A narrow line of heavy rain showers and embedded isolated thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front. The line produced gusty winds over upstate South Carolina, with an area of brief, but notable damaging winds reported in Spartanburg County.
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.
A narrow line of heavy rain showers and embedded isolated thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front. The line produced gusty winds over upstate South Carolina, with an area of brief, but notable damaging winds reported in Spartanburg 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 Dec 11, 2:25 PM EST, 54 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
225 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will track across the forecast area this
afternoon and evening, bringing widespread rain and scattered
thunderstorms. In its wake, drying high pressure will spread across
the region keeping conditions dry and mostly sunny through midweek.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 205 PM: Wedge has eroded with convection moving in from the
west ahead of the approaching cold front. The stronger showers/
thunderstorms have produced very gusty winds. Mesoanalysis shows
some sbCAPE has developed ahead of the convection. Values should
remain below 500 J/kg for most of the area, but the plot shows
values above 250 common outside of the mountains. 0-1 km shear and
helicity remain high as well. Therefore, will have to watch the line
of convection as it moves out of the mountains for damaging winds.
There have been bowing segments along the line and these could
produce a brief, tornadic spin up given the shear and helicity
profiles, even with the lack of a boundary over the area.
Gusty SW winds ahead of the front will become gusty NW behind it.
Will extend the Wind Advisory in time through the tonight period as
winds behind the front should be just as strong across the higher
elevations. Lows will generally be near normal as drier and cooler
air move in behind the front with clearing skies.
Dry and cool high pressure builds over the area Sunday with
diminishing northeasterly wind and sunny skies. The cooler air mass
will lead to highs near or a little below normal.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 200 PM EST Saturday: The western periphery of the upper-
level trough located across the Mid-Atlantic will be tracking off
the East Coast at the beginning of the forecast period. Heights will
then gradually build across the eastern and central US overnight
Sunday into Tuesday in response to a low pressure system and
associated digging upper-level trough tracking towards the West
Coast. Meanwhile at the sfc, high pressure will be in place across
the East Coast and Southeast US through the short term leading to
dry and clear conditions as well as gradually warming temps. Good
radiational cooling will be present during the overnight hours
throughout the forecast period allowing lows to dip down into the
upper 20s and mid 30s. Lows Sunday night will be a few degrees below
normal. Monday night lows will be just above normal across the mtns
and near to just below normal elsewhere. High temps will be 3 to 8
degrees above normal Monday becoming 8 to 13 degrees above normal
Tuesday.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 200 PM EST Saturday: The warm-up trend continues throughout
the much of the extended forecast period as upper-level ridging and
sfc high pressure remain in control of the weather pattern. 850 mb
flow will be southwesterly Wednesday into Thursday allowing for an
influx low-level moisture which leads to increased cloud cover.
Skies will remain mostly sunny Wednesday becoming partly cloudy to
mostly cloudy at times Thursday. Moisture influx increases at the
sfc and aloft Thursday evening into Friday leading to mostly cloudy
skies. This influx of moisture aloft is due to an approaching cold
front out of the west. This front will cause the ridge to gradually
break down Friday as a cold front pushes eastward. Right now it is
looking like the FROPA could stall just west of the foreast area at
the end of the extended forecast period. With models not in good
agreement regarding when the front would push through the western
Carolinas and northeast Georgia, decided to cap PoPs to a slight
chance east of the mountains and a slight chance to chance across
the mountains Thursday evening into Saturday. Temps will remain
above normal throughout the forecast period.
&&
.AVIATION /20Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Wedge has eroded with only vsby restrictions
from the convection moving into the area. IFR cig restrictions gone
as well. MVFR cigs and VFR vsby will be the general conditions
outside of convection...with lower restrictions possible as
convection moves through. Gusty SW winds will continue ahead of the
approaching cold front becoming gusty NW behind it. Isolated TSRA
are in the convection...but any thunder would be short lived at the
terminals...so haven't included for now. Precip and low clouds end
with FROPA late this afternoon or early this evening. Skies clear
overnight with diminishing winds by morning. N to NE wind expected
on Sunday.
Outlook: Dry high pressure returns with VFR conditions continuing
through early next week.
&&
.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
NC...Wind Advisory above 3500 feet until 6 AM EST Sunday for NCZ033-
048>052-058-059-062>064.
SC...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...AP
NEAR TERM...RWH
SHORT TERM...AP
LONG TERM...AP
AVIATION...RWHHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 240 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ035>037-053-056-057-065-068>072-082- 501>510-SCZ001>014-019-121945- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell- Davie-Buncombe-Catawba-Rowan-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- 240 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. A strong cold front will cross the Carolinas and northeast Georgia this afternoon and early evening. Widespread rainfall and isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop ahead of the front. A few storms may become severe and produce damaging straight line winds. A brief 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. NCZ033-048>052-058-059-062>064-121945- Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Graham-Northern Jackson- Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania- 240 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST SUNDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for 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. Wind Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
121 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
GAZ010-017-018-SCZ001-111900-
Rabun GA-Stephens GA-Habersham GA-Oconee Mountains SC-
121 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Stephens, Habersham,
southwestern Rabun and western Oconee Counties through 200 PM EST...
At 121 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 11 miles south of Hiawassee to 7 miles east of
Dawsonville. Movement was east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size 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...
Toccoa, Clayton, Clarkesville, Cornelia, Baldwin, Demorest, Mount
Airy, Alto, Tiger and Tallulah Falls.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Conditions are favorable for development of a very brief, weak
tornado. Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted
or a Tornado Warning is issued.
&&
LAT...LON 3454 8362 3460 8365 3462 8364 3465 8366
3468 8364 3471 8364 3474 8362 3477 8363
3478 8366 3489 8340 3448 8319 3447 8338
3446 8340 3448 8347 3449 8354 3443 8362
3450 8367
TIME...MOT...LOC 1821Z 274DEG 38KT 3479 8378 3442 8398
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
148 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-SCZ001-004-005-010-111945-
Elbert GA-Hart GA-Franklin GA-Rabun GA-Stephens GA-Habersham GA-
Greater Pickens SC-Greater Oconee SC-Anderson SC-Oconee Mountains SC-
148 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Franklin, Stephens,
north central Elbert, central Habersham, south central Rabun, Hart,
western Anderson, southwestern Pickens and Oconee Counties through
245 PM EST...
At 147 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 4 miles south of Clayton to near Homer.
Movement was east at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size 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...
Clemson, Toccoa, Seneca, Hartwell, Walhalla, Clarkesville,
Carnesville, Anderson, Homeland Park and Central.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Conditions are favorable for development of a very brief, weak
tornado. Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted
or a Tornado Warning is issued.
&&
LAT...LON 3438 8339 3443 8338 3446 8340 3448 8345
3449 8354 3445 8359 3444 8361 3445 8361
3485 8349 3472 8261 3423 8271 3421 8274
TIME...MOT...LOC 1847Z 285DEG 46KT 3481 8340 3434 8353
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
229 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
SCZ002-004>006-010-112000-
Pickens Mountains SC-Greater Pickens SC-Greater Oconee SC-
Anderson SC-Greater Greenville SC-
229 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Greenville,
north central Anderson, Pickens and east central Oconee Counties
through 300 PM EST...
At 229 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles north of Clemson, or near Six Mile, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size 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...
Easley, Clemson, Pickens, West Greenville, Berea, Welcome,
Powdersville, Central, Liberty and Norris.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Conditions are favorable for development of a very brief, weak
tornado. Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted
or a Tornado Warning is issued.
&&
LAT...LON 3479 8293 3481 8290 3486 8290 3489 8286
3500 8254 3499 8253 3498 8255 3498 8251
3478 8238 3465 8292
TIME...MOT...LOC 1929Z 245DEG 47KT 3481 8285
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
252 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
GAZ026-028-029-SCZ006-007-010>012-112045-
Elbert GA-Hart GA-Franklin GA-Laurens SC-Anderson SC-Abbeville SC-
Spartanburg SC-Greater Greenville SC-
252 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southeastern
Franklin, Elbert, Hart, northwestern Laurens, southeastern
Greenville, southwestern Spartanburg, Anderson and central Abbeville
Counties through 345 PM EST...
At 252 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 5 miles southeast of Easley to 4 miles
southeast of Commerce. Movement was east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Anderson, Elberton, Hartwell, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn,
Homeland Park, Piedmont, Belton and Woodruff.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Conditions are favorable for development of a very brief, weak
tornado. Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted
or a Tornado Warning is issued.
&&
LAT...LON 3401 8294 3403 8294 3405 8299 3408 8300
3410 8304 3411 8303 3415 8306 3417 8310
3423 8308 3427 8312 3424 8317 3425 8320
3424 8325 3425 8329 3474 8265 3480 8236
3476 8194 3399 8282
TIME...MOT...LOC 1952Z 275DEG 28KT 3475 8255 3416 8341
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
302 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
SCZ006-007-012-112045-
Laurens SC-Spartanburg SC-Greater Greenville SC-
302 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Laurens,
east central Greenville and Spartanburg Counties through 345 PM
EST...
At 302 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 16 miles northeast of Easley to 5 miles south
of Greenville Downtown. Movement was east at 40 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...
Greenville Downtown, Spartanburg, Greenville Eastside, West
Greenville, Greer, Mauldin, Taylors, Simpsonville, Five Forks and
Fountain Inn.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Conditions are favorable for development of a very brief, weak
tornado. Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted
or a Tornado Warning is issued.
&&
LAT...LON 3471 8247 3472 8246 3472 8247 3473 8247
3478 8245 3480 8247 3501 8241 3505 8227
3504 8181 3504 8180 3499 8177 3463 8187
TIME...MOT...LOC 2002Z 277DEG 36KT 3498 8237 3478 8242
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
308 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
NCZ035>037-056-068>070-502-504-506-508>510-SCZ003-006>008-112115-
Davie NC-Iredell NC-Cleveland NC-Lincoln NC-Greater Burke NC-
Eastern McDowell NC-Eastern Polk NC-Greater Rutherford NC-Gaston NC-
Greater Caldwell NC-Polk Mountains NC-Alexander NC-Catawba NC-
Cherokee SC-Greenville Mountains SC-Spartanburg SC-
Greater Greenville SC-
308 PM EST Sat Dec 11 2021
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Catawba, Rutherford,
Alexander, Lincoln, northwestern Gaston, southeastern McDowell,
northwestern Davie, Polk, Iredell, eastern Caldwell, Cleveland,
Burke, northeastern Greenville, northern Spartanburg and Cherokee
Counties through 415 PM EST...
At 308 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 3 miles west of Boomer to 14 miles north of
Greenville Downtown. Movement was east at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Hickory, Spartanburg, Statesville, Shelby, Lenoir, Morganton, Newton,
Gaffney, Lincolnton and Forest City.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Conditions are favorable for development of a very brief, weak
tornado. Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted
or a Tornado Warning is issued.
&&
LAT...LON 3600 8133 3603 8127 3603 8107 3606 8098
3605 8072 3602 8053 3490 8165 3502 8248
3600 8154 3606 8142
TIME...MOT...LOC 2008Z 290DEG 33KT 3608 8132 3505 8233
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RMThe Greer radar (KGSP), 13 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:16 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Public reported a few shingles blown off a house and a 28 foot RV tipped over by the wind in the Stillpointe subdivision.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in South Carolina, December 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: 1000194.