Moisture associated with the far outer circulation of the remnants of Hurricane Ida resulted in development of numerous rain showers and thunderstorms across the North Carolina foothills during the afternoon. One small line of heavy showers and thunderstorms produced pockets of damaging winds as it moved north-northeast across the area.
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.
Moisture associated with the far outer circulation of the remnants of Hurricane Ida resulted in development of numerous rain showers and thunderstorms across the North Carolina foothills during the afternoon. One small line of heavy showers and thunderstorms produced pockets of damaging winds as it moved north-northeast across the area.
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 31, 1:33 PM EST, 2 hours 17 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
233 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
.SYNOPSIS...
Tropical cyclone Ida will continue to weaken while moving
northeast across the Central Appalachians on Wednesday, bringing
periods of heavy rain and gusty wind. Continental high pressure is
expected to settle into the region later in the week with fair skies
and seasonable temperatures.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 230 PM EDT Tuesday: The overall forecast is still on track
at this time. A Wind advisory has been expanded into the northern
mountains in this latest update. 850mb winds in bufkit soundings
from CAMs for KTNB and KAVL continue to produce wind speeds between
35-45 kts from the S-SE later today. With relatively high soil
moisture content and the expected heavy rainfall, trees will become
more vulnerable to being uprooted this afternoon and through the
overnight period.
The latest satellite imagery indicates the center of T.D. Ida
centered over northern Alabama/south-central Tennessee at this time
and taking on an increasingly extra-tropical appearance, as the bulk
of the precip shield remains aligned along the low level confluence
axis east-through-north of the vortex (i.e., across the TN Valley),
with a couple of precip bands beginning to enter the CFWA. As the
precip band enters the area, the atmosphere is destabilizing as
well. The aforementioned precip bands should intensify somewhat
as the low level wind flow accelerates and turns toward the S/SE,
with resultant increasing upslope flow filling in/enhancing precip
coverage across the mountains and foothills throughout the afternoon
into the evening. Categorical PoPs appear warranted in these areas,
tapering down to low chance east of I-77.
The Weather Prediction Center has extended the moderate risk for
excessive rainfall futher into the Upstate and northeast GA. 3-5+"
of rain expected for the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment where
the upslope enhancement will be greatest. 1-3+" of rain expected
elsewhere across the mountains and foothills, where the main precip
shield will be located. CAMs continue to produce periods of heavy
rain this evening through tonight and even into the morning hours
on Wednesday as the center of Ida pushes to the E/NE, just west of
the Appalachians. Up to one inch is expected in the Piedmont with
locally higher amounts in locations that receive a heavy-slow moving
thunderstorm or multiple cells during the forecast period. The
Flash Flood Watch seems to be well in place and no changes have
been made to it.
On the other side of things, severe weather will be possible across
the CFWA and the marginal risk for damaging winds and an isolated
tornado seems to be well in place for this afternoon and evening
via the Storm Prediction Center. Low level shear parameters and 0-1
km SRH values are gaining momentum as we enter the peak heating of
the day and Ida continues to encroach the CFWA to the west. The
time that the best shear/buoyancy overlap should begin over the
next couple of hours. As such, the setup does not appear to be
as favorable for tropical tornadoes as it was during T.S. Fred
on 8/17. The tornado threat should otherwise steadily diminish
later into the evening and overnight. Gradient Winds will also
be a concern, mainly along the high ridge tops of western NC and
higher peaks of northeast GA this afternoon through the early
part of the overnight. While Advisory-level gusts will be likely,
these should mainly be confined to locations above 5000'.
On Wednesday, expect numerous to categorical PoPs once again,
especially in the eastern zones as the main rainband from Ida
skirts into the I-77 corridor and CLT Metro area at peak heating
of the day and is able to regenerate. With good low level shear
parameters, good curvature in the 0-1 km hodographs, and just enough
instability, an isolated tornado will be possible once again in
the eastern zones. Otherwise, scattered diurnal activity will be
in store elsewhere with temperatures slightly below normal due
to the extensive cloud cover leftover from Ida and the lingering
morning low stratus that has been placed into the forecast. Drier
air will begin to filter in by the very end of the period as the
flow begins to come out of the northwest and the Remnants of Ida
continues to lift off to the NE.
&&
.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
As of 230 pm EDT Tuesday: The remnant circulation of Ida will move
away to the northeast Wednesday night, but with a lingering trough
over the forecast area for some evening I-40 and Piedmont showers,
and weak upslope into the TN spine counties into the early
overnight. Then, expect northwesterly downsloping to provide steady
and deeper-layer drying through Thursday as the trough moves east of
the region. High pressure will begin building east from the southern
Plains to the southern Appalachians.
Strong high pressure will build over the southern CONUS through
Friday, while surface high pressure builds east from New England to
the Great Lakes and ridges southward through the Carolinas. Dry
weather should result and maximum temperatures should be 1 to 2
categories below climo.
&&
.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 230 pm EDT Tuesday: The ridge will retrograde slightly on
Saturday, but then break down in earnest across the southeast Sunday
into Monday as heights fall across the Great Lakes. This will permit
a cold front, with a narrow attendant moisture zone, to move
southeast through the region Sunday/Sunday night. Will keep dry
weather in place Saturday, with a modest 1 to 2 degree recovery in
temperatures. Then, will feature a chance showers in mountains to
a slight chance in the Piedmont with the fropa.
Model differences exist early next week, but with some semblance of
a broad eastern trough most likely Monday into Tuesday, with the
surface boundary settling just southeast of the region. Cannot rule
out some unsettled weather with the troughiness, but moisture in the
profiles looks quite limited so will feature mainly diurnal,
isolated to scattered showers and a few thunderstorms Mon/Tue
afternoons. Temperatures will rebound closer to normal.
&&
.AVIATION /19Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Prevailing VFR conditions and gusty winds
will continue over the next few hours before conditions begin to
deteriorate. As the main precip shield and outer rainbands from Ida
work into the terminals, showers and thunderstorms will begin to
unfold and lingering precip is expected through much of the period.
With the gusty winds, vsbys should remain near MVFR, but low stratus
will deepen very well overnight and Wednesday morning. Most TAF
sites should be IFR or lower on cigs during that time frame. The one
forecast challenge is how long will the stratus take to dissipate.
Model guidance is holding steady with it through at least lunchtime
Wednesday. Winds will generally come out of the S/SE today and
slowly turn to the SW by tomorrow as the center of Ida continues to
track to the E/NE. KAVL will likely flip to the NW by the end of the
period. Scattered precip will be in store once again Wednesday and
has been included in the 18Z TAF update either as prevailing or in a
PROB30.
Outlook: Periods of rain/restrictions and some gusty winds can be
expected tonight and Wednesday, mainly during the morning as the
remnants of Ida move by to our north. Dry conditions return for the
latter part of the week and continue into the weekend.
Confidence Table...
18-24Z 00-06Z 06-12Z 12-18Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% High 93% High 87%
KGSP High 100% High 82% High 91% High 86%
KAVL High 84% High 95% Med 78% High 95%
KHKY High 99% High 81% High 81% High 88%
KGMU High 95% High 82% High 94% High 87%
KAND High 87% Med 75% High 87% Med 69%
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...Flash Flood Watch through Wednesday afternoon for GAZ010-017-
018.
NC...Flash Flood Watch through Wednesday afternoon for NCZ033-
048>053-058-059-062>065-501>510.
Wind Advisory above 3500 feet until 8 AM EDT Wednesday for
NCZ048-051-052-058-059.
Wind Advisory until 8 AM EDT Wednesday for NCZ033-049-050.
SC...Flash Flood Watch through Wednesday afternoon for SCZ001>005.
&&
SYNOPSIS...DEO
NEAR TERM...CAC/JDL
SHORT TERM...HG
LONG TERM...HG
AVIATION...CACHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 200 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021 NCZ048-051-052-058-059-011800- Madison-Swain-Haywood-Graham-Northern Jackson- 200 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON... ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT WEDNESDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the southwest mountains of western North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Wind Advisory. The remnants of tropical cyclone Ida will continue to push into the region through tonight. Isolated severe thunderstorms with a brief tornado or two are possible, mainly late this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Wind Advisory. .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. GAZ010-017-018-NCZ053-062>065-501>510-SCZ001>005-011800- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Buncombe-Macon-Southern Jackson- Transylvania-Henderson-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- 200 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the mountains of northeast Georgia, the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina, and the Upstate South Carolina mountains. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. The remnants of tropical cyclone Ida will continue to push into the region through tonight. In addition to the flood threat, gusty south winds at higher elevations this afternoon into tonight could down isolated to scattered trees or power lines. Isolated severe thunderstorms with a weak and brief tornado or two are also possible, mainly late this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. .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. NCZ033-049-050-011800- Avery-Yancey-Mitchell- 200 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON... ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 AM EDT WEDNESDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the northern mountains of western North Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Wind Advisory. The remnants of tropical cyclone Ida will continue to push into the region through tonight. In addition to the flood and wind threats, isolated severe thunderstorms with a weak and brief tornado or two are also possible, mainly this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Wind Advisory. .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-NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-SCZ006>014-019-011800- Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-Cleveland- Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-Greater Greenville- Spartanburg-Cherokee-York-Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Union SC- Chester-Greenwood- 200 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, Piedmont North Carolina,and Upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. The remnants of tropical cyclone Ida will continue to push into the region through tonight. Periods of heavy rain with isolated flooding and breezy southerly winds will develop this afternoon and continue into tonight. Isolated severe thunderstorms, with a weak and brief tornado or two, will be possible, mainly late this afternoon and this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. The remnants of Ida will depart to the east with periods of heavy rain and associated isolated flood threat gradually coming to an end. .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. HG
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
249 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
GAZ029-SCZ010-011-019-311930-
Elbert GA-Anderson SC-Abbeville SC-Greenwood SC-
249 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of eastern Elbert,
southeastern Anderson, Abbeville and Greenwood Counties through 330
PM EDT...
At 248 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 9 miles southeast of Elberton to 15 miles north
of Evans. Movement was northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Greenwood, Abbeville, Elberton, Honea Path, Ware Shoals, Calhoun
Falls, Ninety Six, Due West, Iva and Lake Secession.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3398 8205 3397 8218 3402 8224 3397 8231
3406 8233 3406 8244 3408 8248 3401 8260
3396 8257 3399 8265 3397 8278 3398 8286
3405 8290 3443 8261 3449 8233 3433 8217
3421 8195 3413 8187 3397 8201 3395 8204
TIME...MOT...LOC 1848Z 210DEG 40KT 3399 8280 3374 8217
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MOORESpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
327 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
SCZ006-010>012-019-312015-
Laurens SC-Anderson SC-Abbeville SC-Greenwood SC-
Greater Greenville SC-
327 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Laurens,
southeastern Greenville, eastern Anderson, northeastern Abbeville and
northwestern Greenwood Counties through 415 PM EDT...
At 327 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 10 miles southeast of Anderson to 8 miles
northeast of Abbeville. Movement was north at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Mauldin, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, Powdersville, Piedmont, Belton,
Williamston, Honea Path, Ware Shoals and Due West.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3438 8264 3482 8249 3478 8215 3475 8212
3475 8211 3473 8208 3472 8208 3472 8207
3470 8207 3470 8206 3466 8200 3466 8198
3465 8196 3426 8228
TIME...MOT...LOC 1927Z 200DEG 40KT 3438 8257 3428 8229
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MOORESpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
336 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
NCZ064-SCZ002-003-005-312000-
Transylvania NC-Pickens Mountains SC-Greater Pickens SC-
Greenville Mountains SC-
336 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Transylvania, northwestern Greenville and northwestern Pickens
Counties through 400 PM EDT...
At 336 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles northwest of Pickens, moving north at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Pickens, Brevard, Jocassee Gorges, Jones Gap State Park, Table Rock
State Park, Caesars Head State Park, Dupont State Forest,
Pumpkintown, Connestee and Nine Times.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3481 8272 3493 8287 3524 8275 3516 8259
3515 8258 3515 8257 3512 8251
TIME...MOT...LOC 1936Z 200DEG 32KT 3495 8275
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MOOREPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
345 PM EDT TUE AUG 31 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0322 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 NNE NINETY SIX 34.21N 82.01W
08/31/2021 GREENWOOD SC 911 CALL CENTER
911 CALL CENTER REPORTED TREES DOWN ALONG HIGHWAY 702.
&&
HGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
345 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
SCZ009-014-312015-
York SC-Chester SC-
345 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of western Chester and
southwestern York Counties through 415 PM EDT...
At 344 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles southwest of Chester, or 5 miles southwest of Chester State
Park, moving north at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Chester, Sharon, Mcconnells, Lowrys, Chester State Park, Leeds and
Cornwell.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3457 8140 3496 8138 3492 8106 3456 8118
TIME...MOT...LOC 1944Z 188DEG 29KT 3461 8129
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MOORESpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
411 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
SCZ003-006-007-012-312045-
Laurens SC-Greenville Mountains SC-Spartanburg SC-
Greater Greenville SC-
411 PM EDT Tue Aug 31 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Laurens,
Greenville and western Spartanburg Counties through 445 PM EDT...
At 411 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 3 miles southwest of Greenville Downtown to 16
miles east of Easley to 14 miles north of Laurens. Movement was north
at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Greenville Downtown, Spartanburg, Greenville Eastside, West
Greenville, Greer, Mauldin, Taylors, Simpsonville, Berea and Five
Forks.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3473 8231 3476 8245 3483 8248 3483 8249
3484 8248 3488 8249 3491 8251 3518 8246
3516 8245 3518 8242 3519 8232 3520 8225
3518 8187 3459 8206
TIME...MOT...LOC 2011Z 194DEG 40KT 3482 8245 3481 8230 3471 8208
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
MOOREThe Greer radar (KGSP), 41 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:51 UTC.
6 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
County comms reported trees blown down on I-26 at mile marker 62, with at least one lane blocked.
County comms reported trees blown down on power lines on Painter Rd and Henry Jenkins Rd.
County comms reported multiple trees blown down, some onto power lines from Rutherfordton and Spindale to Shingle Hollow and vicinity.
Emergency manager reported trees blown down on Mud Cut Road in Glenwood and at Robinson Rd and N Main St in Marion. Public reported trees down around Lake James and vicinity.
County comms reported a few trees blown down in the Pleasant Grove area.
County comms reported a tree blown down on Lytle Dr. Public reported multiple trees down near Bethel Park in Morganton.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, August 2021
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: 982341, 982342, 982343, 982346, 982349, 982347.