Scattered thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina mountains during the early afternoon and moved out over the foothills during mid-afternoon. A few of the storms produced strong-to-damaging wind gusts and hail.
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.
Scattered thunderstorms developed over the North Carolina mountains during the early afternoon and moved out over the foothills during mid-afternoon. A few of the storms produced strong-to-damaging wind gusts and hail.
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 30, 5:56 AM EST, 6 hours 49 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 656 AM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024 .SYNOPSIS... Hot and humid conditions remain across the region through most of the Labor Day Weekend. A chance of showers and thunderstorms increase through Monday. Temperatures fall below normal by mid week as a cold front moves south of the area and cooler high pressure builds in. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 630 AM: Through today and tonight we will remain under the influence of nebulous forcing, and wholesale expectations aren't that much different from Thursday. The only clearly defined feature is the upper ridge over the Southeast region, which itself will slowly weaken as a cold front slowly lays out across the mid-Mississippi Valley in association with a broad trough. There is the matter of the backdoor front now located near the NC/VA border, but the sfc high driving it southward soon will move offshore and looks unlikely to push the front much farther south from its current position. CAM consensus had been for outflow boundary to congeal from convection near the front and sag further into our area this morning. Some northerly winds are seen as far south as KHKY, but not entirely sure this is representative of outflow. Furthermore short term progs continue to show the low-level northerly winds mixing out by late morning, so not all that confident the boundary will matter. 06z cycle CAMs backed off their depictions of storms firing along a boundary. Otherwise, weak flow implies ridgetop convergence will be a key factor for initiation, once again similar to Thursday. Temps will be somewhat cooler although still well above normal; dewpoints will be similar if not a little higher; lower LCLs/CCLs may make initiation easier. CAPE and DCAPE should be at or above the values observed on Thursday, so we expect another day of pulse storms posing a localized downburst risk, and new outflow boundaries should be able to expand and initiate new storms. Any moving boundary will potentially kick off multiple pulse updrafts each of which will potentially knock down a tree or two. We end up with likely PoPs over the mountains, chance range values for the foothills and NW NC Piedmont, and a slight chance elsewhere. Min temps again will be a few degrees above normal. && .SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/... As of 240 AM Friday: Synoptically, a strong ridge remains in place out west through the period with a trough over the northern/eastern portion of the CONUS. Over the southeast, broad and weak flow dominates through the weekend. Southerly surface winds continue the moisture advection into the region, keeping dewpoints in the low 70s. Despite general weak flow aloft, guidance does depict a few shortwaves crossing the area, especially across the mountains, Saturday and Sunday. This could lead to a few scattered showers or thunderstorms. Given current modeled soundings, any convection that does form on Saturday looks to be more pulse-like. High dCAPE and modest lapse rates support short lived storms, with microburst potential. A few areas could see heavy rainfall where these storms develop Saturday afternoon and into the evening, with the mountains having a higher chance (55%-65%) and 20%-45% elsewhere. By Sunday, a weak frontal boundary approaches the NC mountains from the north. Some pre-frontal showers and convection are possible Sunday and Sunday night. Guidance keeps the front just to the north and doesn't push southward until the next forecast period. Ahead of the front, temperatures remain hot during the period, but a cool down is in sight. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 250 AM Friday: A pattern change is on the horizon for the long term forecast. By Monday, a strong surface high amplifies out of Canada and expands across the Midwest and into the northeast CONUS. Guidance from the NBM shows the weak frontal boundary reaching the mountains and eventually dropping south of the CWA with a slow response to bringing drier air into the area. As the high amplifies to the north, surface flow by Tuesday turns more NE, setting up a potential CAD event that lasts through the end of the period. This could cut-off rain potential as guidance depicts much drier air streaming into the region and persisting with the strong lee troughing. However, there is not enough confidence in guidance to pinpoint where the front stalls and when the precip chances diminish. Will continue to monitor. But, a strong signal in guidance does indicate drier air from the north, relieving the region of summertime temperatures and ushers in a highly anticipated break from the heat. Monday looks to be the warmest day of the extended period and gradually decreases through the week. NBM showing highs in the upper 70s and low 80s persisting along with much lower dewpoints. && .AVIATION /12Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... At KCLT and elsewhere: Can't completely rule out IFR fog/stratus at KAVL or KHKY until 13z, although most likely restrictions would be very brief. Diurnal cumulus will develop at VFR level late morning across the terminal area. Winds will show some variability thru the period but primarily will favor S to SW today, with speeds light enough to keep impacts small. Ridgetops expected to see SHRA/TSRA by around 17-18z; prevailing SHRA at KAVL as a result. Whereas some earlier guidance suggested convection would initiate along a weak outflow boundary this aftn/evening, with the originating storms having drifted toward the NC/VA coast overnight this now seems unlikely. Thus mainly isolated or widely scattered SHRA/TSRA will develop, so previous PROB30s have been retooled to TEMPOs near diurnal peak heating. Sites that take a direct hit from convection may be more likely to see fog tonight, but confidence thereon remains low. Saw fit to mention just SCT stratus at KHKY and KAVL late tonight with MVFR fog as a hint. Outlook: Diurnally active convective weather is expected Sat thru Mon. That means some brief restrictions around storms in the afternoon/evening, then potential for fog development in the early morning hours where it rained each day. Drier air may push in from the north Tuesday, but some convective rain chances may linger. && .GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... GA...None. NC...None. SC...None. && SYNOPSIS...CP NEAR TERM...Wimberley SHORT TERM...CP LONG TERM...CP AVIATION...Wimberley
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 747 AM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024 GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065- 068>072-082-501>510-SCZ008>014-019-101>109-311200- 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-Cherokee-York- Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Union SC-Chester-Greenwood- Oconee Mountains-Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains- Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Central Greenville- Southern Greenville-Northern Spartanburg-Southern Spartanburg- 747 AM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening. A few storms could become severe with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... None.
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
928 AM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0528 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 SE Easley 34.82N 82.58W
08/29/2024 Pickens SC Fire Dept/Rescue
A few trees and power lines were blown down.
Time was estimated.
&&
DEOSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 1233 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024 GAZ010-301700- Rabun GA- 1233 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024 ...A THUNDERSTORM WITH FREQUENT LIGHTNING AND HEAVY RAINFALL WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN RABUN COUNTY UNTIL 100 PM EDT... At 1231 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a thunderstorm with frequent lightning AND HEAVY RAINFALL 6 miles northeast of Clayton, or near Sky Valley, moving southwest at 10 mph. Locations to be impacted include... Clayton, Mountain City, Dillard, Sky Valley, Black Rock Mountain State Park, and Pine Mountain. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Frequent lightning is occurring with this storm. If outdoors, try to get indoors or into a hard topped vehicle. Otherwise, stay away from open areas and isolated high objects such as trees. When indoors, stay away from windows and doors and avoid using wired electronic devices. Do not take a shower or bath. Try to unplug unnecessary appliances before the storm approaches. && && LAT...LON 3499 8353 3500 8317 3492 8317 3481 8334 TIME...MOT...LOC 1631Z 051DEG 10KT 3495 8332 SW
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1241 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
NCZ052-064-301715-
Transylvania NC-Haywood NC-
1241 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL TRANSYLVANIA AND
SOUTHEASTERN HAYWOOD COUNTIES THROUGH 115 PM EDT...
At 1241 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles north of Brevard, or 4 miles north of Looking Glass. This storm
was nearly stationary.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3526 8277 3531 8292 3540 8283 3538 8272
TIME...MOT...LOC 1641Z 205DEG 4KT 3536 8278
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
SWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1250 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
NCZ062-063-301715-
Southern Jackson NC-Macon NC-
1250 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN MACON AND SOUTH
CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTIES THROUGH 115 PM EDT...
At 1249 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 16
miles southeast of Franklin, or near Highlands, moving northeast at
10 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...
Highlands, Cashiers, Lake Glenville, and Whiteside Mountain.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3525 8304 3506 8305 3505 8306 3505 8305
3500 8312 3500 8319 3506 8330
TIME...MOT...LOC 1649Z 240DEG 8KT 3506 8314
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
SWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
111 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
GAZ010-301745-
Rabun GA-
111 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN RABUN COUNTY
THROUGH 145 PM EDT...
At 111 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles east of Clayton, or 5 miles southeast of Sky Valley. This storm
was nearly stationary.
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 hail damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Pine Mountain.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3497 8324 3492 8317 3488 8321 3489 8322
3488 8322 3488 8324 3485 8325 3485 8327
3482 8327 3483 8329 3482 8330 3495 8331
TIME...MOT...LOC 1711Z 341DEG 4KT 3492 8327
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
TWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
137 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
NCZ064-301815-
Transylvania NC-
137 PM EDT Fri Aug 30 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY
THROUGH 215 PM EDT...
At 137 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 14
miles southwest of Brevard, or near Lake Toxaway. This storm was
nearly stationary.
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 hail damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Rosman, Lake Toxaway, Gorges State Park, and Sapphire.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3508 8304 3513 8298 3515 8298 3515 8299
3516 8300 3515 8275 3508 8278 3509 8279
3503 8297 3503 8301 3504 8304 3505 8304
3505 8306
TIME...MOT...LOC 1737Z 286DEG 2KT 3511 8293
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
TWThe Greer radar (KGSP), 69 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:42 UTC.
5 thunderstorm wind, 2 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Fire dept reported numerous trees and a few power lines blown down in the Lake Toxaway area.
Non-NWS meteorologist reported several trees blown down in the Weaverville area.
Public reported nickel size hail on Highway 280.
County comms reported at least two trees blown down along with a couple of power lines in the Mills River area.
Public reported penny size hail.
Public reported (via Social Media) trees blown down in the Highway 64 area on the south side of Morganton.
Public reported several trees blown down in western Burke County.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Carolina in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in North Carolina, August 2024
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: 1211405, 1211406, 1214900, 1211407, 1211410, 1211408, 1211409.