Several clusters of strong to severe storms developed during the late afternoon and evening in a hot and unstable summer time environment. A few of these storms became severe and produced wind damage and lots of lightning.
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.
Several clusters of strong to severe storms developed during the late afternoon and evening in a hot and unstable summer time environment. A few of these storms became severe and produced wind damage and lots of lightning.
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 Jul 18, 1:15 PM EST, 1 hour 25 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Raleigh NC 215 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 .SYNOPSIS... Hot, subtropical high pressure will generally remain in place through the next week. && .NEAR TERM /TODAY AND TONIGHT/... As of 1045 AM Saturday... Water vapor satellited showed a broad, upper-level ridge in place across the region stretching from Alabama to the Carolinas. Surface observations showed a weak surface trough stretching from the north Atlantic coast down across central North Carolina and a 1021 mb Bermuda high to our east. Southwesterly flow near the surface will keep the moist airmass in place across the region today, with afternoon dew point temperatures remaining in the low to mid 70s. Combined with highs in the low to mid 90s, the heat indices will reach the low to mid 100s again today for most areas. Widely scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon during peak heating, with most activity diminishing by late evening. MLCAPE will reach 2000-2500 J/kg this afternoon, however shear remains relatively low thanks to the nearby ridge. Slow-moving storms could produce an isolated flash flooding threat, but the main threat with stronger storms today will be wind gusts. SPC has all of central NC in a general thunderstorm outlook for the day. Lows tonight will be in the low to mid 70s, with an isolated shower/thunderstorm possible mainly across the Coastal Plain. && .SHORT TERM /SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT/... As of 400 AM Saturday... The persistent weather pattern continues, with high pressure aloft over the region and a lee trough across central NC at the surface. Southerly flow and continued advection of warm moist air into the area will result in another day with PWATS in the 1.75" - 2.0" and MLCAPE of 2500-3500 J/Kg but generally weak shear. Convection will again be focused along differential heating boundaries, though the bigger story will be the third consecutive day of highs in the mid 90s and heat index values over 100 across much of central NC. Should this hold true, a heat advisory will be needed for Sunday. Those folks who have outside work, activities, etc. should try to get them done early in the day and retreat into the shade or air conditioned spaces during the afternoon. Should you need to be outside, remember to drink plenty of fluids and wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Expect little relief from the heat Sunday night, with lows only dropping into the mid 70s. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... As of 430 AM Saturday... ...Hot, and dangerously so because of the probable persistence and longevity through at least the next week... An expansive subtropical ridge analyzed in 00Z upr air data from the srn High Plains to the Carolinas, and which included observed 500 mb heights at or above the max moving average at both GSO and MHX, will generally persist throughout the upcoming week. A weakness in the ridge will nonetheless develop over the Carolinas through Mon, however, as one ridge center now over NC retrogrades wwd and allows for a weak shortwave trough over the Great Lakes this morning to settle sewd across the middle Atlantic this weekend, then swd and swwd across the Carolinas early next week. The ridge will otherwise reassert itself across NC through mid-late week. 850 mb temperatures are consequently forecast to remain pegged around 20 C over the srn middle Atlantic and Carolinas throughout the forecast period. At the surface, an Appalachian-lee trough will be situated over w- cntl NC, on the wrn periphery of high pressure that will remain parked near and north of Bermuda. Associated prevailing swly flow across the Carolinas will tend to limit the inland penetration of the sea breeze each afternoon-evening, likely only into the Coastal Plain and ern Sandhills. A pocket of slightly cooler temperatures aloft accompanying the aforementioned trough/weakness in the subtropical ridge down the srn middle Atlantic coast and Carolinas may enhance convective coverage and intensity, particularly over the ern half of NC, on Mon. Otherwise, diurnally-driven precipitation chances will be near climatology for this time of year. Weak deep layer flow and high precipitable water values around two inches will favor a typical pulse-type environment, with a related risk of precipitation-loaded wet microbursts and localized flooding. Diurnal convection and associated outflow will present the primary opportunity for relief from the heat and humidity that will otherwise be oppressive. In fact, any notable cooling in statistical forecast guidance for mid-late week is likely a function of an inherent trend toward climo in the medium range and not reflective of any legitimate mass field change, given the presence and influence of the subtropical ridge and unrelenting 850 mb temperatures around 20C. Related low level thickness values are likewise forecast to remain relatively unchanged around 15-20 meters above average through the period. As such, low to mid 90s will generally be the rule, along with surface dewpoints mostly in the lwr-mid 70s. Multi-day maximum Heat Index values between 102-107 will result over all but the climatologically-cooler nrn Piedmont, where upr 90s to 102 degrees may be more common. Heat Advisories -- with criteria of 105F or higher for at least two consecutive hours, or three or more consecutive days of 102-105F-- will likely be initiated this weekend and subsequently continue through much of the upcoming week. && .AVIATION /18Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 200 PM Saturday... 24 hour TAF period: Scattered TSRA will continue through the evening across most of the area, especially over portions of the Piedmont and Sandhills. In and around storms, MVFR ceilings and VIS, frequent lightning, gusty and erratic surface winds and strong up/downdrafts are likely. Otherwise, VFR conditions are expected through the period with winds generally less than 10 kt. Beyond the TAF period: Afternoon/evening TSRA/SHRA and the potential for early morning FG/low-stratus will continue each day through the period. Otherwise, VFR conditions are expected. && .RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SYNOPSIS...MWS NEAR TERM...JJT SHORT TERM...KC LONG TERM...MWS AVIATION...JJT
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Raleigh NC 649 AM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 NCZ011-026>028-040>043-073>078-083>086-088-089-191200- Halifax-Franklin-Nash-Edgecombe-Chatham-Wake-Johnston-Wilson-Stanly- Montgomery-Moore-Lee-Harnett-Wayne-Anson-Richmond-Scotland-Hoke- Cumberland-Sampson- 649 AM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Temperatures in the lower to middle 90s combined with high humidity will result in heat index values in the upper 90s to 102 degrees this afternoon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Temperatures in the lower to middle 90s combined with high humidity will result in heat index values in the upper 90s to 103 degrees each afternoon. The prolonged period and cumulative effects of the heat will become dangerous. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. NCZ007>010-021>025-038-039-191200- Person-Granville-Vance-Warren-Forsyth-Guilford-Alamance-Orange- Durham-Davidson-Randolph- 649 AM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Temperatures in the lower to middle 90s combined with high humidity will result in heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees this afternoon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Temperatures in the lower to middle 90s combined with high humidity will result in heat index values between 102 and 108 degrees each afternoon. The prolonged period and cumulative effects of the heat will become dangerous. A Heat Advisory will likely be needed. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RALEIGH NC 1215 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 NCZ007>011-021>028-038>043-073>078-083>086-088-089-182300- PERSON-GRANVILLE-VANCE-WARREN-HALIFAX-FORSYTH-GUILFORD-ALAMANCE- ORANGE-DURHAM-FRANKLIN-NASH-EDGECOMBE-DAVIDSON-RANDOLPH-CHATHAM- WAKE-JOHNSTON-WILSON-STANLY-MONTGOMERY-MOORE-LEE-HARNETT-WAYNE- ANSON-RICHMOND-SCOTLAND-HOKE-CUMBERLAND-SAMPSON- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF ROXBORO, OXFORD, CREEDMOOR, HENDERSON, KITTRELL, WARRENTON, NORLINA, ROANOKE RAPIDS, ENFIELD, SCOTLAND NECK, WINSTON-SALEM, GREENSBORO, HIGH POINT, BURLINGTON, GRAHAM, MEBANE, HILLSBOROUGH, CHAPEL HILL, CARRBORO, DURHAM, ROUGEMONT, LOUISBURG, FRANKLINTON, NASHVILLE, SPRING HOPE, ROCKY MOUNT, TARBORO, PRINCEVILLE, LEXINGTON, THOMASVILLE, ASHEBORO, ARCHDALE, SILER CITY, PITTSBORO, RALEIGH, CARY, APEX, WAKE FOREST, KNIGHTDALE, SMITHFIELD, SELMA, CLAYTON, WILSON, ALBEMARLE, TROY, SOUTHERN PINES, PINEHURST, ABERDEEN, CARTHAGE, SANFORD, LILLINGTON, ANGIER, BUIES CREEK, ERWIN, DUNN, GOLDSBORO, WADESBORO, POLKTON, ROCKINGHAM, ELLERBE, LAURINBURG, CAMP MACKALL, WAGRAM, RAEFORD, FAYETTEVILLE, SPRING LAKE, HOPE MILLS, CLINTON, AND ROSEBORO 1215 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 ...HEAT INDEX VALUES IN THE LOW 100S TODAY... High temperatures in the low to mid 90s will combine with high dewpoint temperatures to create heat index values between 100 to 105 degrees this afternoon across most of the region. If you must be outdoors today, please drink plenty of water, wear loose fitting, light colored clothing and take breaks in an air conditioned building. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, your local media or follow our web page at weather.gov/rah or Twitter or Facebook for the latest weather updates. JJT
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Raleigh NC 202 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 NCZ083-084-181900- Anson NC-Richmond NC- 202 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT EAST CENTRAL ANSON AND WESTERN RICHMOND COUNTIES UNTIL 300 PM EDT... At 201 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Wadesboro, moving east at 10 mph. Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Wadesboro, Lilesville and Blewett Falls Lake. 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 3497 8011 3512 8002 3516 7977 3486 7980 TIME...MOT...LOC 1801Z 287DEG 8KT 3501 7999 Leins
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Raleigh NC 253 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 NCZ026-027-041-042-182000- Nash NC-Johnston NC-Franklin NC-Wake NC- 253 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020 ...A CLUSTER OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHWESTERN NASH...NORTHEASTERN WAKE...NORTH CENTRAL JOHNSTON AND SOUTHWESTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES UNTIL 400 PM EDT... At 252 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms near Bunn, or 10 miles south of Louisburg, moving southeast at 15 mph. Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with these storm. Locations impacted include... Wake Forest, Zebulon, Bailey, Bunn, Wendell, Rolesville, Spring Hope, Youngsville, Middlesex and Pilot. 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 3582 7796 3570 7828 3600 7860 3612 7837 TIME...MOT...LOC 1852Z 317DEG 12KT 3595 7833 Leins
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
337 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020
NCZ075-086-088-182030-
Hoke NC-Moore NC-Cumberland NC-
337 PM EDT Sat Jul 18 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN MOORE...WEST CENTRAL
CUMBERLAND AND CENTRAL HOKE COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM EDT...
At 336 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northwest of Raeford, moving southeast at 20 mph.
Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Southern Pines, Raeford, Fort Bragg, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Pope AFB,
Whispering Pines, Pinebluff, Foxfire and Taylortown.
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 3522 7967 3536 7936 3528 7921 3527 7922
3524 7917 3521 7915 3519 7910 3520 7907
3512 7894 3494 7934
TIME...MOT...LOC 1936Z 310DEG 17KT 3507 7930
LeinsThe Raleigh/Durham radar (KRAX), 16 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:38 UTC.
4 thunderstorm wind, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was reported down along Three Sisters Road.
A tree was reported down on Edgemont Road.
Multiple trees and power lines were reported down along Knightdale Boulevard.
A tree was reported down on Dunn Road.
Lightning struck a telephone pole along Lassiter Mill Road, which caught fire.
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, July 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 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 910947, 910948, 910949, 910950, 910946.