A line of thunderstorms moved across upstate South Carolina during the afternoon in association with a cold front. A couple of embedded cells produced brief damaging wind gusts in the Piedmont.
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 line of thunderstorms moved across upstate South Carolina during the afternoon in association with a cold front. A couple of embedded cells produced brief damaging wind gusts in the Piedmont.
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 Mar 28, 11:15 AM EST, 34 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1215 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will cross our area today, triggering another
round of showers and thunderstorms. Behind the front, temperatures
will return to normal as high pressure builds in for Monday.
More unsettled weather looks to be in store for the region by the
middle of the week as another strong cold front reaches our region
from the northwest. After that cold front moves through Wednesday
night, expect some cool weather for the end of the week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Noon Update...Will let the FF.A go as heavy rain has moved east of
the mtns with little to no new impacts. The overall severe threat
looks more diminished this afternoon, yet the srn zones will see
modest destabilization over the next few hrs, which may enhance tstm
development along a pre-frontal convg zone currently tracking
east.
Given the fast progression of this convection system, it may be east
of the area by 3 PM, and max temps may not be quite as high as
expected. The main threat with the line will be damaging wind gusts,
and the unidirectional shear should limit any tornado threat. But a
brief spin up somewhere along the line cannot be ruled out.
The flash flood threat will be contingent on the rain rates with
the main line of pre-frontal convection, as the line will be
moving pretty quickly, and there won't be much precip outside of
that. Given the high stream levels from earlier rainfall, will
leave the Flash Flood Watch as is.
Behind the pre-frontal convection, there will be some lingering
clouds and precip, with a secondary line of showers possibly
forming over the NC Piedmont along the actual front. This line
likely won't be severe, as it will have less CAPE to work with. The
bigger concern will be gradient winds picking up within strong
CAA in the NC mountains. Could see NWLY 45-55 mph gusts in the
northern mountains from mid-aftn thru the evening hours. So will
issue a Wind Advisory for Yancey/Mitchell/Avery from 16z to 6z
tonight. Temps will fall quickly tonight, dipping into the 30s to
lower 40s across most of the area.
&&
.SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 1215 PM EDT Sunday: Some degree of llvl moisture return is
still expected throughout Tuesday as the WAA flow increases above
the lingering sfc ridging, which remains nosed SWWD into the region.
At this point, morning sunshine should become mixed with an
expanding cu field from south to north acrs the cfwa in the
afternoon. Progged maximum temperatures are slated to be very close
to the late March climo.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 329 am EDT Sunday: The middle part of the week looks active
and the latter part of the week looks like February. The main player
for the medium range will be a deep and amplifying mid/upper trof
that drops down over the Plains Tuesday night and barrels eastward
Wednesday, finally crossing our region Wednesday night with a strong
cold frontal passage. Out ahead of the approaching trof, moisture
will stream northward from the Gulf with strengthening isentropic
upglide forcing the development of precip Tuesday night and early
Wednesday, thus precip probs ramp up quickly. The best forcing
will be brought to bear across the region mainly on Wednesday,
and with deep moisture in place, precip seems like a good bet. How
much will depend on how quickly the front would move through, but
this will have to be monitored in light of the recent rainfall we
have had across the region. Severe weather will also be a concern,
partly because of the frontal passage which could happen during peak
heating. However, confidence in severe storms is low at the moment
because the ECMWF develops only modest amounts of buoyancy and the
GFS keeps a cool pool over the region once again. After the cold
front blasts through late in the day, a downright seasonally cold
Canadian high pressure air mass will move down across the region for
late in the week. Residual moisture could be squeezed out over the
mtns Wednesday evening in the form of high elevation snow showers,
but the rest of the week will be dry. Temps could be well below
normal for this time of year, and similar to what would be expected
in February. Highs might only be in the lower 50s east of the mtns
on Thursday under strong cold advection, and for the moment, the
entire fcst area looks like it could be below freezing at daybreak
Friday. The large sfc high will control our weather through next
weekend with temps slowly moderating back toward normal.
&&
.AVIATION /16Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: A wedge front can be seen in the obs,
finally beginning to lift north and should start pushing thru the
Upstate TAF sites and KCLT by 12z. This will bring winds around
out of the S/SW and VFR conditions. Then winds will pick up and
become gusty by 14z at all sites. Still expecting a frontal band
of showers and some embedded tstms crossing the area from west to
east in the 15-20z time frame, based on timing the current radar
trends. The line will have the potential to produce some strong
gusts, and winds will shift slightly to more WSW or W, remaining
gusty. A cold front will push thru and toggle winds to NW, with
gusts continuing thru the evening. MVFR to IFR Cigs will try to hold
on north of the wedge front over KHKY to start the TAF, otherwise,
expect VFR cigs and vsby, except with the convection. Low VFR cigs
start to clear out behind the front this evening.
Outlook: Dry high pressure returns Monday. Then moisture returns
ahead of the next cold front and flight restrictions are likely
across the region Tuesday night thru Wednesday.
Confidence Table...
16-22Z 22-04Z 04-10Z 10-12Z
KCLT High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGSP High 100% High 97% High 100% High 100%
KAVL High 83% High 95% High 100% High 100%
KHKY High 97% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KGMU High 100% High 100% High 100% High 100%
KAND High 91% High 100% High 100% 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...Wind Advisory until 2 AM EDT Monday for NCZ033-049-050.
SC...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...PM
NEAR TERM...ARK/SBK
SHORT TERM...PM
LONG TERM...PM
AVIATION...ARKHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 1214 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021 GAZ029-NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-SCZ006>014-019-291615- 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- 1214 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Lines and clusters of thunderstorms will continue to move across the Piedmont this afternoon. A few storms may become severe and produce damaging wind gusts. Hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is 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. GAZ010-017-018-026-028-NCZ048-051>053-058-059-062>065-501>510- SCZ001>005-291615- Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Madison-Swain-Haywood- Buncombe-Graham-Northern Jackson-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- 1214 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None. NCZ033-049-050-291615- Avery-Yancey-Mitchell- 1214 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT MONDAY... 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...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
841 AM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
NCZ051-052-058-059-281330-
Haywood NC-Graham NC-Swain NC-Northern Jackson NC-
841 AM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN JACKSON...EASTERN
SWAIN...NORTHEASTERN GRAHAM AND NORTHERN HAYWOOD COUNTIES UNTIL 930
AM EDT...
At 840 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles northeast of Robbinsville, or near Fontana Lake, moving east at
65 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Bryson City, Cherokee, Lake Junaluska, Clyde, Maggie Valley, Smoky
Mountains-Balsam Mountain, Smoky Mountains-Big Creek, Smoky
Mountains-Deep Creek, B.R. Parkway-Smoky Mountains To Balsam Gap and
Smoky Mountains-Cataloochee.
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 3541 8377 3566 8331 3566 8330 3567 8329
3579 8307 3577 8299 3579 8296 3574 8295
3575 8292 3570 8290 3569 8290 3568 8289
3555 8282 3531 8372
TIME...MOT...LOC 1240Z 248DEG 56KT 3541 8367
WJMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1149 AM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
GAZ026-028-SCZ010-281630-
Hart GA-Franklin GA-Anderson SC-
1149 AM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL FRANKLIN...HART AND
CENTRAL ANDERSON COUNTIES UNTIL 1230 PM EDT...
At 1148 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Carnesville, moving east at 55 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Anderson, Hartwell, Carnesville, Homeland Park, Northlake, Royston,
Reed Creek, Lavonia, Canon and Franklin Springs.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
LAT...LON 3425 8327 3439 8331 3449 8304 3447 8300
3451 8296 3464 8259 3437 8251 3427 8311
3427 8312 3424 8325
TIME...MOT...LOC 1548Z 258DEG 49KT 3435 8319
WJMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1225 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
SCZ006-007-010>013-281715-
Laurens SC-Abbeville SC-Anderson SC-Union SC-Spartanburg SC-
Greater Greenville SC-
1225 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT LAURENS...SOUTHEASTERN
GREENVILLE...SOUTHEASTERN SPARTANBURG...SOUTHEASTERN ANDERSON...
NORTHEASTERN ABBEVILLE AND SOUTHWESTERN UNION COUNTIES UNTIL 115 PM
EDT...
At 1223 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles southeast of Anderson, or near Honea Path, moving east at 60
mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Laurens, Clinton, Belton, Honea Path, Gray Court, Donalds, Rose Hill
State Park, Buffalo, Ware Shoals and Princeton.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
LAT...LON 3452 8257 3479 8174 3448 8153 3448 8156
3453 8162 3453 8164 3446 8170 3438 8222
3441 8225 3437 8229 3434 8253
TIME...MOT...LOC 1623Z 259DEG 54KT 3445 8246
WJMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1249 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
SCZ011-012-019-281730-
Laurens SC-Abbeville SC-Greenwood SC-
1249 PM EDT Sun Mar 28 2021
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN LAURENS...SOUTHEASTERN
ABBEVILLE AND GREENWOOD COUNTIES UNTIL 130 PM EDT...
At 1248 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles northwest of Abbeville, moving east at 55 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Greenwood, Abbeville, Ninety Six, Joanna, Due West, Cross Hill,
Cokesbury, Waterloo, Hodges and Lake Greenwood State Park.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these
areas.
LAT...LON 3406 8244 3408 8248 3435 8247 3448 8169
3437 8178 3430 8190 3424 8191 3420 8194
3418 8191 3416 8191 3413 8187 3408 8192
3406 8233
TIME...MOT...LOC 1648Z 259DEG 49KT 3424 8243
WJMThe Greer radar (KGSP), 66 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:50 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Emergency mngr reported multiple trees blown down from Hodges to the east side of Greenwood. One tree was down on a house on Chestnut Ct.
Law enforcement reported multiple trees blown down in and around Mountville.
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, March 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: 951701, 951702.