An upper low over the deep south opened up and rapidly crossed the western Carolinas during the evening hours of the 11th. A dry slot associated with the low overspread the region, bringing most of the rain and shower activity to an end during the afternoon hours. However, a small line of thunderstorms developed along the surface cold front over the western Upstate. The southern-most cell in the line began to exhibit mini-supercell characteristics as it moved across the upstate and into the southern foothills of North Carolina. As the storm interacted with the remnants of an old warm frontal boundary, it produced a series of tornadoes over the foothills. To be precise, one mini-supercell thunderstorm produced a tornado in Cleveland County, while a second mini-supercell rapidly strengthened just east of the first storm. This second went on to produce tornadoes in Burke and Caldwell Counties. Effective bulk shear in the region where the tornadoes occurred ranged from 40 to 50 kts with MUCAPE values of around 500 j/kg.

Lightning in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 11-JAN-12 10:00:00 to 11-JAN-12 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRIGHTWATER
Property damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Lightning struck a home on Nimbus Lane, starting a fire that destroyed the structure.

Tornado in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 11-JAN-12 18:17:00 to 11-JAN-12 18:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: RHODHISS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The same thunderstorm that produced a strong tornado in eastern Burke County produced a brief, weak tornado in the Lake Hickory area. Several pine trees were snapped and several boats and a dock flipped over on the lake. Minor roof damage also occurred at a marina.

Tornado in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 11-JAN-12 17:21:00 to 11-JAN-12 17:27:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELLENBORO
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado damage path begin near the Ellenboro community, just northeast of the intersection of Pinehurst Rd and Bridge Rd. The track was relatively weak and intermittent for the first mile or so, as it crossed into a wooded area before emerging on Tiney Rd near the Corinth community. The aluminum siding and some roofing was peeled off a shed at this location. The intermittent path continued to the northeast, before becoming more concentrated in the area near Piney Mountain Rd and Piney Mountain Church Rd. The tornado reached its peak intensity as it moved roughly parallel to Piney Mountain Rd, crossing W E Padgett Rd toward Walls Church Rd. Several homes received minor to major damage in this area, while two mobile homes were completely destroyed. Ten people were injured, one seriously. Several outbuildings were also destroyed, while numerous trees and power lines were felled. The tornado began to weaken as it continued northeast, crossing Walls Church Rd and Dycus Rd before lifting just north of Salem Church Rd. The tornado was the first winter tornado in Rutherford County recorded history, and the first significant tornado (F2/EF2 and stronger) to affect the county since 1989.

Tornado in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 11-JAN-12 18:03:00 to 11-JAN-12 18:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: BURKE CHAPEL
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 13.40M
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down near George Hildebrand School Rd, felling trees and causing minor roof damage to several homes. The tornado continued northeast from there, along an intermittent path. The damage path became more concentrated as it moved across Paige St, continuing to down trees as well as causing minor roof damage to homes and outbuildings. The tornado rapidly intensified as it approached the South Fork community, crossing Rock Lane, River Rock Dr, and South Fork Ave. Dozens of homes were damaged in this area, with some mobile homes completely destroyed, and most of the roofing removed from some frame houses. Eight people were injured in this area. The tornado began to weaken as it moved northeast from there, causing mainly sporadic tree and minor structural damage along Old Britain Rd and Old Highway 10 before lifting near I-40. A total of 168 structures were damaged or destroyed in the county. This was the first winter tornado in Burke County history. It was only the second reported significant tornado (EF2/F2 and stronger) to have affected the county, and the first since 1979.