The atmosphere quickly became unstable during the afternoon of May 26th resulting in the development of severe thunderstorms in northwest North Carolina. The first storms were primarily hail producers, but in the evening, a line of storms started forming in Western NC. From this point on, the main threat became damaging straight line winds. In addition, training of cells over the mountains lead to isolated flash flooding. The storms finally moved east of the Blue Ridge in the late evening, where a bow echo type squall line developed and raced across Stokes County producing a wide swath of wind damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in STOKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 22:17:00 to 26-MAY-11 22:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: KING
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A squall line crossed Stokes County from southwest to northeast in about 30 minutes causing widespread tree damage. There were over 25 separate reports of a tree or multiple trees brought down. Amazingly, no structural damage to buildings was reported and only one location had power lines damaged, in the Walnut Cove area.

Thunderstorm Wind in YADKIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 22:12:00 to 26-MAY-11 22:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST BEND
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm winds blew trees and power lines down. One tree fell on a house.

Hail in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 17:47:00 to 26-MAY-11 17:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLOWING ROCK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail up to golf-ball size was reported from Blowing Rock northeast toward Aho.

Hail in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 18:15:00 to 26-MAY-11 18:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAMBOO
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in ALLEGHANY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 18:35:00 to 26-MAY-11 18:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: PINEY CREEK
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Piney Creek Fire Department reported the hail.

Hail in YADKIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 21:55:00 to 26-MAY-11 21:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: BROOKS XRDS
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Lightning in ALLEGHANY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 20:20:00 to 26-MAY-11 20:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLADE VLY
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Lightning struck a barn and caused a large fire.

Thunderstorm Wind in YADKIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 22:07:00 to 26-MAY-11 22:07:00 (EST-5)
Location: COURTNEY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A rood was blown off a structure on Brawley Road. Additonal damage was reported on Wyo Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SURRY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 21:34:00 to 26-MAY-11 21:34:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOTTOM
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down near I-77.

Flash Flood in ASHE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 19:10:00 to 26-MAY-11 20:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: HELTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Silas Creek was reported out of its banks due to the 1 to 3 inches of rain in a few hours.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-MAY-11 20:30:00 to 26-MAY-11 20:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAPLE SPGS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees were reported down in numerous locations across Wilkes County as a line of very strong storms moved through the central part of the county from around 930 PM to 1000 PM Among the locations reporting a tree or multiple trees down were Boone Trail near Highway 421, along Congo Road and Grandview Drive in the Millers Creek area, on Elledge Mill Road, Charity Church Road near Shingle Gap Road, along Highway 16/18 near Route 421 and in the Traphill area.