. S/SE winds will
continue to increase through the evening and early morning hours
ahead of a cold front, becoming strong and very gusty, with gusts of
25 to 35 kts expected at most terminals.
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move quickly
across the forecast area in the 05-10Z time frame. This will likely
bring about a shift to westerly winds, which could gust to more than
35 kts. Upstream convective trends will continue to be monitored to
assess the need to add a tempo for strong westerly gusts to coincide
with categorical TSRA. Cigs and visby will improve quickly behind
the squall line Monday morning, but winds are expected to remain
quite gusty behind the front as they shift to the SW.
Outlook: VFR conditions expected to continue thru Tuesday. The next
chance for rain and possible restrictions will be Tue night thru
Wednesday.
Confidence Table...
02-08Z 08-14Z 14-20Z 20-00Z
KCLT High 89% High 93% High 100% High 100%
KGSP High 88% High 84% High 100% High 100%
KAVL High 86% Med 76% High 100% High 100%
KHKY High 85% Med 70% High 100% High 100%
KGMU High 84% Med 72% High 100% High 100%
KAND Med 71% Med 70% 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 are available at
the following link:
www.weather.gov/gsp/aviation
&&
.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Flash Flood Watch until 8 AM EDT Monday for GAZ010-017.
Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT Monday for GAZ018-026-028-029.
NC...Flash Flood Watch until 8 AM EDT Monday for NCZ033-048>053-058-
059-062>065-501-503-505-507-509.
Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT Monday for NCZ033-035>037-048>053-
056>059-062>065-068>072-082-501>510.
SC...Flash Flood Watch until 8 AM EDT Monday for SCZ001>003.
Wind Advisory until 4 PM EDT Monday for SCZ003>014-019.
&&
SYNOPSIS...DEO
NEAR TERM...JDL/SBK
SHORT TERM...HG
LONG TERM...HG
AVIATION...JDLHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 908 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020 GAZ018-026-028-029-NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-502-504-506-508- 510-SCZ004>014-019-140115- Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan- Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC- Greater Caldwell-Greater Burke-Eastern McDowell-Greater Rutherford- Eastern Polk-Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville- Spartanburg-Cherokee-York-Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Union SC- Chester-Greenwood- 908 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. Periods of moderate to heavy rain will continue into the evening hours as a warm front moves over the region ahead of a strong low pressure system. Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will also bring a threat of cloud to ground lightning. As the warm front shifts north of the region tonight, a line of showers and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move into the area from north Georgia and east Tennessee. This activity will pose a threat of damaging winds as well as isolated tornadoes as it moves across the area between midnight and daybreak. One or two strong tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Flash flooding may also develop in areas that see multiple rounds of heavy rainfall. .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. Wind Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. GAZ017-SCZ001-002-140115- Habersham-Oconee Mountains-Pickens Mountains- 908 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...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. In addition to the threat of heavy rainfall and localized flooding, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will bring a threat of cloud to ground lightning this evening. As a warm front shifts north of the region tonight, a line of showers and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move into the area from the west. This activity will pose a threat of damaging winds as well as isolated tornadoes as it moves across the area between midnight and daybreak. .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. Flash Flood Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. NCZ051-052-058-059-062>064-140115- Swain-Haywood-Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson- Transylvania- 908 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT MONDAY... ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT MONDAY... ...TORNADO WATCH 113 IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tornado Watch. Flash Flood Watch. Wind Advisory. .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. Flash Flood Watch. Wind Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. NCZ033-048>050-053-065-501-503-505-507-509-SCZ003-140115- Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Buncombe-Henderson-Caldwell Mountains- Burke Mountains-McDowell Mountains-Rutherford Mountains- Polk Mountains-Greenville Mountains- 908 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT MONDAY... ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...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. Wind Advisory. In addition to the threat of heavy rainfall and localized flooding, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will bring a threat of cloud to ground lightning this evening. As a warm front shifts north of the region tonight, a line of showers and embedded strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move into the area from the west. This activity will pose a threat of damaging winds and perhaps an isolated tornado as it moves across the area between midnight and daybreak. .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. Flash Flood Watch. Wind Advisory. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. GAZ010-140115- Rabun- 908 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT MONDAY... ...TORNADO WATCH 113 IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tornado Watch. Flash Flood Watch. .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. Flash Flood Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. Lane
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
959 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020
NCZ051-058-130245-
Graham NC-Swain NC-
959 PM EDT Sun Apr 12 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL SWAIN AND GRAHAM
COUNTIES UNTIL 1045 PM EDT...
At 958 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles northwest of Murphy, moving northeast at 60 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Bryson City, Robbinsville, Cherokee, Town Of Santeetlah, Smoky
Mountains-Deep Creek, Smoky Mountains-Fontana Area, Lake Santeetlah,
Fontana Lake, Fontana Village and Smoky Mountains-Twentymile Creek.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail 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.
&&
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 200 AM EDT for western North
Carolina.
LAT...LON 3537 8401 3541 8402 3547 8392 3552 8388
3553 8382 3556 8377 3558 8360 3556 8358
3556 8350 3560 8345 3549 8329 3547 8332
3547 8334 3543 8336 3525 8381 3525 8385
3522 8396 3524 8401 3531 8404 3535 8404
TIME...MOT...LOC 0158Z 241DEG 55KT 3522 8415
RMThe Greer radar (KGSP), 63 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:11 UTC.
12 thunderstorm wind, 7 flash flood, 2 debris flow, 2 flood, 1 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
County comms reported part of the roof was blown off a building at the Pisgah Inn along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Automated wind equipment on the summit of nearby Frying Pan Mountain measured gusts as high as 69 mph.
Spotters and emergency manager reported flash flooding developed across northwest Jackson County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. The main impact was in the Barkers Creek watershed. Middle Fork Barkers Creek completely washed out a portion of Beachtree Rd. East Fork Barkers Creek washed out multiple culverts along Rockdale Rd. Flooding at the confluence of East Fork and West Fork Barkers Creek inundated Rockdale Rd and Barkers Creek Rd up to a foot of water entered a church at this location. Barkers Creek Rd was flooded in several other locations and the road shoulder scoured out in at least two locations. Dicks Creek also overflowed its banks and inundated Dicks Creek Rd north of Dillsboro trapping a deputy sheriff who had to be rescued.
County comms reported numerous trees blown down throughout McDowell County.
Stream gauge and emergency manager reported flash flooding developed along the East Fork of the Pigeon River in the Cruso area after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in just a few hours in the headwaters along the northern slopes of the Balsams. More than a dozen homes received some degree of flood damage especially on Hidden Valley Cir and between the river and Max Thompson Rd. Several vehicles were also swept away by flood water. Flash flooding also developed downstream along the Pigeon in the city of Canton with multiple low lying roads along the river inundated.
A stream gauge on the French Broad River above Highway 178 at Rosman exceeded minor flood stage after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the headwaters across the Balsams in just a few hours. At this level flooding of Champion Park and sections of Highway 178 Depot St and Main St occurs with flood water approaching several homes and businesses. Flash flooding also developed along Davidson River in Pisgah Forest with several low lying roads inundated including Davidson River Rd.
Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed across Franklin and vicinity after 4 to 6 inches fell across a swath of central Macon County in less than 8 hours. The most significant impact was to Gibson Cove Branch, which inundated Old Murphy Rd and several adjacent businesses. One business saw up to 3 feet of water inundation, damaging vehicles and storage buildings. Additionally, a stream gauge on the Little Tennessee River near Franklin exceeded its flood stage, indicating flooding of a couple of low lying roads. Other poor drainage and urban flooding issues were reported in the Franklin area.
County comms reported trees blown down on Highway 18 in Gamewell. Spotter reported a large tree down on Connelly Springs Rd.
Media reported several trees blown down along John Berry Rd.
Public reported (via Social Media) multiple trees blown down around western Lincoln County, including on Highway 182 and Howards Creek Rd.
Public reported a tree and power line fell on a vehicle and structure in the Hickory area. Spotter reported multiple trees down along I-40 east of Hickory.
Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed along multiple creek across northwest Caldwell County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell, mostly in less than 8 hours. Anthony Creek overflowed its banks in the Globe community, washing out a low water crossing. Wilson Creek washed out several low water crossing on Brown Mountain Beach Rd. Johns River inundated Old Johns River Rd in several locations. Buffalo Creek and several of its tributaries also inundated low water crossing in the far northern part of the county. A stream gauge on the Yadkin River near Patterson exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding of low lying roads and minor flooding of some structures in the Happy Valley community.
Emergency management reported a debris flow that began above Knob Hill Rd and ended at Lake Glenville. Significant damage occurred to a single home after a large log was forced through a bedroom wall.
Public reported trees and large limbs blown down on Bill Jackson Road.
Emergency manager and geological survey team reported damaging debris flows developed in the Cartoogechaye Creek watershed, primarily originating on the northwest and southeast slopes of Dobson Mountain between West Old Murphy Rd and Patton Rd after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in less than 8 hours. A commercial facility was damaged on Maxwell Home Rd and there was damage to residential buildings on Turkey Pen Rd. Significant road damage also occurred at Turkey Pen Rd and Enchanted Mountain Rd.
Stream gauges on the Ivy River and French Broad River near Marshall indicated rapid rises and flash flooding developed after 3 to 4 inches of rain fell throughout the French Broad basin in just a few hours. The Ivy River inundated part of Ivy River Rd and the French Broad overflowed Rollins Rd. River flooding continued along the French Broad into late morning.
The ASOS at Charlotte Douglas Airport measured a wind gust of 59 mph (51 kts). Media reported trees were blown down on Countrymens Ct, with one tree down on a house and injuring an occupant. A large tree was also blown down on E Morehead St near Euclid Ave in the Uptown area.
Public reported at least three trees and many large limbs blown down and some tin blown off an outbuilding on Will Boone Rd.
Media reported multiple trees blown down on the Cabarrus County side of Kannapolis, with some homes damaged due to fallen trees.
Media reported multiple trees blown down on the Rowan County side of Kannapolis, with trees down on a couple of homes. One house on N Juniper Ave was destroyed.
Media and spotter reported trees blown down near Highway 52 and Johnson Dairy Rd at Palmer Rd and Sides Rd and on Stokes Ferry Rd. Public reported multiple trees down in the area around Joe Lentz Rd, with at least one tree on a home.
Public reported (via Social Media) trees blown down on Unionville Brief Rd.
An automated stream gauge indicated flash flooding developed along the Johns River after 4 to 6 inches inches of rain fell in the headwaters and along Wilson Creek in western Caldwell County in less than 8 hours. Roads affected by flood water included Johns River Rd and Corpening Bridge Rd.
Although heavy rainfall had ended by around sunrise across Transylvania County, stream gauges indicated flooding persisted near the headwaters of the French Broad River as well as portions of the Davidson River into late morning. Meanwhile, river flooding developed downstream along the French Broad near Blantyre during the afternoon of the 13th and continued through the morning of the 15th.
An automated stream gauge indicated that although the rate of rise decreased significantly during late morning flooding continued along the Johns River in response to heavy rain that fell in the headwaters across western Caldwell County during the early morning hours. Roads affected by flood water included Johns River Rd and Corpening Bridge Rd.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, April 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: 889324, 886210, 887508, 886213, 886215, 887088, 887511, 889377, 887512, 887513, 887094, 887506, 889334, 887505, 889632, 887622, 887514, 887621, 887516, 889870, 887634, 887369, 890220, 887367.