Isolated thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. One of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts in Alexander County.
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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.
Isolated thunderstorms developed across western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. One of the storms produced brief damaging wind gusts in Alexander County.
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 Jun 8, 5:00 PM EST, 15 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
600 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
.SYNOPSIS...
Southerly flow between an upper-level low to our west and Bermuda
high pressure in the Atlantic will act to provide moisture from the
Gulf of Mexico leading to daily shower and thunderstorm chances
through mid week. Despite the breaking down of the Bermuda high by
late week, shower and thunderstorm chances will continue into the
weekend as a frontal boundary over the Ohio Valley slowly sinks
southward interacting with the Gulf moisture across the forecast
area.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
600 PM Update...Ongoing convec is remaining mostly confined to the
mtns this evening due to weak forcing and ridge-top convg. Some of
these storms are producing high rainfall rates, yet they've been
moving and they are not back-building. Thus, a sigfnt hydro
threat remains low. Reduced PoPs quite a bit outside the mtns
based on latest CAM guidance which has a good handle on the
latest trends. Could still see outflow generated pulse storms
this evening, but coverage will be isolated.
Otherwise, the upper low to our west will continue to open up
and lift NE to the Midwest/lower Ohio Valley region tonight and
tomorrow. Deep subtropical moisture will continue to stream over
the region, but with the low-lvl flow becoming a bit more SWLY
over time. Thus, the forecast will change little for the rest of
the period and into the short-term. Extensive cloud cover will
keep the deeper convection in check until the early afternoon,
when breaks in the cloud cover will allow for destabilization
and the quick development of more showers and thunderstorms by
the mid/late afternoon again tomorrow. An isolated severe storm
cannot be ruled out, but greater threat continues to be locally
heavy rain due to the deep warm cloud layer, very high PW, and
a tendency toward training thunderstorms. At this point, a Flash
Flood Watch does not appear warranted, but the possibility of
isolated/localized flash flooding remains significant. Temps
will likely climb a few degrees above climatology tomorrow.
&&
.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 2pm EDT Tuesday: Southeast CONUS mid-level trough remains west
of the GSP areas through Friday, but it makes gradual eastward
progress, with central axis reaching the Southern Appalachians
Friday evening. Surface trough with frontal boundary ahead of upper
system remains east of the mountains, and is far enough east by
Friday to bring the winds to a more northwesterly direction over the
mountains , but this will have little impact on dewpoints as in-
place moisture extends a considerable distance to the northwest.
Upper winds are somewhat mild with the slow-moving trough, but
gradually increase through Thursday as it makes its eastward
progress, reaching perhaps 20kts. Somewhat tropical airmass will
also have modest CAPE at best, typically reaching MLCAPE levels of
500 to 1000 j/kg each afternoon. Moisture and CAPE will be better
in the foothills and piedmont than the mountains, with a possibility
of a few severe wind reports. The mountains are expected to have
much better shower coverage and pose more of an isolated flooding
threat in areas receiving repeated thunderstorms. Chances for rain
are around 80% Thursday and Friday afternoon in the mountains, and
50% or so elsewhere.
Relatively mild synoptic conditions and dewpoints in the upper 60s
will give low temperatures 10 degrees or so above normal, with highs
5 or so degrees above normal.
&&
.LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 2pm EDT Tuesday: Weak Southeast CONUS upper trough finally
passes the region on Saturday with frontal zone ahead of it moving
out into the Atlantic, and winds northerly to northeasterly on
Saturday over the GSP area. This will drop dewpoints several
degrees on Saturday, and break the previous pattern of afternoon
thunder each day. While a few stray showers may still be around on
Saturday, Sunday and Monday will have much lower chances for any
rain. Clouds begin to clear on Saturday which, combined with a
ridging trend, will give warmer temps on Sunday and Monday. EC
model fairly quickly brings in a new substantial shortwave that
disrupts the ridging trend, while the GFS declines to do this and
is, thus, warmer early next week.
&&
.AVIATION /22Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: The moist pattern will continue thru the taf
period with sct showers and thunderstorms expected this aftn/evening
and again tomorrow aftn/evening. MVFR cloud decks continue to linger
at several sites with low-end VFR elsewhere. Still expecting more sites
to go VFR over the next few hours, but it will be hit or miss across
the fcst area. Convective coverage will continue to expand across the
region, however the latest CAM runs suggest that the better coverage
will be relegated to our higher terrain and northern Upstate. As such,
I have a TEMPO for TSRA at KAVL until 23z and just a VCTS for the other
taf sites for the remainder of the aftn/evening. Showers may linger
into the overnight, so I kept a VCSH going after the VCTS ends. In
addition, more low clouds will likely redevelop overnight and into
tomorrow morning, with most sites expected to see IFR and possibly
LIFR thru mid-morning. Otherwise, winds will be light and continue
to favor a SLY to SWLY direction thru the taf period.
Outlook: Scattered to numerous diurnally-driven convection and
associated flight restrictions will continue thru much of the week.
Overnight/morning fog/low stratus are possible, especially in the
mountain valleys and locations that receive heavy precip.
Confidence Table...
22-04Z 04-10Z 10-16Z 16-18Z
KCLT High 97% High 95% High 80% High 97%
KGSP High 100% High 95% Med 65% High 100%
KAVL High 100% High 97% Low 40% High 97%
KHKY High 100% High 97% Low 57% High 97%
KGMU High 100% High 92% Low 52% High 97%
KAND High 95% High 95% Low 45% 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...SCW
NEAR TERM...JPT/SBK
SHORT TERM...WJM
LONG TERM...WJM
AVIATION...JPTHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 337 AM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ001>014-019-090745- 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- 337 AM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Shower and thunderstorm chances return again today. The main impacts are cloud-to-ground lightning and heavy downpours. Any slow moving storms could produce locally heavy rainfall leading to isolated flooding issues. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
341 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
NCZ049-050-505-082015-
McDowell Mountains NC-Yancey NC-Mitchell NC-
341 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL MCDOWELL...
SOUTHEASTERN MITCHELL AND EAST CENTRAL YANCEY COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM
EDT...
At 341 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles southwest of Spruce Pine. This storm was nearly stationary.
Locations to be impacted include...
Spruce Pine, B.R. Parkway-Little Switzerland To Linville, B.R.
Parkway-Craggy To Little Switzerland, Bandana, North Cove, Micaville,
Celo, Little Switzerland, Woodlawn and Busick.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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 3601 8204 3599 8206 3595 8204 3591 8199
3583 8194 3582 8196 3582 8197 3581 8199
3579 8197 3577 8219 3594 8226 3605 8206
TIME...MOT...LOC 1941Z 249DEG 4KT 3588 8215
RWHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
401 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
NCZ052-059-063-082030-
Haywood NC-Southern Jackson NC-Northern Jackson NC-
401 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN JACKSON AND SOUTH
CENTRAL HAYWOOD COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM EDT...
At 400 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southeast of Sylva, or 5 miles southwest of B.R. Parkway-Balsam
Gap To Black Balsam Area. This storm was nearly stationary.
Locations to be impacted include...
Waynesville, B.R. Parkway-Black Balsam To Mount Pisgah, B.R.
Parkway-Balsam Gap To Black Balsam Area, Black Balsam Area,
Tuckasegee, Wolf Mountain and Sunburst.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3548 8296 3531 8289 3531 8290 3529 8292
3526 8292 3522 8294 3522 8295 3521 8296
3520 8310 3536 8318
TIME...MOT...LOC 2000Z 249DEG 4KT 3531 8306
RWHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
523 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
NCZ051-058-062-082200-
Graham NC-Swain NC-Macon NC-
523 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN MACON...SOUTH
CENTRAL SWAIN AND SOUTHEASTERN GRAHAM COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM EDT...
At 523 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles east of Andrews, or near Nantahala Lake, moving northeast at 15
mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Nantahala Lake, Fontana Lake, Wesser, Stecoah, Almond, Burningtown,
Kyle, Nantahala, Wayah Bald and Aquone.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail 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 3544 8365 3527 8340 3511 8361 3513 8362
3512 8364 3514 8364 3514 8365 3515 8365
3516 8366 3515 8366 3515 8374 3519 8371
3520 8373 3524 8369 3526 8371 3524 8375
3525 8378
TIME...MOT...LOC 2123Z 220DEG 13KT 3520 8369
RWHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
527 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
NCZ501-502-504-082200-
Caldwell Mountains NC-Greater Burke NC-Greater Caldwell NC-
527 PM EDT Tue Jun 8 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CALDWELL AND EAST CENTRAL BURKE
COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM EDT...
At 527 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Lenoir, moving northeast at 15 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Lenoir, Sawmills, Gamewell, Hudson, Cajah's Mountain, Cedar Rock,
Lake Rhodhiss, Connelly Springs, Rutherford College and Granite
Falls.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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 3610 8152 3610 8149 3609 8147 3609 8145
3607 8144 3607 8141 3605 8139 3604 8140
3602 8135 3600 8133 3592 8134 3589 8134
3574 8151 3589 8172 3611 8153
TIME...MOT...LOC 2127Z 220DEG 13KT 3590 8154
RWHThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Trees and utility lines were blown down along Highway 16.
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, June 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: 967650.