Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in North Carolina, January 9 to 10, 2024

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in North Carolina, January 9 to 10, 2024
Start: 2024-01-09T10:30
End: 2024-01-10T07:00
Location: North Carolina

January 9 to 10, 2024 · NWS GSP · 27 events in 14 counties and zones

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: 1
Injuries: 4
Property damage: $389,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 27

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.

A major/complex frontal system brought widespread rain with embedded thunderstorms to western North Carolina, mainly during the afternoon of the 9th. Widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches (with locally higher amounts) in around 12 hours resulted in numerous reports of flooding. Isolated severe thunderstorms also resulted in a number of damaging wind gusts reports over the Piedmont, along with an EF1 tornado that impacted portions of Catawba and Iredell Counties.

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 Jan 8, 6:37 PM EST, 15 hours 53 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 8, 6:37 PM EST, 15 hours 53 minutes before

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Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 8, 4:17 PM EST, 18 hours 13 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

GAZ026-028-NCZ056-068>070-SCZ008-010-107-109-092130-
Franklin-Hart-Catawba-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Cherokee-Anderson-
Southern Greenville-Southern Spartanburg-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Georgia,
piedmont North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop during the day on Tuesday, with
peak coverage and intensity during the afternoon hours. A few of
these could be severe with damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes
possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

NCZ036-037-057-071-072-082-SCZ009-013-014-092130-
Iredell-Davie-Rowan-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-York-Union SC-
Chester-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Piedmont North
Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop during the day on Tuesday, with
peak coverage and intensity during the afternoon hours. A few of
these could be severe with damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes
possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

GAZ029-SCZ011-012-019-092130-
Elbert-Abbeville-Laurens-Greenwood-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Georgia
and Upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop during the day on Tuesday, with
peak coverage and intensity during the afternoon hours. A few of
these could be severe with damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes
possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

NCZ048-051-058-092130-
Madison-Swain-Graham-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
7 PM EST TUESDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM
EST TUESDAY BELOW 3500 FEET...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western North
Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Wind Advisory.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds or
flooding to our office.

NCZ049-050-092130-
Yancey-Mitchell-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
7 PM EST TUESDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM
EST TUESDAY BELOW 3500 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
EST TUESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Yancey and Mitchell Counties in
western North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Wind Advisory.
   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Wind Advisory.
   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds or
flooding to our office.

NCZ053-063>065-092130-
Buncombe-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM
EST TUESDAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
EST TUESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western North
Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.
   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.
   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds,
flooding or ice accumulations to our office.

NCZ052-059-092130-
Haywood-Northern Jackson-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
7 PM EST TUESDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM
EST TUESDAY BELOW 3500 FEET...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western North
Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Wind Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Wind Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds or
flooding to our office.

GAZ018-NCZ035-502-504-506-508-510-SCZ101>106-108-092130-
Stephens-Alexander-Greater Caldwell-Greater Burke-Eastern McDowell-
Greater Rutherford-Eastern Polk-Oconee Mountains-Pickens Mountains-
Greenville Mountains-Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-
Central Greenville-Northern Spartanburg-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Georgia,
western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds or
flooding to our office.

NCZ033-092130-
Avery-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
7 PM EST TUESDAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
EST TUESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Avery County in western North
Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds, ice
accumulations, or flooding to our office.

NCZ501-503-505-507-509-092130-
Caldwell Mountains-Burke Mountains-McDowell Mountains-
Rutherford Mountains-Polk Mountains-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
EST TUESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western North
Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds,
flooding or ice accumulations to our office.

GAZ010-017-NCZ062-092130-
Rabun-Habersham-Macon-
417 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM
EST TUESDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast Georgia
and western North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

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

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.
   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are requested to forward any reports of damaging winds or
flooding to our office.

HG

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 66 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:32 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

11 flash flood, 8 flood, 6 thunderstorm wind, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Henderson

When: January 9, 10:30 AM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Henderson County, 0.56 mi SSW of Mills River to 0.81 mi E of Fletcher
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.393, -82.585

County comms and stream gauges reported flash flooding developed across Henderson County after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell across the area in about 12 hours. Multiple roads were inundated and closed throughout the county due to a combination of poor drainage and small stream flooding. This included Boylston Creek, which overflowed at least one road. Mud Creek near downtown Hendersonville flooded areas near S Church St and S Main St as well as parks and greenways along the stream. Bat Fork Creek also overflowed its banks and inundated Airport Rd, New Hope Rd, as well as runways at the Hendersonville Airport. Additionally, Cushion Creek overflowed its banks in the Fletcher area, inundating Jackson Rd and Howard Gap Rd.

Flash Flood, Polk

When: January 9, 12:00 PM EST to 4:00 PM EST
Where: Polk County, 1.72 mi NE of Saluda to 4.22 mi WSW of Sunny View
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.250, -82.332

County comms and newspaper reported flash flooding developed across Polk County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across much of the county in around 12 hours. Multiple roads throughout the county were inundated and closed due to either small stream flooding or poor drainage. These included Hunting Country Rd at Carriage Row Rd, Abrams Moore Rd, Coxe Rd at Phillips Dairy Rd, and the intersection of River Rd, Hooker Rd and Scriven Rd.

Tornado, Catawba

When: January 9, 12:27 PM EST to 12:34 PM EST
Where: Catawba County, 3.24 mi W of Bandy to 1.45 mi NNE of Catawba
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.52 mi
Path width: 250 yd
Continued into: Iredell, Nc (GSP)
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 4 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.657, -81.157

NWS storm survey found the path of a tornado that touched down near Yount Rd in Claremont, where large tree branches were broken off, before the tornado moved northeast, uprooting trees from Love Rd to Boggs Rd. The tornado appeared to intensify by along Hewitt Rd near McLin Creek, before moving into the Fox Hollow neighborhood. Several trees were uprooted or snapped on Cindi Lane, while several manufactured homes were damaged along Evening Dr. One of these homes, which was tied down but only in shallow holes, rolled over and was partially torn apart. A person inside was killed. The walls of another manufactured home in Fox Hollow were torn away from the floor and undercarriage, and two more suffered major roof or wall damage. Four injuries occurred elsewhere in Fox Hollow, two of which were serious. Several tree trunks were snapped northeast of this location on Old Catawba Rd. At this point, the damage track was lost in a largely inaccessible rural area between Highway 70 and the Catawba River, but the tornado is presumed to have been mostly in contact with the ground, crossing into Iredell County just south of I-40.

Tornado, Iredell

When: January 9, 12:34 PM EST to 12:36 PM EST
Where: Iredell County, 2.55 mi WNW of Buffalo to 2.89 mi NNW of Buffalo
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.5 mi
Path width: 250 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 35.739, -81.069

NWS storm survey found the path of an EF1 tornado that began in the Claremont area of Catawba County crossed the Catawba River into Iredell County, just south of I-40. Several tree trunks were snapped along Interstate 40 between the river and Sharon School Rd. Additional snapped and uprooted trees were observed in the Sharon Community. The damage path appeared to end just north of I-40 between Sharon School Rd and Buffalo Shoals Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mecklenburg

When: January 9, 1:29 PM EST
Where: Mecklenburg County, 0.89 mi SW of Hahn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.310, -80.730

Spotter reported multiple large tree limbs blown down around the UNC-Charlotte campus.

Flash Flood, Caldwell

When: January 9, 1:30 PM EST to 4:00 PM EST
Where: Caldwell County, 2.65 mi ENE of Valmead to 2.13 mi ENE of Valmead
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.946, -81.507

Ham radio operator and the public (via Social Media) reported a couple of unnamed tributaries overflowed their banks on the northeast side of Lenoir. Floodwater was reportedly entering a residence at Pennell St NW and Plantation Dr. Just northeast of this location, Cottrell Hill Rd was inundated by water from another stream.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When: January 9, 1:33 PM EST to 1:51 PM EST
Where: Rowan County, 1.04 mi S of Landis to 1.14 mi WSW of Trading Ford
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.535, -80.622

Emergency manager reported numerous trees blown down throughout Rowan County, especially in Salisbury and vicinity. Several trees were blown down on structures, and many trees were downed across roads.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cabarrus

When: January 9, 1:33 PM EST to 1:38 PM EST
Where: Cabarrus County, 0.5 mi SW of Kannapolis to 3.01 mi SE of Concord
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.494, -80.635

Public reported (via Social Media) several trees blown down in Kannapolis. Emergency manager reported numerous trees down in Concord and vicinity.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mecklenburg

When: January 9, 1:45 PM EST
Where: Mecklenburg County, 1.25 mi NE of Alexanders Store
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.214, -80.716

Ham radio operator reported trees down on Oak Hollow Dr at Long Pine with a house damaged by a downed tree.

Flash Flood, Iredell

When: January 9, 2:00 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Iredell County, 1.62 mi SSE of Oswalt to 3.18 mi WSW of Oswalt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.658, -80.860

Fire dept and newspaper reported flash flooding developed throughout Iredell County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in around 12 hours. Multiple roads were inundated throughout the county due to a combination of poor drainage and small stream flooding. Fire dept and newspaper reported flash flooding developed throughout Iredell County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in around 12 hours. Multiple roads were inundated throughout the county due to a combination of poor drainage and small stream flooding. Roads that became closed and/or impassable included Old Mocksville Rd and Seed House Rd, Beauty St, Crestridge Rd and Flint Rd in Statesville, Williamsburg Rd (due to Rock Creek), Bussell Rd, Bess Rd, and Linneys Mill Rd in the northern part of the county, and Ridge Creek Dr in Troutman, where access to several homes was cut off. Finally, a stream gauge on Hunting Creek near Harmony exceeded its established flood stage for a few hours, indicating inundation of low water crossing and other low lying areas along the stream.

Flash Flood, Alexander

When: January 9, 2:00 PM EST to 4:30 PM EST
Where: Alexander County, 1.74 mi N of Taylorsville Arpt to 1 mi NNE of Taylorsville Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 35.955, -81.197

Fire dept reported flash flooding developed along Muddy Fork after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across Alexander County in around 12 hours. Old Wilkesboro Rd was closed and rendered impassable due to inundation from the creek.

Flash Flood, Cleveland

When: January 9, 2:00 PM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Cleveland County, 4.5 mi WSW of Boiling Spgs to 4.85 mi SSW of Boiling Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.222, -81.752

A stream gauge on the Broad River indicated flash flooding developed along the stream near Boiling Springs after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell throughout the basin in about 12 hours. Moderate flooding eventually developed, with multiple roads inundated along the river, as were the crawl spaces of several homes, particularly in the Abes Mountain Rd area. While rapid stream rises came to an end with cessation of heavy rain during the late afternoon and evening, the river remained in moderate flood stage through the overnight hours and much of the 10th.

Flash Flood, Mecklenburg

When: January 9, 2:00 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where: Mecklenburg County, 3.51 mi WNW of Pineville to 2.77 mi SE of Shopton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.093, -80.960

Stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed across Charlotte and vicinity after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across the city in 12 hours, with about half of that falling in just a couple of hours during the late morning and early afternoon. Multiple creeks overflowed their banks and inundated numerous adjacent roadways, rendering them impassable. Other roads were inundated and closed due to poor drainage. Impacted streams included Steele, Sugar, McMullen, Irvins, Little Hope, Stewart, Mallard, and especially Briar. Although flooding was largely limited to roadway flooding, water did enter the crawl spaces of a few homes along McMullen Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When: January 9, 2:14 PM EST
Where: Rowan County, 2.62 mi WNW of Pooletown
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 35.590, -80.275

Ham radio operator reported trees blown down along Bringle Ferry Rd at Panther Creek Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mecklenburg

When: January 9, 2:22 PM EST
Where: Mecklenburg County, 5.6 mi SSW of Matthews
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 35.050, -80.780

Utility company reported trees blown down on power lines.

Flood, McDowell

When: January 9, 3:00 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where: McDowell County, 2.31 mi WSW of Greenlee to 0.45 mi SW of Greenlee
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.657, -82.138

Stream gauges on the Catawba River in central McDowell County briefly exceeded flood stage after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in around 12 hours. Multiple low water crossings and several campgrounds along the river were inundated with a couple of feet of water. Some water may have briefly entered basements and crawl spaces of a few homes along the river. At least one tributary of the Catawba (Cane Creek) also overflowed its banks, inundating Chelsey Dr and McCoy Rd in the Greenlee community.

Flood, Burke

When: January 9, 3:00 PM EST to January 10, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Burke County, 3.12 mi E of Joy to 2.43 mi E of Joy
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.887, -81.725

A stream gauge on the Johns River north of Morganton exceeded its established flood stage after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in the basin in around 12 hours, including the Wilson Creek tributary. Flooded roads included Johns River Loop Rd, Old Johns River Rd, and Valley View Cir. A few campgrounds along the river and its smaller tributaries were also flooded. Additionally, Warrior Fork overflowed its banks and inundated Bost Rd at Spainhour Rd.

Flood, Caldwell

When: January 9, 3:00 PM EST to January 10, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Caldwell County, 0.94 mi NNE of Collettsville to 0.56 mi NW of Collettsville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.933, -81.675

A stream gauge on Johns River in Burke County exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding along the river upstream in Caldwell County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in the basin in about 12 hours. Highway 90 and Adako Rd were inundated in the Collettsville community.

Flash Flood, Gaston

When: January 9, 3:00 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where: Gaston County, 0.77 mi S of Spencer Mtn to 1.59 mi ESE of Spencer Mtn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.309, -81.122

A river gauge on the South Fork Catawba River indicated flash flooding developed along the river after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell throughout the watershed, mostly in around 12 hours. Moderate flooding eventually developed during the evening as runoff worked its way through the watershed. The crawl spaces of multiple homes were inundated, particularly along Riverside Dr and 8th Ave in Cramerton. Otherwise, multiple roads were flooding, including some due to backwater effects along tributaries of the South Fork Catawba. Additionally, Taylors Creek overflowed its banks onto Dana St during this time. Moderate flooding continued along the South Fork through the early morning of the 11th.

Flash Flood, Rowan

When: January 9, 3:30 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Rowan County, 1.03 mi WNW of Majolica to 2.56 mi NE of Trading Ford
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.733, -80.548

Emergency manager and newspaper reported flash flooding of small streams and poor drainage areas resulting in multiple roads being inundated and closed or rendered impassable after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell throughout Rowan County in around 12 hours. Impacted roads included Old Beatty Ford Rd, St Peters Church Rd, and Old Mocksville Rd.

Flash Flood, Catawba

When: January 9, 3:30 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where: Catawba County, 2.74 mi NE of Propst Xrds to 2.03 mi SW of Hickory
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 35.660, -81.348

Public (via Social Media) and spotter reported flash flooding developed throughout central and northern Catawba County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in around 12 hours. Impacted roads included Pittstown Rd (due to Hop Creek overflowing its banks), Bethany Church Rd (due to McLin Creek), and 11th Ave SE in Hickory (due to poor drainage). Addtionally, Shoal Creek flooded multiple portions of a golf course near Lake Hickory and basements were flooded along Evergreen Dr.

Flash Flood, Cabarrus

When: January 9, 4:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Cabarrus County, 1.48 mi E of Mt Pleasant to 1.98 mi NNW of Georgeville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.397, -80.424

Stream gauges on the Rocky River above Irish Buffalo Creek and on Back Creek indicated flash flooding developed along multiple tributaries of the river, including Irish Buffalo Creek and Dutch Buffalo Creek after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across Cabarrus County in about 12 hours. Multiple roads were inundated, including Stallings Rd, Poplar Tent Rd, Bowman-Berrier Rd, Mount Pleasant Rd, Highway 200, and Stough Rd.

Flood, Transylvania

When: January 9, 5:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where: Transylvania County, 1.46 mi NW of Rosman to 0.95 mi ENE of Penrose
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.166, -82.847

Although heavy rain ended across Transylvania County during the afternoon of the 9th, runoff from the rainfall resulted in persistent flooding across the French Broad and adjacent basins, including Davidson River and Little River. Multiple roads remained impassable and closed during this time.

Flood, Henderson

When: January 9, 5:30 PM EST to January 10, 4:00 AM EST
Where: Henderson County, 0.68 mi SSW of Naples to 0.36 mi N of Flat Rock
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.391, -82.525

Although heavy rain ended across Henderson County during the afternoon of the 9th, runoff from the rainfall resulted in persistent flooding across the Mud Creek and other streams in Hendersonville and vicinity, including Bat Fork Creek. Multiple roads remained impassable and closed during this time.

Flood, Mecklenburg

When: January 9, 6:00 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Mecklenburg County, 3.51 mi WNW of Pineville to 2.77 mi SE of Shopton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.093, -80.960

Although heavy rain ended across Charlotte and vicinity during early evening, stream gauges indicated several streams remained out of their banks, flooding multiple roads. Most water had receded in most areas by mid-evening.

Flood, Iredell

When: January 9, 8:00 PM EST to January 10, 2:00 AM EST
Where: Iredell County, 2.71 mi E of Union Grove to 0.62 mi E of Union Grove
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 36.024, -80.822

Although heavy rainfall ended across Iredell County during the late afternoon and early evening, runoff from the earlier rainfall resulted in continued flooding along Hunting Creek into the overnight, with low-lying areas and some low water crossings remaining inundated before water began retreating prior to daybreak.

Flood, Cabarrus

When: January 9, 9:00 PM EST to January 10, 7:00 AM EST
Where: Cabarrus County, 1.57 mi WSW of Rocky River to 2.62 mi SW of Rocky River
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.312, -80.626

Although heavy rain tapered off across Cabarrus County throughout the evening, runoff from the earlier rainfall maintained elevated stream levels along tributaries of the Rock River which continued to flood roads throughout the overnight hours.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Tornado, Catawba	2024-01-09	39	Male	Mobile/Trailer Home	Direct

What these are

Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
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.
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.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in North Carolina in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history The tornado archive for North Carolina, 2024 Warnings in North Carolina, January 2024

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 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1159549, 1159551, 1159053, 1159055, 1159086, 1161015, 1160807, 1160808, 1159089, 1159547, 1160373, 1160810, 1160813, 1160809, 1160846, 1160801, 1160802, 1160803, 1160987, 1159584, 1159859, 1160811, 1159568, 1159567, 1160806, 1160976, 1160805.