Tornadoes and Tropical Storm in North Carolina, August 3 to 4, 2020

Name: Tornadoes and Tropical Storm in North Carolina, August 3 to 4, 2020
Start: 2020-08-03T22:00
End: 2020-08-04T07:00
Location: North Carolina

August 3 to 4, 2020 · NWS MHX · 26 events in 21 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 21 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 26

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS MHX wrote it up.

Hurricane Isaias originated from a vigorous tropical wave off the coast of Africa that was first identified by the National Hurricane Center on July 23, 2020. The tropical wave gradually became more organized, and became Tropical Storm Isaias on July 30. Isaias marked the earliest ninth named storm on record, surpassing 2005's Hurricane Irene by eight days. Isaias strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane the next day, reaching a peak intensity of 85 mph. On August 1, the storm made landfall on North Andros, Bahamas and subsequently weakened to a tropical storm before paralleling the east coast of Florida and Georgia. As it approached the Carolina coastline, it re-intensified to a hurricane shortly before making landfall near Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, at 11:10 PM EDT on August 3 as a Category 1 hurricane, and proceeded to accelerate up the East Coast of the United States. Across eastern North Carolina, Isaias produced tropical storm force winds, pockets of heavy rainfall, minor storm surge and tornadoes.

What forecasters said that day

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 Newport/Morehead City, NC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 3, 9:18 PM EST, 42 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 3, 9:18 PM EST, 42 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
1018 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

.SYNOPSIS...
Please see latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center
concerning TC Isaias which is expected to make landfall near
the North Carolina/South Carolina border late tonight and move
inland on Tuesday before moving well north of the area by
Tuesday night. A front will linger near or over the area from
mid through late week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM TUESDAY MORNING/...
As of 1005 PM Mon...Tornado Watch in effect until 6AM Tuesday.
Otherwise, no changes to the prev disc.

Prev disc...As of the latest advisory, Isaias has strengthened
back to a hurricane with max sustained winds of 75 mph. The
center of Isaias is currently about 60 miles S of Myrtle Beach,
SC tracking NNE at 16 MPH. Main precip shield reaching Cape Fear
now with a train of supercells pushing ashore. Closely watching
this line as Isaias inches closer to the CWA. Also watching a
few isolated showers and thunderstorms popping along the Gulf
Stream and pushing into the Crystal Coast. Threat for nighttime
tornadoes continues for our entire area overnight with strong
parameters in place. Current mesoanalysis shows effective bulk
shear values of 35-50kts in the front right quadrant of Isaias.
Hi res guidance shows STP values remain concerning around 3-5
with 0-1 km SRH values around 400-500 m2/s2 (with some areas
reaching over 600) of for a large swath of the CWA.
Additionally, heavy tropical downpours can be expected in storms
with forecasted PWAT values up to 2.5" and the 00z sounding
showing 2.1". Storm Surge Watches and Warnings continue for
portions of the area, with surge peaking late tonight and Tue
morning. See CF section below for details.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH 6 PM TUESDAY/...
As of 1010 PM Mon...Isaias will continue it's trek north through
the CWA and is expected to be around SE VA by the morning.
Precip shield could still be in the northern tier by daybreak,
but will move out of the area by the late morning hours. Main
concern at this point in the AM would be training convection on
the SE side of Isaias over the OBX region. Hi-res models
disagree on exact placement, but certainly a risk for this line
to set up across the barrier islands as a strong SSW flow feeds
the convective line. The bulk of precip associated with Isaias
will exit by the late morning, though sct lingering showers are
possible for the rest of the afternoon. Winds should return to
SW flow around 5 to 10 kts during the day with clear skies.
Temps should warm to around 90 inland with mid-80s along the
coast.

&&

.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 300 AM Monday...A mid to upper level trough will remain
in place through the weekend, allowing for deep SW flow accompanied
with Gulf moisture, leading to scattered showers and thunderstorms
each day.

Tuesday night through Friday... A trough aloft will remain in across
the eastern half of the CONUS allowing for a deep SW flow coupled
with Gulf moisture (precip waters AOA 2.0 inches) feed into the
region. While at the surface, a cold front will move into the region
and stall between central and eastern NC. The latest models don't
have a good agreement where the boundary will stall, but think it
will be more of a quasi-stationary front. With this synoptic setup,
this will allow for showers and thunderstorms to occur each day.

Saturday through Monday...Models disagree further in what will
happen to the stationary boundary. The Euro model has the boundary
pushing a cold front Saturday morning, while the GFS still has it as
a stationary boundary. Will continue to use WPC guidance for this
time frame.

In general, temperatures during the long term forecast period will
be near climatology with highs in the upper 80s to around 90 and
lows mainly in the low to mid 70s.

&&

.AVIATION /02Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Short Term /through 18Z Tuesday/...
As of 745 PM Monday...Radar showing a brief dry slot for the
next few hours with mainly iso showers/tstorms ahead of the main
precip shield of Isaias. Should remain VFR for the next few
hours before rapidly deteriorating with the closer approach of
Isaias this evening into the overnight. Pred MVFR cond with
moments of IFR possible after around 03Z as heavy rain and
storms drop ceilings and vis quickly. Sustained winds overnight
will generally be 35-40kts with occasional gusts over 50 kts.
Winds and precip will subside fairly quickly around daybreak
with cond improving in tandem, lifting to VFR by the afternoon.

Long Term /Tuesday night through Saturday/...
As of 150 PM Monday... Outside of scattered, mainly diurnally
driven convection, and the potential for brief early morning
fog or low clouds, VFR conditions are expected through the
period.

&&

.MARINE...
Short Term /through Tuesday/...
As of 3 PM Mon...Conditions will quickly deteriorate across the
waters this afternoon and evening, becoming very dangerous with
strong winds and double digit seas. Latest obs show SE/S winds
10-20 kt with seas 2-4 ft and seas 4-6 ft south of Lookout. Trop
Storm Warnings continue for the waters, with winds peaking
tonight and early Tue morning. Seas will build quickly this
evening, peaking at 10-20 kt. Conditions will be improving Tue
afternoon, with winds becoming SW 10-20 kt and seas subsiding to
6-9 ft.

Long Term /Tuesday night through Saturday/...
As of 300 AM Monday...Conditions improve fairly rapidly late
Tuesday night as Isaias quickly moves away from the area. Winds
will from the S/SW at 15-20 knots Tuesday night, then becoming
around 10 or less knots for the rest of the period. Some
lingering swell will keep combined seas at 3-5 feet Tuesday
night, then further subsiding to 3-4 ft Wednesday evening
through the end of the week.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
As of 3 PM Mon...Storm Surge Warning continues for areas
adjacent to the inland rivers, Neuse/Bay/Pamlico/Pungo, as well
as the soundside Outer Banks north of Oregon Inlet. Storm Surge
Watches continue for portions of the coast. In general, storm
surge will be 2-4 ft with the greatest inundation along area
beaches south of Cape Hatteras and western Pamlico Sound,
Roanoke and Croatan Sounds including the Pungo and Pamlico
Rivers.

Long period swell from Isaias will continue to impact the
beaches through the middle of the week. These swells will also
lead to a high threat of dangerous rip currents. Very dangerous
surf conditions will continue into Tuesday with breaking waves
8 ft or higher along the coast as Isaias is forecast to pass
just to the W of the region bringing gusty winds and large seas.

&&

.MHX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NC...Tropical Storm Warning for NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-
     193>196-198-199-203>205.
     Beach Hazards Statement through Tuesday evening for NCZ195-196-
     199-203>205.
     Storm Surge Watch for NCZ047-195-196-199-204-205.
     High Surf Advisory until 2 PM EDT Tuesday for NCZ195-196-199-
     204.
     Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday afternoon for NCZ029-044-045-
     079-080-090>092-193-198.
     Storm Surge Warning for NCZ080-081-094-194-203.
     High Surf Advisory from 4 AM to 2 PM EDT Tuesday for NCZ203-
     205.
MARINE...Tropical Storm Warning for AMZ131-135>137-150-152-154-156-158-
     230-231.
&&

SYNOPSIS...MHX
NEAR TERM...ML
SHORT TERM...ML
LONG TERM...BM
AVIATION...JME/ML
MARINE...CQD/BM
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...MHX

Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 3, 7:54 PM EST, 2 hours 6 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

NCZ081-094-194-050100-
Mainland Hyde-Pamlico-Southern Craven-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.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.

   Storm Surge Warning.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ047-050100-
Mainland Dare-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.
   Storm Surge Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.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.

   Storm Surge Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ046-050100-
Tyrrell-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.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.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ205-050100-
Hatteras Island-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 2 PM EDT TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Tornado Watch.
   Storm Surge Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Storm Surge Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ195-199-204-050100-
West Carteret-Coastal Onslow-Ocracoke Island-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 2 PM EDT
TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Tornado Watch.
   Storm Surge Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Storm Surge Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ203-050100-
Northern Outer Banks-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...
...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 2 PM EDT TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ196-050100-
East Carteret-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...
...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 2 PM EDT
TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.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.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   High Surf Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ029-044-045-079-090>092-193-198-050100-
Martin-Pitt-Washington-Greene-Duplin-Lenoir-Jones-Northern Craven-
Inland Onslow-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...
...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.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.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ080-050100-
Beaufort-
854 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...
...TORNADO WATCH 414 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern 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.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.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.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The radar

The Morehead City radar (KMHX), 33 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 03:24 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

21 tropical storm, 5 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Tropical Storm, East Carteret

When: August 3, 10:00 PM EST to August 4, 3:00 AM EST
Where: East Carteret forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.864, -76.532 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Sustained tropical storm force winds struck the region through the overnight hours. A peak hurricane wind gust occurred at Cedar Island 2:21 AM EDT, with a reading of 78 mph, which was also the highest gust in Eastern NC associated with Isaias. Many power outages occurred due to downed trees and powerlines.

Tropical Storm, West Carteret

When: August 3, 10:00 PM EST to August 4, 3:00 AM EST
Where: West Carteret forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.864, -76.532 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Sustained tropical storm force winds struck the region through the overnight hours. A peak wind gust occurred at Indian Beach CWOP at 2:00 AM EDT, with a reading of 68 mph. Many power outages occurred due to downed trees and powerlines.

Tropical Storm, Inland Onslow

When: August 3, 10:00 PM EST to August 4, 2:30 AM EST
Where: Inland Onslow forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.763, -77.393 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight hours. A peak gust of 69 mph occurred at 1:39 AM EDT at New River Air Station (Jacksonville). Power outages occurred due to downed trees and powerlines.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Onslow

When: August 3, 10:00 PM EST to August 4, 2:30 AM EST
Where: Coastal Onslow forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.763, -77.393 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Pamlico

When: August 3, 10:23 PM EST to 10:25 PM EST
Where: Pamlico County, 0.44 mi S of Kennel Beach to 1.91 mi NNW of Kennel Beach
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.33 mi
Path width: 40 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.024, -76.899

A tornado associated with Hurricane Isaias formed just offshore in the |Neuse River, and then moved over a small waterfront community in Kennel |Beach, with one large pine tree snapped that fell on a home along Pine |Road. The tornado produced additional tree damage along Live Oak Road |and Pecan Lane as it moved NNW towards swamps and forested lands. |Another area of snapped pine trees was found along a rural logging road |off South Goose Creek Road. The tornado then continued NW, producing an |area of enhanced tree damage to hardwoods and softwoods along the western |end of Goose Creek Road in Grantsboro. It should be noted that the tornado |likely lifted and descended during its path through western Pamlico County|before dissipating over swampy areas of Cypress Creek upstream of Goose |Creek.

Tornado, Martin

When: August 3, 11:02 PM EST to 11:03 PM EST
Where: Martin County, 2.89 mi S of Jamesville to 2.79 mi S of Jamesville
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.17 mi
Path width: 40 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.779, -76.907

A tornado associated with Hurricane Isaias formed in rural southeastern|Martin County that travelled north-northwest, crossing over Manning Rd.|south of Jamesville, uprooting a large oak tree that fell on a mobile |home. The tornado produced additional tree and crop damage east of |Manning Rd. and on the northwest side of the mobile home park on Manning|Rd. Residents of the damaged mobile home sought shelter in a sturdy |nearby home after receiving the tornado warning via Wireless Emergency |Alert that likely saved their lives as the tree fell across their |bedroom where they were previously.

Tornado, Beaufort

When: August 3, 11:18 PM EST to 11:19 PM EST
Where: Beaufort County, 3.71 mi SW of Surry to 3.69 mi SW of Surry
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.19 mi
Path width: 70 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.461, -76.895

A tornado associated with Hurricane Isaias formed on the southeast side|of Goose Creek State Park that tracked northeast towards the Park’s |parking lot. A swath of large pine trees were damaged across the track, |snapped from two to twenty feet up, and across trails within the State |Park. Special thanks to the Goose Creek State Park for their coordination with this |storm survey.

Tornado, Beaufort

When: August 3, 11:48 PM EST to 11:49 PM EST
Where: Beaufort County, 3.46 mi NNE of Acre Station to 3.51 mi NNE of Acre Station
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.08 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.644, -76.801

A tornado associated with Hurricane Isaias formed northeast of Pinetown|in rural Beaufort County, where several large hardwood trees were |uprooted and large limbs were snapped along highway 32. Damage was also |noted to a large corn field east of highway 32 at the beginning of the |tornado’s track. The tornado then moved north-northwest into rural |forested and hard to reach rural areas of Beaufort County.

Tornado, Beaufort

When: August 3, 11:50 PM EST to 11:51 PM EST
Where: Beaufort County, 2.32 mi SW of Burbage Xrd to 1.99 mi WSW of Burbage Xrd
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.71 mi
Path width: 180 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.426, -76.729

A tornado associated with Hurricane Isaias formed just offshore over |the Pamlico River, and then moved over a small waterfront community off |of Rest Haven Road east of Bayview. The tornado snapped, twisted, or |uprooted numerous trees, the majority of them were pine trees. Several trees fell |partially on homes which caused damage to a few roofs, walls, and |vehicles. The tornado then continued northward, downing or snapping |several trees along Rest Haven Road. Then as the tornado reached NC 99, |several more trees were seriously damaged, snapped, or uprooted in the |vicinity of a few homes. There was also minor damage to a manufactured |home and a small shed had its roof blown off. After passing north of NC |99, the tornado continued to cause damage to the tops of several more |trees before dissipating in a large field.

Tropical Storm, Duplin

When: August 4, 12:00 AM EST to 2:30 AM EST
Where: Duplin forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.936, -77.933 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight hours. Power outages resulted from trees and powerlines that were blown down. According to the NC Department of Public Safety, some 5,288 customers were without power across the county.

Tropical Storm, Ocracoke Island

When: August 4, 12:30 AM EST to 6:00 AM EST
Where: Ocracoke Island forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.410, -76.148 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight and early morning hours. A peak wind gust of 60 MPH occurred at the Ocracoke Weatherflow at 2:27 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Jones

When: August 4, 12:30 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where: Jones forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.022, -77.355 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight hours. Power outages resulted from trees and powerlines that were blown down. According to the NC Department of Public Safety, some 3,933 customers were without power across the county.

Tropical Storm, Northern Craven

When: August 4, 1:00 AM EST to 5:00 AM EST
Where: Northern Craven forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.117, -77.083 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force wind gusts afflicted the area during the overnight hours. Sporadic power outages occurred due to downed trees and powerlines. Trees were reportedly blown down along Highway 17 north of Vanceboro.

Tropical Storm, Hatteras Island

When: August 4, 1:00 AM EST to 7:00 AM EST
Where: Hatteras Island forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.787, -75.781 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force winds affected Hatteras Island during the early morning hours. A peak gust of 72 mph was registered at the Avon Weatherflow at 4:12 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Northern Outer Banks

When: August 4, 1:00 AM EST to 7:00 AM EST
Where: Northern Outer Banks forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.787, -75.781 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force winds affected the northern Outer Banks during the early morning hours. A peak gust of 68 mph was registered at the Manteo AWOS at 5:35 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Lenoir

When: August 4, 1:00 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where: Lenoir forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 35.239, -77.641 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the early during the overnight hours. A peak wind gust of 43 MPH was recorded at Kinston at 2:55 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Pamlico

When: August 4, 1:00 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where: Pamlico forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.152, -76.667 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight hours. A peak wind gust of 42 MPH was recorded at Oriental at 3:17 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Southern Craven

When: August 4, 1:00 AM EST to 6:30 AM EST
Where: Southern Craven forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.117, -77.083 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force wind gusts afflicted the area during the overnight hours. A wind gust of 61 mph was recorded at Cherry Point MCAS at 3:46 AM EDT, and a wind gust of 59 mph was recorded at New Bern Airport at 2:49 AM EDT. Sporadic power outages occurred due to downed trees and powerlines. Storm surge inundated parts of New Bern adjacent to the Neuse River. Values were generally 2 to 3 feet.

Tropical Storm, Beaufort

When: August 4, 1:30 AM EST to 4:15 AM EST
Where: Beaufort forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.486, -76.845 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A peak wind gust of 60 mph occurred at the Bunyan CWOP station at 2:36 AM EDT. Storm surge inundated parts of Beaufort County adjacent to the Pamlico River and Pamlico Sound. Values were generally in the 2 to 4 foot range.

Tropical Storm, Greene

When: August 4, 1:30 AM EST to 3:30 AM EST
Where: Greene forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.485, -77.676 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the early during the overnight hours. Power outages resulted from trees and powerlines that were blown down. According to the NC Department of Public Safety, some 1,732 customers were without power across the county.

Tropical Storm, Pitt

When: August 4, 2:00 AM EST to 4:00 AM EST
Where: Pitt forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 35.594, -77.375 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight and early morning hours. A peak wind gust of 54 MPH was recorded at Greenville at 3:55 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Western Hyde

When: August 4, 2:30 AM EST to 6:00 AM EST
Where: Western Hyde forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.410, -76.148 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the early morning hours. A peak wind gust of 52 MPH occurred 4 miles northeast of Engelhard at 4:35 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Western Dare

When: August 4, 2:30 AM EST to 6:00 AM EST
Where: Western Dare forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 35.787, -75.781 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the early morning hours. A peak wind gust of 52 MPH occurred in Dare County around 4:00 AM EDT. Some storm surge values of 2 to 4 feet occurred near Stumpy Point due to inundation from Pamlico Sound.

Tropical Storm, Martin

When: August 4, 2:30 AM EST to 4:30 AM EST
Where: Martin forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.842, -77.107 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the early during the overnight hours. Power outages resulted from trees and powerlines that were blown down. According to the NC Department of Public Safety, some 9,474 customers were without power across the county.

Tropical Storm, Washington

When: August 4, 3:00 AM EST to 6:00 AM EST
Where: Washington forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 35.839, -76.569 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight and early morning hours. A peak wind gust of 52 MPH was recorded at Roper at 5:45 AM EDT.

Tropical Storm, Tyrrell

When: August 4, 3:00 AM EST to 6:00 AM EST
Where: Tyrrell forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.870, -76.170 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Some tropical storm force wind gusts affected the area during the overnight hours. Power outages resulted from trees and powerlines that were blown down. According to the NC Department of Public Safety, some 1,173 customers were without power across the county.

What these are

Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph).
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in North Carolina in 2020 Every state in 2020 This day in weather history The tornado archive for North Carolina, 2020 Warnings in North Carolina, August 2020 The 2020 hurricane season

Sources

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: 909037, 909038, 909042, 909043, 909032, 909034, 909035, 909033, 909031, 909803, 909045, 909807, 909039, 909040, 909041, 909046, 909047, 909792, 909036, 909804, 909048, 909044, 909756, 909805, 909049, 909806.