Thunderstorms erupted in an unstable atmosphere during the late afternoon and early evening. Many of the storms or short line segments evolved into bow echoes, leaving a considerable amount of wind damage in their wake. Winds were estimated between 75 and 100 mph in several locations. However, most of the wind damage was limited to downed trees and power lines, though extensive in many areas causing considerable power outages and blocking many roads. Two people were injured by trees which fell on them and one person drowned when his boat was blown away from where he was swimming.

Thunderstorm Wind in CABARRUS, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 16:50:00 to 18-AUG-00 17:30:00 (EST)
Location: COUNTYWIDE
Magnitude: 65 E
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Damaging winds blew trees and power lines down from Kannapolis to Concord between 1650 EST and 1720 EST. Several barns were damaged near Concord. The hardest hit part of the county was between Harrisburg and Midland from 1715 EST to 1730 EST. Again, numerous trees and power lines were downed. However, a few roofs were blown off structures in Midland.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 15:45:00 to 18-AUG-00 16:05:00 (EST)
Location: SHELBY
Magnitude: 65 E
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Straight-line winds as high as 75 mph destroyed an outbuilding, blew the roof off a metal building and onto a house across the street, and downed numerous trees and power lines. Many trees and power lines fell on houses and cars. A tree fell on a car in Waco, injuring one occupant. Power was out to much of the area for several hours.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROWAN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 15:35:00 to 18-AUG-00 15:45:00 (EST)
Location: SALISBURY
Magnitude: 70 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A massive area of wind damage occurred at the Interstate 85 bridge which spans the Yadkin River, and surrounding areas. Hundreds of trees were blown down, including several 100 year old oaks, trees fell on houses, roofs were blown off barns, and an 18-wheeler flipped over on the bridge. Thousands of motorists were stranded on Interstate 85 for 4 to 6 hours.

Strong Wind in IREDELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 16:15:00 to 18-AUG-00 16:15:00 (EST)
Location: MOORESVILLE
Magnitude: 40 
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A man drowned when wind from a nearby strong thunderstorm blew a boat away from him and a companion while swimming in Lake Norman.

Hail in ROWAN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 16:10:00 to 18-AUG-00 16:25:00 (EST)
Location: SALISBURY
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Thunderstorm Wind in MECKLENBURG, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 16:30:00 to 18-AUG-00 16:36:00 (EST)
Location: CHARLOTTE
Magnitude: 75 E
Property damage: 250K
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A large swath of wind damage occurred from Ericsson Stadium to the east side of Charlotte. A trained spotter estimated the wind speed to be 90 mph at Dillworth Square. Other estimates were reported of between 75 and 100 mph. There were numerous trees and power lines downed and a canopy was blown off a gas station. Numerous streets were blocked and Interstate 85 was blocked in both directions. Nearly 90,000 people were left without power. The county 911 center said this event generated the most calls since Hurricane Hugo moved through the city.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 15:55:00 to 18-AUG-00 15:55:00 (EST)
Location: LINCOLNTON
Magnitude: 65 E
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Multiple trees were blown down and a mobile home was blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROWAN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 16:10:00 to 18-AUG-00 16:25:00 (EST)
Location: SALISBURY
Magnitude: 65 E
Property damage: 250K
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Severe straight-line winds hit the Salisbury-Rowan County Airport, flipping 3 planes and blowing hangars apart and into the nearby woods. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down as well.

Flood in MECKLENBURG, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 16:30:00 to 18-AUG-00 16:36:00 (EST)
Location: CHARLOTTE
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Numerous streets were briefly blocked by high water.

Thunderstorm Wind in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 15:00:00 to 18-AUG-00 15:30:00 (EST)
Location: RUTHERFORDTON
Magnitude: 65 E
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Numerous trees and power lines were downed across the county, but especially along this path. In Forest City, many trees and power lines fell on cars and houses. In Spindale, there were 16 separate reports of downed trees. There were 4200 people left without power in the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 15:10:00 to 18-AUG-00 15:10:00 (EST)
Location: MORGANTON
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Trees and power lines were downed near Lake James.

Thunderstorm Wind in MECKLENBURG, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 17:00:00 to 18-AUG-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Location: CHARLOTTE
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: BROADCAST MEDIA

Several trees were blown down on Providence Road.

Lightning in BUNCOMBE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 14:00:00 to 18-AUG-00 14:00:00 (EST)
Location: ENKA
Property damage: 25K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Lightning struck a nearby tree, ran into a house, and ignited a fire which burned the house and its contents.

Thunderstorm Wind in DAVIE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 14:20:00 to 18-AUG-00 14:20:00 (EST)
Location: MOCKSVILLE
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Trees were blown down in multiple locations.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 14:20:00 to 18-AUG-00 14:20:00 (EST)
Location: HENDERSONVILLE
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Several trees were blown down on Hebron Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 14:30:00 to 18-AUG-00 14:30:00 (EST)
Location: KINGS MTN
Magnitude: 70 E
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Numerous trees and power lines were downed on cars and houses. A local fire chief estimated the winds between 70 and 90 mph and described them as the highest seen since the passage of Hurricane Hugo.

Thunderstorm Wind in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 15:15:00 to 18-AUG-00 15:15:00 (EST)
Location: HICKORY
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Many trees and power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 15:35:00 to 18-AUG-00 15:35:00 (EST)
Location: LINCOLNTON
Magnitude: 60 E
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Power lines were downed and a house was damaged by high winds.

Hail in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 14:30:00 to 18-AUG-00 14:30:00 (EST)
Location: KINGS MTN
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Thunderstorm Wind in GASTON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-AUG-00 16:17:00 to 18-AUG-00 16:25:00 (EST)
Location: GASTONIA
Magnitude: 55 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Numerous trees and power lines were downed, including a 150 year old oak. Many trees and power lines fell on vehicles and there were widespread power outages.