Slow-moving thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina Piedmont during the evening. One storm produced very heavy rainfall and small stream flooding over south Charlotte.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS GSP wrote it up.
Slow-moving thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina Piedmont during the evening. One storm produced very heavy rainfall and small stream flooding over south Charlotte.
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 9, 3:36 PM EST, 2 hours 54 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
436 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020
.SYNOPSIS...
We can expect the isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms
early in the week to become more numerous in the afternoon and
evening from mid to late week. High high temperatures of a couple
degrees above normal early in the week will be near normal late in
the week under the considerable cloud cover.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 435 PM EDT Sunday: Radar showing best convective coverage over
the Upstate and portions of NE GA with lesser coverage over the
southern tier of NC counties. CAMs show this trend will continue
into the evening, so have adjusted PoP to match. Isolated strong to
severe storms are possible given the high instability and very high
dCAPE values. The storms are showing good movement, so although
heavy rain is possible, any flooding looks to be localized.
Lingering outflow boundaries and weak sfc troughing over the area
will aid this activity through tonight, with latest guidance
continuing to depict an approaching weak shortwave which could allow
for light showers to linger into the early overnight hours.
Otherwise, conditions will remain fairly quiet through the overnight
hours with low stratus and fog progged to once again affect the
mountain valleys through daybreak. Patchy fog elsewhere could not be
entirely ruled, especially areas that receive rainfall today. Min
temps will remain a few degrees above normal.
An unsettled weather pattern begins to unfold for the week ahead as
CAMs suggest scattered showers and thunderstorms across the area on
Monday with weakening high pressure, upper trough moving overhead
and weak lee troughing across the Carolinas. Gusty winds and heavy
downpours will be possible with storms, while an isolated downburst
could not be entirely ruled out as well. Expect max temps to climb
to around normal.
&&
.SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 130 PM EDT Sunday: The short range period will remain
convectively active as a weak sfc trof persists over the FA. Surface
based CAPE values will reach arnd 1800 J/kg each day as insol and
sfc td/s remain high. The environment will be weakly sheared and
unforced outside of passing s/w energy and weak n/ly mech lift.
So...not anticipating much more than pulse type storms each
afternoon with a few becoming temporarily strong to possibly severe
during the late afternoon periods. Storms will likely develop along
existing and new outflow bndys as well...so the chance for localized
hydro issues remains elevated. A well defined pocket of ulvl energy
will traverse the FA late Tue thru the overnight...so non/diurnal
convec will be possible during this timeframe. Otherwise...near
normal summertime temps are expected with patchy to areas of morning
fog possible.
&&
.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 145 PM EDT Sunday: The low level flow will begin to shift s/ly
early Thu and advection of GOM moisture will be on the rise. Expect
the environment to remain quite moist thereafter with PWATS
averaging around 1.75 inches each day. Meanwhile...a stg upper
wave will bring a cold front to the wrn zones, which will weaken and
broaden out across the FA thru the period. This will provide a
rather wide area of moisture pooling and the development of
scattered to numerous tstms each afternoon. With max temps and sfc
td/s right arnd normal...mixed layer instability will likely reach
moderate levels and produce outflow driven multi-cells capable of
producing stg/svr winds and large hail at times. Also...with the
deep moisture and weak storm motion...training and back-building
storms will be possible, which along with high precip rates will
create a good potential for localized flooding issues across the
forecast area.
&&
.AVIATION /21Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
At KCLT and Elsewhere: Expect VFR to prevail through tonight with
the exception of intermittent, short-lived flight restrictions in
any shower or thunderstorm that moves over a TAF site, as noted by
TEMPO groups for afternoon/evening convection. Per latest guidance,
isolated showers may linger into the overnight hours, but confidence
on the the potential for -SHRA moving directly over a TAF site is
low attm. Low stratus/fog will be possible before daybreak on
Monday, mainly across the mountain valleys. Otherwise expect VFR
through the end of the valid TAF period.
Outlook: Diurnal convection will increase in coverage each day from
Monday through Wednesday, with above average coverage expected thru
the end of the work week. Morning fog/stratus restrictions will also
be possible each morning, especially over the usual mountain
valleys. Otherwise expect VFR.
Confidence Table...
20-02Z 02-08Z 08-14Z 14-18Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGSP High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAVL High 100% High 93% High 87% High 98%
KHKY High 100% High 100% Low 43% High 100%
KGMU High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAND High 100% High 100% 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...None.
NC...None.
SC...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...DEO
NEAR TERM...RWH/12
SHORT TERM...SBK
LONG TERM...SBK
AVIATION...12Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 557 AM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-101000- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Avery-Alexander- Iredell-Davie-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Catawba- Rowan-Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania- Henderson-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC- Caldwell Mountains-Greater Caldwell-Burke Mountains-Greater Burke- McDowell Mountains-Eastern McDowell-Rutherford Mountains- Greater Rutherford-Polk Mountains-Eastern Polk-Oconee Mountains- Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains-Greater Oconee- Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville-Spartanburg-Cherokee-York- Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Union SC-Chester-Greenwood- 557 AM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across the region again this afternoon and evening. Any of the thunderstorms may produce cloud to ground lightning, heavy downpours, and gusty winds. Isolated flash flooding may be possible if storms train over specific locations. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None. JPT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
628 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020
SCZ007-012-013-092300-
Laurens SC-Union SC-Spartanburg SC-
628 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN LAURENS...
SOUTHEASTERN SPARTANBURG AND SOUTHWESTERN UNION COUNTIES UNTIL 700 PM
EDT...
At 628 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles northeast of Laurens, or 7 miles north of Clinton, moving east
at 15 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Union, Laurens, Clinton, Rose Hill State Park, Joanna, Buffalo, Cross
Keys, Cross Anchor, Sedalia and Enoree.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph will be possible in these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened
root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed
around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3448 8201 3473 8196 3472 8162 3453 8164
3453 8165 3452 8165 3450 8167 3446 8170
3445 8172 3440 8176
TIME...MOT...LOC 2228Z 284DEG 14KT 3459 8189
ARKSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
629 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020
NCZ070-092300-
Gaston NC-
629 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT GASTON COUNTY UNTIL 700 PM
EDT...
At 629 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles northwest of Gastonia, or near Bessemer City, moving southeast
at 10 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Gastonia, Mt Holly, Belmont, Bessemer City, South Gastonia, Dallas,
Stanley, Cramerton, Lowell and Ranlo.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph will be possible in these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened
root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed
around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors.
&&
LAT...LON 3526 8101 3515 8115 3516 8125 3516 8127
3522 8132 3526 8132 3528 8136 3530 8136
3531 8137 3533 8136 3534 8137 3542 8127
3541 8119 3530 8100
TIME...MOT...LOC 2229Z 316DEG 11KT 3531 8125
ARKSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 631 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020 NCZ071-082-092300- Union NC-Mecklenburg NC- 631 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN MECKLENBURG AND WESTERN UNION COUNTIES UNTIL 700 PM EDT... At 631 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8 miles northeast of Indian Land, or near Stallings, moving southeast at 5 mph. Locations to be impacted include... Monroe, South Charlotte, Matthews, Indian Trail, Weddington, Stallings, Unionville, Wesley Chapel, Lake Park and Mineral Springs. Wind gusts up to 40 mph will be possible in these areas. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors. && LAT...LON 3503 8084 3518 8072 3509 8048 3487 8067 TIME...MOT...LOC 2231Z 305DEG 5KT 3507 8072 ARK
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
639 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020
NCZ082-092315-
Union NC-
639 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EASTERN UNION COUNTY UNTIL 715
PM EDT...
At 638 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles east of Monroe, or near Wingate. This storm was nearly
stationary.
Locations to be impacted include...
Monroe, Wingate, Marshville, Sturdivants and Unionville.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph will be possible in these areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened
root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed
around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors.
&&
LAT...LON 3494 8031 3482 8041 3497 8058 3512 8045
3506 8029
TIME...MOT...LOC 2238Z 305DEG 4KT 3501 8045
ARKSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 705 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020 NCZ071-072-082-092330- Union NC-Cabarrus NC-Mecklenburg NC- 705 PM EDT Sun Aug 9 2020 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN CABARRUS...CENTRAL MECKLENBURG AND NORTHWESTERN UNION COUNTIES UNTIL 730 PM EDT... At 705 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4 miles southeast of Uptown Charlotte, or near East Charlotte. This storm was nearly stationary. Locations to be impacted include... Uptown Charlotte, South Charlotte, Northeast Charlotte, East Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Stallings, Harrisburg and Lake Park. Wind gusts up to 45 mph and very heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour will be possible in these areas. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Gusty winds can blow down trees that are dead, or that have weakened root systems. Outdoor furniture and similar items can be tossed around if not anchored. Seek shelter indoors. 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. && LAT...LON 3511 8086 3532 8090 3536 8064 3504 8060 TIME...MOT...LOC 2305Z 278DEG 4KT 3520 8076 ARK
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
720 PM EDT SUN AUG 09 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0635 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NE CLINTON 34.50N 81.84W
08/09/2020 LAURENS SC LAW ENFORCEMENT
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED TREES DOWN. TIME ESTIMATED BY
RADAR.
&&
RMMThe Greer radar (KGSP), 134 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:30 UTC.
1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A stream gauge on McMullen Creek in south Charlotte exceeded its established flood stage after 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in 1-2 hours. Addison Dr was inundated with more than a foot of water and Lincrest Place was flooded as well.
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, 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: 919566.