A band of rain showers along and ahead of a strong cold front quickly intensified during the afternoon across Upstate South Carolina, then moved quickly northeast into the North Carolina foothills and far western Piedmont. Multiple severe and/or tornadic thunderstorms developed within the line, with multiple tornadoes, some of which were quite strong, reported across the area. This was the second tornado outbreak to impact the this area in just over two weeks, and for the most part, the same counties that were impacted on October 8th were once again affected on the 23rd. Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rain falling throughout the morning hours, followed by a brief period of intense rainfall associated with the band of rain showers resulted in areas of flooding and flash flooding near the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge.

Tornado in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 14:41:00 to 23-OCT-17 14:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOILING SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A weakening tornado moved into Cleveland County from Cherokee County, SC between Twin Bridges Rd and McCraw Rd. The tornado blew down multiple trees and large limbs before dissipating shortly after crossing into North Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:24:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: BURKE CHAPEL
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Nws storm survey found an extensive area of downburst damage across eastern Burke County, generally in the area between Miller Bridge Rd and the Catawba County line, northeast across Hildebran to the area around the Hickory Regional Airport. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped in this area.

Thunderstorm Wind in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:20:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: PROPST XRDS
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Nws storm survey found an extensive area of downburst damage across western Catawba County, generally along and near Old Shelby Rd in the southwest part of the county, northeast to Hickory. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped in this area. At least one home was damaged by falling trees on the south side of Hickory.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:37:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRACE CHAPEL
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Nws storm survey found an area of extensive downburst damage across extreme southeast Caldwell County, near the Alexander County line. Numerous trees were blown down in this area, while several outbuildings were damaged, some heavily.

Thunderstorm Wind in UNION, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 16:50:00 to 23-OCT-17 16:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: WAXHAW
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County comms reported multiple trees and power lines blown down in the Waxhaw area.

Flood in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 13:00:00 to 23-OCT-17 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: OLD FT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

EM reported the Catawba River overflowed its banks near the headwaters after 3 to 4 inches fell throughout the basin throughout the 23rd. Catawba Falls Campground flooded off Catawba River Rd. Flooded roads included Eula Parker Rd and Oakdale Rd at Parker Padgett Rd. Additionally, Mill Creek overflowed its banks in downtown Old Fort, flooding Commerce St and Westerman St. At least one small mud slide was also reported in this general area.

Thunderstorm Wind in IREDELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 16:24:00 to 23-OCT-17 16:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOUSTONVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County comms reported multiple trees blown down along Harmony Highway.

Thunderstorm Wind in DAVIE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 16:50:00 to 23-OCT-17 16:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOCKSVILLE ARPK ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County comms reported a few trees blown down at Tadpole Trail and Highway 64.

Flood in BUNCOMBE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 11:00:00 to 23-OCT-17 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENNWORTH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Media and stream gauges reported flooding developed across southeastern sections of Buncombe County after widespread rainfall of 3 to 4 inches, with roughly half of that occurring over a period of just a couple of hours. Severe urban flooding and stream flooding along Sweeten Creek developed in the Biltmore Village area. Biltmore Ave and Sweeten Creek Rd were both largely impassable in spots due to deep water. Water also entered several businesses along Brook St and Sweeten Creek Rd. Minor stream flooding was also reported along Cane Creek in the Fairview area, where at least one road was flooded and impassable, and near the headwaters of the Swannanoa River, which flooded Veterans Park in Black Mountain.

Tornado in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:37:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: (HKY)HICKORY MUNI AR
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found the path of a strong tornado that began at the Hickory Regional Airport. A hangar at the airport was destroyed and several aircraft flipped. The tornado moved northeast to Winkler Park, damaging part of L.P. Frans stadium  before moving into Catawba County. Numerous trees were also blown down in this area.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:45:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: BETHLEHEM
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Media and Ham Radio operator reported numerous trees blown down by straight line winds about one mile east of a tornado path. This included locations around Highway 127 and Heritage Farm Rd and Teague Town Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in DAVIE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 16:24:00 to 23-OCT-17 16:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: CALAHALN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County comms reported a couple of trees blown down near County Line Rd and Highway 901.

Tornado in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:46:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:51:00 (EST-5)
Location: BETHLEHEM
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found the path of a tornado that initially straddled the Caldwell/Alexander County line, roughly paralleling Icard Ridge Rd as it moved almost due north across far western Alexander County. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped. The tornado path was lost in the vicinity of Caldwell Pond Rd, just south of Highway 64. However, additional tornado damage was found several miles away along Highway 64. The area between these two points was heavily wooded and largely inaccessible, but based upon the almost due north orientation of this damage path, and the more northeast orientation of the damage along Highway 64, they are treated as separate events.

Tornado in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:54:00 to 23-OCT-17 16:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALL HEALING SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found a path of a tornado across northwest Alexander County. This could have been the continuation of a tornado path that began across the southwest part of the county and straddled the Caldwell County line. However, the path of that tornado was lost in a heavily wooded area east of Caldwell Pond Rd and south of Highway 64. This tornado path began along Highway 64 in the Ellendale community and moved northeast, uprooting or snapping numerous trees along a fairly continuous path. The path was lost along Seth Deal Rd, about a mile west of Highway 16 and a mile south of the Wilkes County border. Two days after the event, a utility worker was killed after part of a tree that he cut fell on him.

Tornado in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:40:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: LONGVIEW
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found the path of a tornado that began at the Hickory Regional Airport in Burke County moved into Catawba County near Highway 321, moving northeast along the Caldwell County line/Catawba River. Although the tornado was in a weakening state as it moved into Catawba County, it also widened to more than a half mile. Widespread tree damage occurred, with many trees falling on homes, vehicles, and smaller structures. The tornado either dissipated near Lake Hickory, or abruptly changed direction to more of a northerly direction as it crossed into extreme southeast Caldwell County.

Tornado in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:44:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRACE CHAPEL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found a tornado path across extreme southeast Caldwell County. This was either the continuation of a tornado that moved across extreme northwest Catawba County that made a dramatic change in direction from NE to almost due north, or was a new tornado that developed after that one dissipated. (This was difficult to ascertain due to the presence of the lake). The tornado blew down numerous trees along its path across a small part of Caldwell County before moving into Alexander County in the vicinity of Hubbard Rd.

Tornado in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:22:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLATEAU
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found that a tornado that began near Lawndale in Cleveland County moved northeast, passing through extreme northwest Lincoln County, then into Catawba County in the vicinity of Willis Rd. The tornado blew down numerous trees as it moved northeast across southwest Catawba County before lifting in the vicinity of Mull Rd and Old Shelby Rd.

Flash Flood in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 14:15:00 to 23-OCT-17 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEBO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

EM reported flash flooding developed across eastern McDowell County after 3 to 4 inches of rain fell across the area, mostly within a couple of hours. Several small streams overflowed their banks and flooded adjacent roads in the southern part of the county, including Katy Creek, Moores Branch, and Stanfords Creek. Closer to Nebo, the main problem stream was Mud Creek, which flooded portions of Dixie Dr, South Creek Rd, Harmony Grove Rd, and Gilbert Byrd Rd. Additionally, Shadrick Creek flooded part of Highway 126.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 14:48:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:07:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOORESBORO
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey and other sources reported downburst damage to the east of a tornado path in Cleveland County, from Mooresboro to Lawndale. Numerous trees were blown down in this area, some of which fell on homes.

Thunderstorm Wind in GASTON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:30:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: STANLEY
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported a tree was blown down on a home at Summerow Rd and Mauney Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROWAN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 16:55:00 to 23-OCT-17 16:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHINA GROVE ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County comms reported multiple trees blown down east of China Grove, including on Backwoods Ln.

Tornado in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:08:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: LAWNDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Nws survey found the path of a tornado that touched down near Lawndale, resulting in structural damage as uprooted and snapped trees fell on houses. The tornado continued northeast, with sporadic trees downed along its path, with a slight uptick in structural damage near Belwood, again due to trees falling on homes. The tornado passed into Lincoln County in the Toluca community near Highway 10.

Tornado in LINCOLN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:19:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: TOLUCA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey followed the damage path of a tornado that began near Lawndale in Cleveland County into extreme northwest Lincoln County. The tornado blew down multiple trees and tree limbs as it passed near the intersection of Highways 10 and 18, then crossed into Catawba County in the vicinity of Willis Rd.

Flood in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 19:15:00 to 24-OCT-17 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JOY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

A stream gauge on Johns River exceeded its established flood stage after more than 4 inches of rain fell in the basin throughout the 23rd. Roads impacted by flood water included Johns River Rd and Johns River Loop Rd.

Flood in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 18:30:00 to 24-OCT-17 00:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: COLLETTSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on Johns River in northern Burke County exceeded established flood stage, indicating that portions of Highway 90 and Valley View Circle were flooded in the Collettsville area of Caldwell County.

Flash Flood in AVERY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 15:30:00 to 23-OCT-17 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLUMTREE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the Toe River exceeded established flood stage in western Avery County after 3 to 4 inches of rain fell in the basin, with much of that falling in only a couple of hours. Low-lying areas near the gauge were flooded, including a portion of Blue Bell Ln, just off Highway 19E.

Flash Flood in MITCHELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 14:30:00 to 23-OCT-17 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALTAPASS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County comms reported multiple streams overflowing their banks and flooded/closed roads in Mitchell County after 3-4 inches of rain fell across the county, mostly over the span of a few hours.

Flood in TRANSYLVANIA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 11:50:00 to 23-OCT-17 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: POWELLTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Stream gauges indicated flooding developed along the upper French Broad basin after moderate to heavy rain falling throughout the 23rd resulted in 4 to 7 inches of total rainfall. A gauge on the French Broad River at Rosman exceeded the established flood stage, flooding several roads in and around Rosman. The Davidson River flooded in the Pisgah Forest area, impacting Davidson River Rd and Wilson Rd. The Little River also exceeded flood stage and affected Cascade Lake Rd in the eastern part of the county.

Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 14:30:00 to 23-OCT-17 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: FLAT ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Multiple stream gauges indicated flooding developed over portions of central and northern Henderson County after 4-6 inches of rain fell across the county throughout the 23rd. Affected streams included, but were not limited to Mud Creek and Bat Fork Creek in the Hendersonville area and the Rocky Broad River and Cane Creek in the northern part of the county. Roads impacted included the intersection of South Church St and South King St, as well as Airport Rd and Dana Rd in the Hendersonville area; Mills Gap Rd in Fletcher, as well as other fields and low spots along these creeks.

Tornado in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 14:40:00 to 23-OCT-17 14:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLIFFSIDE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved into Rutherford County from Cherokee County, SC near the intersection of Camp Ferry Rd and State Line Rd. The tornado moved northeast, initially paralleling Highway 221A (just to its west). In addition to the uprooting and snapping of numerous trees, some structural damage occurred in the
Cliffside area, with windows blown out of a school while trees fell on several structures. The tornado crossed Highway 221A in the vicinity of the Broad River, then roughly paralleled Highway 120 to the Cleveland County line. Some of the most significant damage occurred in the vicinity of the intersection of Highways 120 and 74, where a camper was overturned and a man was thrown 15-20 yards with no significant injuries. Overhead doors also collapses at a warehouse building at this location.

Tornado in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 23-OCT-17 14:47:00 to 23-OCT-17 15:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOORESBORO
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado crossed into Cleveland County from Rutherford County in the vicinity of the Highway 120/ Ellenboro Rd intersection, snapping and uprooting numerous trees as it moved northeast toward Polkville. A small frame home was shifted off its foundation on Rehobeth Church Rd near the intersection of Crowder Rdige Rd. It was also in this area that the tornado appeared to make a slight jog to the right, moving in more of a north/northeast direction toward Polkville, where trees were blown down on several homes.