North Carolina, 2023

Tornadoes and Hail in North Carolina, August 7, 2023

August 7, 2023 · NWS GSP · 37 events in 24 counties and zones

Numerous thunderstorms and storm clusters moved across western North Carolina throughout the afternoon. Many of these storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts, some of which were fairly long-lived.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
2
Property damage
$1.2 million
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
37

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS GSP wrote it up.

Numerous thunderstorms and storm clusters moved across western North Carolina throughout the afternoon. Many of these storms produced severe weather, mainly in the form of damaging wind gusts, some of which were fairly long-lived. A couple of weak tornadoes also developed in the Piedmont, including a long-track EF1.

What forecasters said that day

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 7, 1:17 PM EST, 31 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 7, 1:17 PM EST, 31 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
217 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

.SYNOPSIS...
A cold front crosses our area tonight into early Tuesday. Showers
and thunderstorms will move east and south of our area this evening
as the front will become stationary over central South Carolina.
High pressure builds into the western Carolinas, leading to drier
weather Tuesday into Wednesday. Showers and thunderstorms return on
Thursday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 200 PM: A potent shortwave is now centered over the middle
Ohio Valley, with sfc low now in SW Ontario, trailing a cold front
SW'wd to the Ozarks. Robust moisture plume preceding the front
is associated with 5000+ J/kg SBCAPE in much of AL/GA and up to
4000 invof the Southern Appalachians, per mesoanalysis. Short-term
progs depict values continuing to increase thru peak heating in
our CWA. Tstms developed rapidly ahead of the front around midday
and are set to propagate into our mountain zones within the next
1-2 hrs.

Shear parameters are generally better toward the north, nearer
the base of the shortwave. While the best forcing will pass by
to our north, strong mid to upper level flow will be present thru
the evening across our CWA. Effective shear will range from 30 to
50 kt which will promote the upscale growth; the better helicity
parameters appear to remain north and west of the area. DCAPE
has risen above 1200 J/kg across most of our CWA which will aid
in cold pool development. There is definitely better low-level
hodograph curvature toward the north as one might expect given the
above. Shear vectors being westerly, some potential for spin-ups
along the line(s) exists throughout. Embedded tornadic circulations
would however appear most likely in the north, and tornado watches
have been issued for much of our NC mountains and I-40 corridor. The
upscale growth and large DCAPE make the staight-line winds the
greatest concern for the remainder of the area, and we anticipate
a subsequent Svr Tstm watch will cover that threat.

Additional details forthcoming.

&&

.SHORT TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 141 PM EDT Monday: Wednesday's forecast continues to
look quiet, with much of the forecast area ensconced in dry WNW
flow behind a sagging surface boundary to our south, and high
pressure to our north.  Soundings indicate deep mixing to almost
700mb Wednesday afternoon, beneath a stout capping inversion that
should hold anything other than scattered cumulus at bay through
the day.  The cooler Canadian air mass ought to moderate our
temperatures...and indeed temperatures for all but the southernmost
tier of counties in the Upstate will struggle to get out of the
mid-80s, a good 5 degrees below normal for most locations.

Wednesday evening or overnight, a compact shortwave will pivot out
of the Ozarks and into the Southeast CONUS...permitting a return to
deep southwesterly flow and increasing moisture.  A surface front
will develop beneath this feature...to track across the Carolinas
on Thursday.  Upon its arrival, it may encounter another juiced-up
environment, with ensembles in favor of excellent instability (1500-
2000 J/kg per the ECE, as much as 2500 J/kg per some of the more
aggressive GEFS members) and elevated deep shear a good possibility.
There remains the issue of timing/overlap: a few of the operational
models don't quite bring the peak in rainfall/forcing in at the
right time to make use of afternoon instability (peep the 06z GFS
for example)...and there's still a good bit of ensemble spread in
the location of the upper shortwave, whose track will determine
how much shear we get.  Nonetheless, the most favorable forecast
soundings would put us at a risk of severe weather, while even
the most unfavorable soundings would still give us scattered
thunderstorms. So, Thursday looks active at the very least.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 159 PM EDT Monday: A pattern shift may be on the way as we get
closer to next weekend. Troughing will persist over the northeast,
but heights will rise subtly beginning Friday as the trough retreats
northward, allowing a subtropical ridge to build over much of the
southern U.S.  The 12z suite of operational guidance hints at
another shortwave making tracks across the Carolinas on
Saturday...which may induce some rainfall...or might just vanish
from the forecast before Saturday (isn't weather forecasting great?)
and leave us with diurnal rain chances more typical of mid-summer in
the Carolinas. By the end of the period, though, it appears that any
additional shortwaves will be shunted north of the Carolinas by the
building subtropical ridge, permitting a return to hot, humid,
seasonable conditions as the Bermuda High nudges westward and
Atlantic moisture creeps into the Carolinas.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Main impact this aftn/evening will be from
TSRA forming ahead of a cold front, which prompted TEMPO at all
sites. Storms over E TN are beginning to grow upscale from discrete
cells into a line, and the expectation remains that eventually
bow echoes will threaten all terminals with strong to severe wind
gusts and brief IFR vsby in +RA. A hail or tornado threat does
exist although those are more localized threats. TEMPOs timed per
CAM consensus; the wind threat should subside at all terminals by
00z at the latest, but a few stray lightning strikes trailing the
main line certainly could occur for an hr or two after the wind
threat. Overnight, some upslope driven precip may linger near the TN
border, and some MVFR cigs are possible at KAVL. Drying associated
with cold pools or with synoptic scale front will limit but not
completely inhibit nocturnal fog formation, especially where heavy
rain occurs. For now, confidence is greatest for fog in the WNC
river valleys, hinted at KAVL/KHKY. Low impact weather Tuesday
with low VFR cumulus, and SHRA chances currently too low to mention.

Outlook: Waves moving east along the front will bring daily
chances of scattered diurnal convection Wed through the end of the
week. Daybreak restrictions will be possible each day, especially
across the mountain river valleys.

&&

.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Heat Advisory until 7 PM EDT this evening for GAZ029.
NC...Heat Advisory until 7 PM EDT this evening for NCZ071-072-082.
SC...Heat Advisory until 7 PM EDT this evening for SCZ009-011-014-
     019.

&&

SYNOPSIS...DEO
NEAR TERM...Wimberley
SHORT TERM...MPR
LONG TERM...MPR
AVIATION...Wimberley
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 7, 1:47 PM EST, 1 minute before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
247 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

GAZ010-017-018-026-028-NCZ064-065-068>070-507>510-SCZ008-010-012-013-
101>109-081900-
Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Transylvania-Henderson-
Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Rutherford Mountains-Greater Rutherford-
Polk Mountains-Eastern Polk-Cherokee-Anderson-Laurens-Union SC-
Oconee Mountains-Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains-
Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Central Greenville-
Southern Greenville-Northern Spartanburg-Southern Spartanburg-
247 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 604 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont
North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South 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.

   Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

Widespread severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening
ahead of a cold front approaching from the west. Damaging winds are
expected to be the main threat with these storms, but large hail and
a couple of isolated tornadoes will be possible as well. Any
thunderstorm will be capable of producing torrential downpours, gusty
winds, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, or flash flooding to our office.

GAZ029-NCZ071-072-082-SCZ009-011-014-019-081900-
Elbert-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-York-Abbeville-Chester-
Greenwood-
247 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 604 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont
North Carolina and upstate South 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.

   Heat Advisory.
   Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

Widespread severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening
ahead of a cold front approaching from the west. Damaging winds are
expected to be the main threat with these storms, but large hail and
a couple of isolated tornadoes will be possible as well. Any
thunderstorm will be capable of producing torrential downpours, gusty
winds, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, or flash flooding to our office.

NCZ033-048>053-058-059-062-063-081900-
Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Graham-
Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-
247 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

...TORNADO WATCH 600 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

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.

   Tornado Watch.

Widespread severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening
ahead of a cold front approaching from the west. Damaging winds are
expected to be the main threat with these storms, but large hail and
a couple of isolated tornadoes will be possible as well. Any
thunderstorm will be capable of producing torrential downpours, gusty
winds, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, or flash flooding to our office.

NCZ035>037-056-057-501>506-081900-
Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-Caldwell Mountains-
Greater Caldwell-Burke Mountains-Greater Burke-McDowell Mountains-
Eastern McDowell-
247 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

...TORNADO WATCH 603 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for piedmont North Carolina and
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.

   Tornado Watch.

Widespread severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening
ahead of a cold front approaching from the west. Damaging winds are
expected to be the main threat with these storms, but large hail and
a couple of isolated tornadoes will be possible as well. Any
thunderstorm will be capable of producing torrential downpours, gusty
winds, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, or flash flooding to our office.

MPR

In the hours before

Local storm report, Aug 7, 8:05 AM EST, 5 hours 43 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
905 AM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0304 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Due West                34.34N 82.39W
08/06/2023                   Abbeville          SC   911 Call Center

            A few trees were blown down around Due West.
            Also a power line down in the county.

&&

DEO
Local storm report, Aug 7, 8:19 AM EST, 5 hours 29 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
919 AM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0341 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 SSW Ora               34.55N 82.01W
08/06/2023                   Laurens            SC   911 Call Center

            A few trees were blown down in the northern
            part of the county. Time estimated based on
            radar.

&&

DEO
Special weather statement, Aug 7, 1:25 PM EST, 23 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
225 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

SCZ102-103-105-106-071900-
Central Greenville SC-Pickens Mountains SC-Greater Pickens SC-
Greenville Mountains SC-
225 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Greenville and Pickens Counties through 300 PM EDT...

At 224 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles west of Pickens, or near Keowee Toxaway State Park, moving east
at 25 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...
Pickens, Easley, Lake Keowee, Jocassee Gorges, Lake Jocassee, Keowee
Toxaway State Park, Table Rock State Park, Six Mile, Berea and
Pumpkintown.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3488 8291 3491 8290 3492 8291 3494 8290
      3495 8290 3495 8291 3496 8292 3497 8292
      3498 8294 3499 8294 3511 8254 3484 8247
      3481 8290
TIME...MOT...LOC 1824Z 258DEG 24KT 3492 8286

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CAC
Special weather statement, Aug 7, 1:32 PM EST, 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
232 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

NCZ052-053-064-065-071915-
Buncombe NC-Transylvania NC-Haywood NC-Henderson NC-
232 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Transylvania, northwestern Henderson, southeastern Haywood and
southwestern Buncombe Counties through 315 PM EDT...

At 232 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles southeast of Waynesville, or 4 miles northeast of B.R.
Parkway-Balsam Gap To Black Balsam Area, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny 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...
Downtown Asheville, Waynesville, East Asheville, Arden, West
Asheville, North Asheville, Woodfin, Fletcher, Canton and Biltmore
Forest.

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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for western North
Carolina.

&&

LAT...LON 3569 8251 3544 8239 3530 8293 3531 8294
      3531 8295 3532 8296 3533 8296 3537 8299
      3538 8302 3546 8306
TIME...MOT...LOC 1832Z 247DEG 39KT 3541 8294

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

MOORE
Special weather statement, Aug 7, 1:40 PM EST, 8 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
240 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

NCZ052-059-062>064-071930-
Transylvania NC-Haywood NC-Southern Jackson NC-Northern Jackson NC-
Macon NC-
240 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Macon, west
central Transylvania, central Jackson and south central Haywood
Counties through 330 PM EDT...

At 239 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Franklin, moving east 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...
Franklin, Cullowhee, Lake Glenville, B.R. Parkway-Black Balsam To
Mount Pisgah, B.R. Parkway-Balsam Gap To Black Balsam Area, Black
Balsam Area, Graveyard Fields, Lake Toxaway, Ellijay and Savannah.

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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for western North
Carolina.

&&

LAT...LON 3510 8343 3526 8346 3541 8299 3532 8285
      3515 8284
TIME...MOT...LOC 1839Z 262DEG 29KT 3518 8336

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

MOORE

The radar

The Knoxville radar (KMRX), 108 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:47 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

29 thunderstorm wind, 5 tornado, 2 hail, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Graham

When
August 7, 1:48 PM EST
Where
Graham County, 8.84 mi SSW of Tapoco
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.340, -84.030

County comms reported trees blown down on power lines near the Tennessee border.

Tornado, Yancey

When
August 7, 1:48 PM EST to 1:57 PM EST
Where
Yancey County, 1.62 mi ENE of Spivey Gap to 0.98 mi SSE of Relief
Rating
EF1
Path length
6.23 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
36.036, -82.402

NWS storm survey found the path of a rare EF1 tornado that touched down near Highway 19W in the far northern part of Yancey County, a couple of miles from the Tennessee border. The tornado tracked east/southeast, crossing Highway 19 a couple of times, before crossing Huntdale Rd and Horton Hill Rd. The last area of damage found was in the area around Horton Hill Rd and North Bee Branch Rd. Damage was limited to multiple uprooted trees and snapped limbs. This was only the third confirmed tornado to have impacted Yancey County, with the last having occurred on 6 June 1977.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When
August 7, 2:05 PM EST to 2:38 PM EST
Where
Madison County, 1.64 mi SW of (Hss)hot Spgs to 0.76 mi ESE of Ivy
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.862, -82.869

County comms reported numerous trees blown down throughout Madison County, from Hot Springs and Spring Creek, across Marshall and Mars Hill.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mitchell

When
August 7, 2:05 PM EST to 2:29 PM EST
Where
Mitchell County, 0.13 mi ENE of Bakersville to 2.26 mi W of Altapass
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$200,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.021, -82.168

County comms reported numerous trees and power lines blown down from the Bakersville area, across the Ledger community, to the southern end of the county. Some trees fell across power lines and others blocked roads. A tree fell on and caused significant damage to a business on S Mitchell Ave in Bakersville. Another tree fell on and damaged a home on Cascading Creek Xing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Yancey

When
August 7, 2:06 PM EST to 2:08 PM EST
Where
Yancey County, 1.33 mi NNW of Lunday to 0.3 mi SSE of Lunday
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.967, -82.211

Emergency manager reported numerous trees blown down within and near the Double Island community.

Thunderstorm Wind, Swain

When
August 7, 2:11 PM EST to 2:20 PM EST
Where
Swain County, 0.5 mi NNW of Bryson City to 2.31 mi SE of Ocona Lufty
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
35.437, -83.452

Utility company reported trees blown down on power lines in the Bryson City area. Emergency manager reported multiple trees blown down in the town of Cherokee and across the Qualla Boundary. Trees were also blown down on power lines in the Alarka community.

Hail, Mitchell

When
August 7, 2:12 PM EST
Where
Mitchell County, 0.56 mi E of Bakersville
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.020, -82.160

County comms observed nickel to quarter sized hail in Bakersville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When
August 7, 2:15 PM EST to 2:20 PM EST
Where
Jackson County, 3.27 mi NW of Wilmot to 6.07 mi NNE of Dicks Creek
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.435, -83.359

County comms reported trees blown down around Whittier. Emergency manager reported trees blown down across the Qualla Boundary.

Thunderstorm Wind, Avery

When
August 7, 2:16 PM EST to 2:21 PM EST
Where
Avery County, 0.7 mi ESE of Plumtree to 0.5 mi E of Ingalls
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
36.027, -82.008

County comms reported a few trees and power lines blown down from the Plumtree area through Ingalls.

Thunderstorm Wind, Haywood

When
August 7, 2:20 PM EST to 2:40 PM EST
Where
Haywood County, 0.24 mi SSE of Maggie to 2.32 mi SE of Sunburst
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
35.517, -83.098

Utility company reported trees blown down on power lines along Campbell Creek Rd in Maggie Valley and on Browning Branch Rd and Springbrook Farm Rd in Waynesville. County comms reported scattered trees blown down throughout the county.

Hail, Avery

When
August 7, 2:20 PM EST
Where
Avery County, 1.97 mi WSW of Avery Co Arpt
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.935, -82.010

Public reported (via Social Media) large hail near the Mayland community.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When
August 7, 2:25 PM EST to 2:30 PM EST
Where
Jackson County, 0.91 mi ENE of Gay to 1.28 mi NNW of Cullowhee
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.305, -83.265

County comms reported a tree blown down in the Savannah community and multiple trees down in Cullowhee, including on Old Settlement Rd and on Locust Creek Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, McDowell

When
August 7, 2:30 PM EST
Where
McDowell County, 3.29 mi N of Ashford to 2.6 mi ENE of North Cove Crossing
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.927, -81.939

Emergency manager reported a large tree blown down on Highway 221 north of Ashford and another tree blocking the roadway south of Ashford.

Thunderstorm Wind, Buncombe

When
August 7, 2:37 PM EST to 3:10 PM EST
Where
Buncombe County, 3.59 mi NW of Jugtown to 1.32 mi ENE of Fairview
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
35.593, -82.766

Utility company reported multiple trees blown down on power lines throughout Buncombe County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When
August 7, 2:49 PM EST
Where
Macon County, 1.87 mi SSE of Dean
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.194, -83.361

County comms reported several trees blown down around Franklin, including one that grazed a house on Rolling Hills Dr.

Thunderstorm Wind, Burke

When
August 7, 2:54 PM EST to 3:06 PM EST
Where
Burke County, 0.31 mi SE of Glen Alpine to 2.17 mi WSW of Drexel
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.727, -81.796

County comms and spotter reported numerous trees and some power lines blown down from Glen Alpine across Morganton and vicinity. One tree fell on an outbuilding near Glen Alpine.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When
August 7, 3:09 PM EST
Where
Macon County, 0.69 mi N of Highlands
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.060, -83.200

County comms reported numerous trees and power lines blown down around Highlands.

Thunderstorm Wind, Caldwell

When
August 7, 3:10 PM EST to 3:16 PM EST
Where
Caldwell County, 1.16 mi NW of Hudson to 2.14 mi S of Hudson
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.863, -81.493

Emergency manager reported a billboard blown over along Highway 321 near Hudson. Ham radio operator reported a tree blown down on power lines in Sawmills.

Lightning, Lincoln

When
August 7, 3:15 PM EST
Where
Lincoln County, 0.7 mi S of Henry
Injuries
1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.560, -81.432

Emergency manager reported a person was struck and injured by lightning in the Vale area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Alexander

When
August 7, 3:20 PM EST to 3:45 PM EST
Where
Alexander County, 3.57 mi N of Bethlehem to 0.69 mi N of Stony Pt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
35.881, -81.310

Fire dept reported multiple trees and some power lines blown down, some blocking roads across southern Alexander County. Structural damage occurred to a couple of buildings, including a structure at Alexander County fairgrounds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Burke

When
August 7, 3:24 PM EST
Where
Burke County, 1.78 mi NE of Hildebran
Measured
40 kt (46 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.740, -81.410

Public reported (via Social Media) a tree blown down on a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Catawba

When
August 7, 3:28 PM EST to 3:48 PM EST
Where
Catawba County, 2.05 mi SW of Brookford to 2.51 mi SSW of Claremont
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$200,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
35.680, -81.377

NWS storm survey found a swath of intense straight line wind damage across central Catawba County, from Mountain View and Hickory to Conover and Newton. Large numbers of trees were snapped and/or uprooted with numerous large tree branches downed. Several power poles were snapped and a few structures were damaged, including a building at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds and a greenhouse that was destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rutherford

When
August 7, 3:29 PM EST to 3:34 PM EST
Where
Rutherford County, 0.89 mi NE of Alexander Mills to 2.24 mi W of Caroleen
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
35.330, -81.860

Fire dept and public reported a carport and shed destroyed along with multiple trees blown in the Forest City area. Other trees and some power lines were blown down in the Sandy Mush area, with some trees on houses.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
August 7, 3:30 PM EST to 3:50 PM EST
Where
Lincoln County, 0.76 mi S of Henry to 2.84 mi ENE of Iron Station
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
35.559, -81.430

County comms reported around two dozen trees blown down across Lincoln County, with the highest concentration being in the Vale area. Some trees fell on and blocked roads.

Thunderstorm Wind, Catawba

When
August 7, 3:38 PM EST to 3:43 PM EST
Where
Catawba County, 1.07 mi WSW of Maiden to 1.46 mi ESE of Cotton Factory
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.575, -81.238

Public reported (via Social Media) numerous trees and power lines blown down across Maiden and vicinity.

Thunderstorm Wind, Catawba

When
August 7, 3:38 PM EST
Where
Catawba County, Claremont
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
35.720, -81.150

Public reported (via Social Media) trees blown down on I-40 in the Claremont area, and additional trees down on nearby Rock Barn Rd.

Tornado, Catawba

When
August 7, 3:40 PM EST to 3:54 PM EST
Where
Catawba County, 1.78 mi SW of Claremont to 2.06 mi ENE of Sherrills Ford
Rating
EF1
Path length
13.45 mi
Path width
550 yd
Continued into
Iredell, Nc (GSP)
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
35.700, -81.170

NWS storm survey found the path of a long-track EF1 tornado that touched down between Conover and Claremont near the intersection of Kelly Blvd and Heart Dr, where large tree branches were snapped. The tornado continued to snap large branched as it moved southeast, crossing Highway 10 to Murrays Hill Rd and Sherrills Ford Rd. The tornado intensified in this area, with multiple large trees uprooted, and some softwood trees snapped. Similar damage continued as the tornado crossed Long Island Rd, Hopewell Church Rd, and Mollys Backbone Rd. The last area of damage in Catawba County was found at the end of a peninsula in Lake Norman at the end of Northview Harbor Dr. The tornado continued into Iredell County just east of this point.

Tornado, Iredell

When
August 7, 3:54 PM EST to 4:07 PM EST
Where
Iredell County, 2.11 mi WNW of Mooresville Arpt to 2.53 mi SSW of Mooresville Mllr Arp
Rating
EF1
Path length
10.7 mi
Path width
550 yd
Continued into
Rowan, Nc (GSP)
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
35.631, -80.935

A tornado that originated in the Claremont/Conover area of Catawba County crossed into Iredell County, with the first area of damage found on a peninsula of Lake Norman at the end of Penicillin Point. Numerous large limbs and several uprooted trees were found in this area. The tornado continued to snap large branches and uproot trees as it moved southeast across Fern Hill Rd, skirting the southern shores of an inlet of Lake Norman, before crossing Perth Rd and I-77. EF0-level damage persisted as the tornado crossed the north side of Mooresville before crossing into Rowan County near Landis Highway. Some trees fell on homes in the Mooresville area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleveland

When
August 7, 3:55 PM EST
Where
Cleveland County, 0.56 mi E of Boiling Spgs
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
35.250, -81.670

Fire dept reported a few trees blown down in the Boiling Springs area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mecklenburg

When
August 7, 4:06 PM EST to 4:17 PM EST
Where
Mecklenburg County, 3.28 mi WSW of Smithville to 1.32 mi SE of Davidson
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
35.467, -80.936

Public reported multiple trees and larbe branches blown down on Green Dophin Lane and Square Sail Rd near Kake Norman. Nws storm survey found an area of downburst damage along Pine Rd east of Cornelius. Multiple trees were uprooted and numerous limbs snapped in this area.

Tornado, Rowan

When
August 7, 4:07 PM EST to 4:22 PM EST
Where
Rowan County, 4.5 mi SSW of Mt Ulla to 1.01 mi SW of China Grove Arpt
Rating
EF1
Path length
12.08 mi
Path width
550 yd
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
35.587, -80.750

A tornado that touched down in the Conover and Claremont area of Catawba County and crossed through southern Iredell County passed into Rowan County near Landis Highway. Damage was limited to numerous snapped large branches and uprooted trees as the tornado initially paralleled Highway 152 before crossing between Landis and China Grove. Minor structural damage was also observed in this area, while other structures were damaged by falling trees. The tornado lifted just east of Lentz Rd east of Landis.

Tornado, Mecklenburg

When
August 7, 4:07 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where
Mecklenburg County, 4.56 mi W of Huntersville to 3.46 mi SW of Huntersville
Rating
EF0
Path length
2.05 mi
Path width
50 yd
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
35.410, -80.930

NWS storm survey confirmed an EF0 tornado touched down just south of Lake Norman. Damage consisted of numerous tree branches torn off, some trees uprooted, and some minor damage to building exteriors.

Thunderstorm Wind, Davie

When
August 7, 4:10 PM EST to 4:35 PM EST
Where
Davie County, 3.58 mi SSW of Calahaln to 1.32 mi NE of Advance
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
35.870, -80.687

Spotters reported numerous trees blown down across Davie County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mecklenburg

When
August 7, 4:17 PM EST to 4:37 PM EST
Where
Mecklenburg County, 2.31 mi NNW of Thrift to 1.61 mi S of Alexanders Store
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Injuries
1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage
$500,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.332, -80.962

Emergency manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down throughout the city of Charlotte and vicinity. Multiple trees fell on and damaged homes and vehicles in the city, especially in east Charlotte. One man was injured when a tree fell through his house. Other people were briefly trapped in a home damaged by a fallen tree.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When
August 7, 4:18 PM EST to 4:33 PM EST
Where
Rowan County, 3.52 mi ESE of Mill Bridge to 0.79 mi WSW of Liberty
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
35.627, -80.594

Public and DOT reported multiple trees blown down across roads, along with some power lines down across central Rowan County, including Salisbury and vicinity.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cabarrus

When
August 7, 4:18 PM EST to 4:32 PM EST
Where
Cabarrus County, 5.9 mi W of Glass to 2.18 mi NNE of Rocky River
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
35.481, -80.734

Emergency manager and public reported multiple trees blown down from northwest Cabarrus County through Concord and Harrisburg. One tree fell through the roof of a home on the northwest side of Concord.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When
August 7, 5:18 PM EST to 5:33 PM EST
Where
Union County, 0.4 mi SE of Waxhaw to 2.22 mi N of Marshville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
34.916, -80.745

County comms reported numerous trees blown down across the county, with two trees down on houses in Monroe, one on a vehicle in Marshville, and others down on power lines.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind
Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Lightning
A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in North Carolina in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for North Carolina, 2023Warnings in North Carolina, August 2023

Sources

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: 1136743, 1136770, 1136751, 1136754, 1136752, 1136744, 1136775, 1136745, 1136753, 1136746, 1136776, 1136747, 1136755, 1136750, 1136748, 1136756, 1136749, 1136757, 1136778, 1136758, 1136777, 1136761, 1136759, 1136760, 1136762, 1136994, 1136771, 1136772, 1136769, 1136765, 1136773, 1136774, 1136763, 1136766, 1136764, 1136767, 1136768.