Multiple supercell thunderstorms trained along a warm front across northern portions of upstate South Carolina during the evening hours. Widespread large hail was reported across the area, and one significant tornado developed on the outskirts of the city of Greenville.
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.
Multiple supercell thunderstorms trained along a warm front across northern portions of upstate South Carolina during the evening hours. Widespread large hail was reported across the area, and one significant tornado developed on the outskirts of the city of Greenville.
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 25, 5:16 PM EST, 34 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
616 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020
.SYNOPSIS...
A compact but energetic storm system will move from Kentucky to
Pennsylvania tonight into Sunday as its showers and thunderstorms
eventually exit our region. Seasonably cool conditions are expected
behind this system with the next shot at widespread rain arriving by
the middle of the week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 615 PM: Forecast for the near term still extremely
complicated. The first factor of concern is the slight risk
encompassing most of the NC mountains, Upstate SC, and the
NC Piedmont. This still appears to fit well with the area of
greatest severe risk, focusing mainly on the evening hours. With
many factors in play, however, there exists some uncertainty in the
most likely severe threat and exactly where each type of threat will
evolve. Tried to refine timing of peak threat with 530 PM update.
A robust upper wave and surface low are in the process of
propagating towards the area this afternoon, with a warm frontal
boundary now across the southern CWA. With high pressure to our
northeast shifting off the NE coast, the wedge-like pattern that has
been in place for much of today is eroding across the area. Surface
flow has been generally NErly for much of the day, though, which
has limited low-level moistening, and dew points will likely
only be able to peak in the mid 50s later this evening with the
anticipated shift to Srly/SWrly flow over the next hour or so. The
lack of robust surface moisture will likely be a large factor in
limiting surface destabilization, as will the late-day clearing.
Despite this, there is no shortage of favorable factors for severe
weather. Deep-layer shear across the area is already on the order
of approx 50kt, and both directional and speed shear (especially
in low levels) will increase through the afternoon as surface flow
veers to S-SWrly. Additionally, a 500mb speed max is on approach
towards the southern Appalachians, and the arrival of an upper
jet exit region will encourage plentiful upper forcing later this
evening, close to 00Z. The sharpening upper trough aloft over the
southeast will also decrease temperatures aloft, manifesting in
steep mid-level lapse rates this evening. Despite SBCAPE likely
limited to 500-1000 J/kg, MLCAPE could exceed 1000 J/kg. With the
excellent shear and sufficient CAPE, the mode of convection will
likely end up supercellular, with supercells embedded in a squall
line crossing the northern 2/3 of the forecast area from 23Z-04Z
this evening looking like the most likely final outcome. NAMNest
appears to be doing a decent job of handling the activity now
over East TN, and PoPs have been tilted in that favor. All severe
threats are in play, though hail rises to the top as the most likely
threat with cool, dry air entering aloft and excellent lapse rates
expected. It should also be noted that while the best forcing will
be in place across the northern 2/3 of the forecast area and the
greatest severe threat overall is there, the warm front should be
watched, especially for tornado potential as it locally enhances
low-level SRH and boundary layer moisture. This is the reason we
are now under a Tornado Watch until 10 PM.
If you've made it this far, the good news is that the convection
should clear our area by 05-06Z overnight, though some NW flow
and wrap-around moisture will enhance shower activity in the
mountains near daybreak tomorrow. Some moisture may even break
containment, with showers possible across the majority of the NC
mountains tomorrow, not just the TN/NC border. Though no accums
are forecast at the current time, temperatures will drop enough
tomorrow as upper heights drop that some light snow may be possible
at elevations above 5000ft. the other story across the area will
be wind - stout NW flow will encourage gusts up to 25+ mph outside
the mountains, and up to 35+ mph in the mountains. Temperatures
will be below average.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 215 PM Saturday: An upper trough axis crosses the area Sunday
night then moves east through the rest of the short term with slowly
rising heights as an upper ridge axis moves in by Tuesday. Deep NW
flow, short waves, and upper divergence will act on lingering
moisture over the mountains to keep showers there Sunday night.
Temps may be cold enough for some very high elevation snow, but p-
type will be rain for the vast majority. gusty NW wind will remain
over the area Sunday night into Monday. Gusts as high as 40 mph will
be possible across the higher elevations with gusts to 30 mph
possible elsewhere. A weak clipper-type system approaches from the
NW on Tuesday but weakens as it moves toward the area. Have kept the
forecast dry for now. Temps will be a few degrees below normal
Sunday and Monday nights and on Monday then warm a few degrees above
normal for Tuesday.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 225 PM Saturday: An upper low moving across the Great Lakes
will swing a strong short wave trough across our area Wednesday and
Wednesday night. The associated cold front moves in during the same
time frame. There will be good forcing and deep moisture, but only
weak instability. Guidance is in good agreement on timing and PoP
has increased to high likely and categorical on Wednesday with
likely PoP Wednesday night. Agree with previous shift that since
it's late April and still 5 days out, we won't rule out anything in
terms of the severe convective potential at this point, but
hazardous weather is not looking like a slam dunk either. There will
be some lingering NW flow rain showers Thursday and possibly Friday
then dry on Saturday.
Near normal temps Wednesday drop a few degrees Thursday, then back
to near normal Friday and above normal on Saturday.
&&
.AVIATION /22Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Winds will continue to take on a southerly
direction through this afternoon and evening ahead of an approaching
storm system. MVFR clouds will generally prevail through this
evening, though a brief rise to VFR may occur as a few spots are
able to scatter out this afternoon. A line of showers and
thunderstorms, some with gusty winds, will cross the area from west
to east between 23Z and 05Z this evening, bringing brief cig and vis
restrictions as it passes. In the wake of the storms, cigs will lift
back to VRF in the early morning hours, and winds will become NWrly
for tomorrow, with gusts developing in the afternoon hours.
Outlook: After the storms tonight pass, generally VFR conditions
will prevail through Tuesday before another storm system bring rain
chances and restrictions back on Wednesday.
Confidence Table...
22-04Z 04-10Z 10-16Z 16-18Z
KCLT High 92% High 85% High 100% High 100%
KGSP High 97% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAVL High 90% High 85% High 100% High 97%
KHKY High 92% Med 62% High 100% High 100%
KGMU High 95% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAND High 100% High 100% High 100% High 97%
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...17/08
SHORT TERM...RWH
LONG TERM...RWH
AVIATION...17Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 617 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020 GAZ010-017-018-NCZ051-052-058-059-062>065-509-510-SCZ001>008-010-012- 013-262230- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Swain-Haywood-Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon- Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson-Polk Mountains-Eastern Polk- Oconee Mountains-Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains- Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville-Spartanburg- Cherokee-Anderson-Laurens-Union SC- 617 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020 ...TORNADO WATCH 148 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, 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. Tornado Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .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. GAZ026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>050-053-056-057-068>072-082- 501>508-SCZ009-011-014-019-262230- Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Avery-Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Madison-Yancey- Mitchell-Buncombe-Catawba-Rowan-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg- Cabarrus-Union NC-Caldwell Mountains-Greater Caldwell- Burke Mountains-Greater Burke-McDowell Mountains-Eastern McDowell- Rutherford Mountains-Greater Rutherford-York-Abbeville-Chester- Greenwood- 617 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop across the area along and ahead of a cold front from late this afternoon through the evening. A few of these storms will have the potential to produce severe weather, primarily in the form of damaging wind gusts and large hail. However, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .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.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
533 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020
GAZ010-017-252200-
Rabun GA-Habersham GA-
533 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN HABERSHAM AND WESTERN
RABUN COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM EDT...
At 532 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles north of Clarkesville, moving northeast at 20 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Clayton, Tiger, Tallulah Falls, Lake Rabun, Lake Burton, Lakemont,
Tallulah Gorge State Park, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Batesville
and Seed Lake.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio and tv
stations, as well as local cable tv outlets for additional
information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Lake Rabun and Lake Burton are in the path of this storm. Cloud to
ground lightning and gusty winds will create dangerous boating
conditions. Move to shore immediately.
&&
LAT...LON 3482 8365 3484 8366 3488 8366 3490 8363
3491 8363 3492 8360 3494 8360 3495 8355
3499 8355 3482 8330 3472 8336 3464 8359
3468 8365 3471 8364 3473 8362 3476 8363
3480 8368
TIME...MOT...LOC 2132Z 225DEG 19KT 3471 8357
MOORESpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
633 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020
GAZ010-NCZ062-252300-
Rabun GA-Macon NC-
633 PM EDT Sat Apr 25 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT RABUN AND SOUTH CENTRAL MACON
COUNTIES UNTIL 700 PM EDT...
At 633 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles west of Clayton, or near Lake Burton, moving northeast at 35
mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Clayton, Mountain City, Tiger, Dillard, Sky Valley, Lake Burton,
Lakemont, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Lake Rabun and Otto.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio and tv
stations, as well as local cable tv outlets for additional
information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for northeastern
Georgia...western North Carolina...and Upstate South Carolina.
LAT...LON 3487 8365 3511 8334 3495 8313 3488 8321
3488 8324 3487 8324 3486 8325 3485 8327
3479 8333 3475 8353 3478 8356 3479 8356
3480 8358 3482 8359 3483 8361
TIME...MOT...LOC 2233Z 233DEG 30KT 3485 8351
MOOREPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
640 PM EDT SAT APR 25 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0549 PM HAIL 1 W LAKEMONT 34.78N 83.44W
04/25/2020 E1.00 INCH RABUN GA TRAINED SPOTTER
&&
LACORTEThe Greer radar (KGSP), 63 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:50 UTC.
15 hail, 2 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Public reported a large pine tree snapped and multiple large limbs blown down in the area surrounding High Water Ct.
Newspaper relayed report of quarter size hail in the Dacusville area.
NWS employee reported quarter size hail.
Newspaper relayed report of quarter size hail in the Travelers Rest area.
Public reported (via Social Media) quarter size hail on Concord Church Rd.
Public reported quarter size hail.
Public reported quarter size hail on Jordan Rd. Spotter reported quarter size hail near Lake Robinson.
Public reported half dollar size hail in the Gaffney area.
Multiple sources reported mostly quarter, with some reports of up to golf ball size from the Lyman Lake area, across Boiling Springs to Mayo.
Trained spotter reported 2-inch diameter hail on I-85 at the NC/SC state line.
Public reported (via Social Media) quarter size hail in the North Main neighborhood. NWS employee reported up to ping pong ball size hail near Taylors.
NWS storm survey found the path of an EF2 tornado across the north side of Greenville, beginning just east of Cherrydale Point and moving east/southeast across Pleasantburg Dr, Rutherford Rd, and Wade Hampton Blvd, then crossing through a residential area between Wade Hampton Blvd and E North St before lifting. Roofs were blown off a hotel and restaurant on Rutherford Rd and several other businesses received minor to moderate roof damage along Wade Hampton Blvd. Otherwise numerous hardwoods were snapped and some partially debarked. Several homes and multiple vehicles were damaged by falling trees.
Amateur radio operator reported quarter size hail near Cowpens National Battlefield.
Amateur radio reported quarter size hail in downtown Gaffney. Media reported golf ball size hail in Blacksburg.
Public reported up to quarter sized hail in the Lyman area and quarter size hail on Highway 29 about a mile west of I-26.
Public reported quarter size hail on Hands Mill Hwy and Mt Gallant Rd.
Public reported quarter sized hail.
Public reported large tree limbs blown down in and near Fort Mill.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for South Carolina, 2020Warnings in South 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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 887822, 889873, 887840, 889874, 887839, 887846, 887843, 887847, 889086, 889087, 889090, 887820, 889091, 889096, 889097, 889118, 889117, 889283.