Multiple clusters of strong to severe storms moved across central North Carolina in advance of a strong cold front during the morning hours. The storms caused numerous reports of wind damages, including multiple measured wind gusts in excess of 58 miles per hour.
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.
Multiple clusters of strong to severe storms moved across central North Carolina in advance of a strong cold front during the morning hours. The storms caused numerous reports of wind damages, including multiple measured wind gusts in excess of 58 miles per hour. Some of the trees fell on homes causing significant damage and one fatality in Davidson County. Three tornadoes touch down during the early morning hours, resulting in numerous trees snapped and uprooted and structural damage.
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 Apr 13, 1:44 AM EST, 2 hours 1 minute earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Raleigh NC 244 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020 .SYNOPSIS... A warm front and associated warm, humid, and unstable air will lift north across the Carolinas early this morning, immediately ahead of a broken band of thunderstorms that will cross the area this morning. A cold front will follow and cross the region tonight. && .NEAR TERM /TODAY and TONIGHT/... As of 237 AM Monday... ...A Wind Advisory For Frequent Gusts Between 40 to 50 mph Continues through 4 PM Today... ...Severe Storms Expected through Noon Today... Model guidance in good agreement that the highly advertised main line of convection will approach and affect the Triad down to Anson Co between 4-5 AM, the US-1 corridor 6-8 AM, the I-95 corridor 7-9 AM, then exiting our CWA by 11 AM or Noon. There is some suggestion in the CAMs that a scattered tstms may develop out ahead of the main line of convection, and should this happen, there can be tstm activity even earlier than the aforementioned times. Latest mesoanalysis shows deep layer ascent with a mid-upr short wave trough moving across the TN Valley. Notable div aloft in conjunction with the main line of deep convection from the central Appalachians south to southern AL. Given the advertised strong wind fields, 60-80+kt of effective shear over norther GA and Upstate SC will lift NE into our area in the pre-dawn hours. While the thermodynamic profile right now is fairly stable, that will soon change as vigorous llvl southerly flow advects more buoyant airmass into our area. With that happening in conjunction with the increasing aforementioned shear, the stage is set for a round of potentially dangerous severe convection when the activity moves through at the times noted above. Really no changes wrt hazards...they are all on the table...including widespread damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes (and possibly one or two longer-lived violent tornadoes), gold ball size hail assoc with supercells, and heavy downpours. Latest water vapor channel shows impressive subsidence in the wake of the main line of convection. Projecting that forward, in conjunction with model guidance, suggests that we'll see sunshine return not too long after the convection exits to our east. Even though the sfc fropa will be delayed until this evening, attm it appears that our precip chances will end for today with the exiting morning convection. So with abundant sunshine and vigorous mixing, higher winds aloft will continue to mix down, thus continuing the risk for 30-40 mph winds through mid to late afternoon, thus why the wind advy will continue until 4 PM today. That mixing will also help warm afternoon temp readings into the low-mid 80s. For tonight, NE low level winds and modest CAA can be expected. While dry aloft thanks to subsidence, forecast soundings show the aforementioned NE flow and CAA may set the stage for scattered 3- 5kft AGL statocu overnight. Lows tonight from mid 40s northwest to the mid 50 southeast. && .SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... As of 230 AM Monday... The pattern is forecast to remain active through mid week as the mean mid/upper level l/w trough will remain over at least the eastern half of the country. This will allow for yet another disturbance to approach the area on Tuesday and move across the region Tuesday night into Wednesday. As associated surface low will track along a quasi-stationary frontal zone located across the southeast U.S. Central NC will generally remain on the cool side of this boundary, with only a very small threat at this time of thunderstorms across the far south/southeast Tuesday evening/early Wednesday morning. Thus, will continue to leave out any mention of thunder from the forecast for now. However, we should see precip blossom Tuesday night into Wednesday. This should result in a cool/cold rain on Wednesday morning (rainfall amounts generally a half inch or less, with perhaps a bit more across the southeast), as a reinforcing surface high builds into the are from the north. The precip should begin to end during the afternoon, with a small chance we could see some clearing late in the day. This may result in high temps occurring very late in the afternoon/early evening. High temps on Tuesday are expected to range from the mid 60s north to the mid 70s south, with lows on Wednesday morning in the 40s to near 50 south. Highs on Wednesday, which will be greatly affected by the precip and may not occur until very late in the day are expected to be in the upper 40s across the northeast Piedmont and northern and central Coastal Plain to the lower 50s elsewhere, with perhaps a few mid 50s across far western/southwestern portions of the area. However, we could see temps remain/drop into the 40s across a good portion of the area during the late morning/early afternoon (with even some upper 30s not out of the question). && .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/... As of 240 AM Monday... Cool high pressure will build into and across the area Wednesday night through Friday. This will result in cool temps for mid April, with below normal temps through Friday morning. Expect high temps on Thursday will be in the lower to mid 60s. High temps on Friday should rebound to near normal, as the surface high shifts to the east and a warming return flow returns. Thus, expect highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Morning low are expected to range from 35-40 on Thursday morning and in the upper 30s to lower 40s for Friday morning. Thus, we may have the potential for some frost again across portions of the area late week. The next system is expected to move across the area Friday evening into Saturday. Questions remain with regard to timing/strength and moisture return in advance of this system. Thus will limit pops to the slight chance/low chance category with high temps slightly below normal for Saturday, generally in the mid to upper 60s after lows in the mid to upper 40s to near 50 on Saturday morning. Surface high pressure will quickly move across the Saturday night into Sunday, with precip possibly returning by late Sunday. Will keep high temps on Sunday near normal, in the lower to mid 70s. && .AVIATION /06Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... As of 205 AM Monday... Extremely poor aviation conditions expected over the next 12-18 hours as a line of severe thunderstorms moves into the region. Ahead of the storms, winds are quickly increasing across central NC with SSE gusts to 30kt already. Showers and isolated thunderstorms will be on the increase, with the main line of storms expected to cross the area between 09-15Z. Confidence in the timing of the main line is fairly high, with storms capable of producing wind gusts well in excess of 50kt. Ceilings should mostly hold in the IFR/MVFR range outside of the heaviest storms. Once the storms move through, winds will turn to more SWrly but will still be capable of gusting to 40kt or higher through 18Z. After 18z, gusts should drop to 20-30kt as VFR conditions return, though some gusts may continue into tonight as a cold front pushes into the area form the northwest. Outlook beyond 06Z Tuesday: Northwesterly winds and high pressure will continue to usher in drier air early Tuesday. A stalled frontal zone along the Carolina coast will retreat back to the north late Tuesday as an area of low pressure tracks along the front and brings a period of rain and sub- VFR conditions that lasts into Wednesday. VFR should return for the latter half of the week. && .RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Wind Advisory from 4 AM to 4 PM EDT Monday for NCZ007>011-021>028- 038>043-073>078-083>086-088-089. && SYNOPSIS...MWS NEAR TERM...np SHORT TERM...BSD LONG TERM...BSD AVIATION...BLS
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Raleigh NC 321 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020 NCZ007-021>024-038-039-073-074-083-140730- Person-Forsyth-Guilford-Alamance-Orange-Davidson-Randolph-Stanly- Montgomery-Anson- 321 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central 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. Wind Advisory. A band of thunderstorms will move east across central North Carolina this morning. Scattered to numerous gusts between 50 and 60 mph, with isolated ones in excess of 60 mph, will be possible both within and away from showers and storms. Additionally, the most intense storms will be capable of producing isolated tornadoes. The time of greatest threat will be between 4 AM and 9 AM this morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Potential for patchy frost Thursday morning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed. NCZ008>010-025-026-040-041-075>077-084>086-140730- Granville-Vance-Warren-Durham-Franklin-Chatham-Wake-Moore-Lee- Harnett-Richmond-Scotland-Hoke- 321 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central 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. Wind Advisory. A band of thunderstorms will move east across central North Carolina this morning. Scattered to numerous gusts between 50 and 60 mph, with isolated ones in excess of 60 mph, will be possible both within and away from showers and storms. Additionally, the most intense storms will also be capable of producing wind gusts in excess of hurricane force (74 mph), isolated tornadoes, and large hail. The time of greatest threat will be between 5 AM and 10 AM this morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Potential for patchy frost Thursday morning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed. NCZ011-027-028-042-043-078-088-089-140730- Halifax-Nash-Edgecombe-Johnston-Wilson-Wayne-Cumberland-Sampson- 321 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central 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. Wind Advisory. A band of thunderstorms will move east across central North Carolina this morning. Scattered to numerous gusts between 50 and 60 mph, with isolated ones in excess of 60 mph, will be possible both within and away from showers and storms. Additionally, the most intense storms will be capable of producing wind gusts in excess of hurricane force (74 mph), isolated tornadoes, and large hail. The time of greatest threat will be between 6 AM and noon this morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Potential for patchy frost Thursday morning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed.
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Raleigh NC 405 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020 NCZ039-040-074>076-084-130845- Richmond NC-Lee NC-Chatham NC-Randolph NC-Moore NC-Montgomery NC- 405 AM EDT Mon Apr 13 2020 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN MOORE...EASTERN MONTGOMERY...NORTH CENTRAL RICHMOND...SOUTHEASTERN RANDOLPH... NORTHWESTERN LEE AND SOUTHWESTERN CHATHAM COUNTIES UNTIL 445 AM EDT... At 405 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13 miles south of Biscoe, or 15 miles southeast of Troy, moving northeast at 70 mph. Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Sanford, Pittsboro, Carthage, Siler City, Biscoe, Goldston, Robbins, Ellerbe, Star and Candor. 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. && LAT...LON 3505 7975 3518 7996 3584 7944 3566 7902 TIME...MOT...LOC 0805Z 218DEG 60KT 3517 7978 77
The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 101 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:44 UTC.
64 thunderstorm wind, 3 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
One tree was reported down on near Conrad Drive and Twin Oaks Lake Drive.
One tree was reported down near Vienna Dozier Road and Pine Acres Lane.
Power lines were reported down along Pine Hall Drive.
Power lines were reported down along Jefferson Church Road.
Power lines were reported down along Doral Drive.
Trees were reported down in the 3700 block of Priddy Road.
Trees were reported down in the 8300 block of Red Bank Road.
Trees were reported down in the 7400 block of Baux Mountain Road.
Two trees were snapped off on Shiloh Church Road.
One tree was reported down along Tobaccoville Road near Moore Road.
Numerous trees were reported down along and near Linwood-Southmont Road from near Lakeshore Drive to Wall Road. Some trees fell into homes.
Numerous trees were reported down along Houndsbay Court.
Trees were uprooted and snapped along Feezor Road.
One tree was reported down near Watkins Ford Road near the intersection with Pine Meadow Drive.
A tree fell on a mobile home on Linwood-Southmont Road, resulting in one injury and one fatality.
Trees were reported down on power lines along West Friendly Avenue.
Trees were reported down on power lines at Park Drive and Highwood drive.
Several trees were reported down near North Carolina Highway 109.
Numerous trees were reported down across the northwestern portion of Montgomery County.
Trees were reported down on power lines.
Trees were reported down on power lines near Alamance Church Road.
Trees were reported down on a mobile home, causing significant damage near Calloway Drive.
Trees were reported down near Marshall Lane.
One tree was reported down at the intersection of North Carolina Highways 86 and 49.
An EF-1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 110 mph touched down near a sawmill business 4 miles southwest of Saxahapaw. The tornado then did considerable damage to buildings and structures on the sawmill property. The tornado continued on the ground toward the northeast for another 4 to 5 miles before lifting one mile east of Saxahapaw, and produced substantial tree and structural damage along the path. The damage consisted of both uprooted and snapped soft and hardwood trees. Numerous homes were damaged by both falling trees and direct wind damage. Several homes had |considerable roof damage and roof cover loss, including one home in which the entire roof was lifted off the home. Finally, numerous outbuildings, sheds, and garages were completely destroyed.
An EF-2 tornado with maximum winds of 125 mph briefly touched down along Diggs Road, just north of North Carolina Highway 145, one mile northeast of Morven. The tornado destroyed 2 of 4 chicken houses at this location. The tornado also lifted a mobile home from its foundation and rotated the home 180 degrees.
Trees were reported down on power lines near the intersection of North Carolina Highway 57 and Guess Road.
A tree fell on a home on Rives Chapel Church Road.
A tree fell on a home near Rives Chapel Church Road and Alex Watson Road.
An EF-1 tornado with maximum winds of 110 mph touched down approximately 5 miles south of the initial tornado. While not continuous, the tornado caused a well defined path of extensive tree damage through heavily wooded areas beginning near McClendon Road and continued northeast for approximately 9 miles, before finally dissipating near Pitt Road. Downed trees damaged numerous homes, of which at least 6 to 7 homes were destroyed. Numerous outbuildings and vehicles were also severely damaged or destroyed. Several turkey houses in the area also sustained significant damage.
Trees and power lines were reported down through the county, including in Rockingham where a structure collapsed.
Numerous trees were reported down near North Carolina Highway 42.
Trees were reported down on a carport near McReynolds Street.
A power pole was snapped off on Ode Turner Road.
One tree was reported down near Old Graham Road.
A tree was reported down near Manns Chapel Road.
Trees were reported down near the intersection of United States Highway 70 and Lawrence Road.
One tree was reported down on a home On Hawkins Avenue.
Pine trees were uprooted near Bivins Road.
Trees were reported down on homes in Sanford. One child was injured.
Numerous trees were reported down near United States Highway 1 at mile marker 72.
Trees were reported down near Interstate 85 and Glenn School Road.
Trees were reported down near Jack Clement Road.
Trees were reported down in the 1100 block of Fort Bragg Road.
Trees were reported down near Rays Bridge Road.
Severe wind gust measured at Mackall Army Air Field station.
Numerous trees were reported down along Lake Wheeler Raod, between Simpkins Road and Optimist Farm Road.
Trees were reported down and covering the road at West Garner Road and Yeargan Road.
Numerous trees and power lines were reported down at the intersection of North Carolina Highway 87 and Nursery Road.
Severe wind gust measured at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport.
Trees were reported down on power lines near the intersection of Raleigh Street and Martin Luther King Junior Avenue.
A tree was reported down on a mobile home near the intersection of Lake Wheeler Road and Simpkins Road.
Trees, power poles, and power lines were reported down near the intersection of Oxford Road and White Oak Road.
Severe wind gusts reported at the Lake Wheeler econet station.
One tree was reported down on a home in the 4800 block of Fayetteville Road, trapping two individuals inside.
One tree was reported down along United States Highway 401 near Interstate 40.
Trees were reported down onto power lines near the intersection of Camden Road and Rockfish Road.
Numerous large tree branches and damage to roof panels were reported near Quarry Road.
Trees were reported down onto power lines along Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard near the intersection of Beno Drive.
Numerous trees and power lines were reported down in the Vander area.
Numerous trees and power lines were reported down across the county.
Numerous trees were reported down in and around Nashville.
One tree was reported down at Juniper Church Road and Tettersville Road.
One tree was reported down on a power line near the intersection of Davis Store Road ands Mill Branch Road.
Trees were reported down on power lines near the intersection of West Elm Street and Business 117.
A roof was blown off a house near the intersection of Mills Loop Road and Mills Road.
Numerous trees were reported down in and around Rocky Mount.
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, Davidson | 2020-04-13 | 61 | Female | Mobile/Trailer Home | Direct |
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 historyThe tornado archive for North Carolina, 2020Warnings 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: 887929, 887930, 887931, 887932, 887933, 887934, 887938, 887939, 887940, 887935, 887942, 887936, 887941, 887937, 887943, 887944, 887947, 887945, 887946, 888391, 888392, 888394, 888396, 888397, 888610, 888614, 888398, 888400, 888563, 888616, 888405, 888562, 888403, 888404, 888401, 888402, 888406, 888417, 888423, 888418, and more.