As the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Nate moved north across Alabama and into Middle Tennessee, outer rain bands associated with the cyclone and scattered thunderstorms developing ahead of the bands impacted western North Carolina during the afternoon and evening. Multiple tornadoes, with a couple of strong tornadoes developed in association with some of these storms, mainly across the foothills.

Tornado in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 08-OCT-17 15:54:00 to 08-OCT-17 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: POLKVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The path of this tornado, which was unusually long-tracked for being such a weak event, began southeast of Polkville near the intersection of Felcher Rd and Highway 226, and moved north-northeast, crossing W Stage Coach Trail, Casar Lanwdale Rd, moving just east of Casar, before crossing into Burke County near Dirty Ankle Rd before lifting in the Ramsey community of southeast Burke County. Numerous mostly small to medium size trees were snapped, with some large hard and softwoods uprooted along the length of the path. Structural damage was limited to shingles removed from homes and some metal sheet roofing material removed from a couple of buildings and chicken houses. A metal carport was also torn from a home and blown 50-100 yards. While peak wind gusts probably reached 80-85 mph, those winds were only realized along a small portion of the path. Peak wind gusts along the majority of the track were 60-75 mph.

Tornado in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 08-OCT-17 16:34:00 to 08-OCT-17 16:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: CONNELLYS SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found a tornado damage path that began along a ridge between Long Mountain and Hildebran Mountain. The tornado initially snapped or uprooted multiple trees and numerous limbs and caused minor roof and gutter damage to a home off Mineral Springs Mountain Rd. The tornado moved north/northeast from there through a heavily wooded and hilly area, but presumably remained on the ground before moving across Cub Creek St just off Mineral Springs Mountain Rd. One manufactured home at this location had part of the roof removed while a couple of attached structures were heavily damaged or destroyed. A person was trapped and received minor injuries at this location. A nearby, old outbuilding was completely destroyed. A house that was at least 80-years-old had most of its shingles and part of the roofing material removed and both windows blown out on the east side. Another manufactured home was shifted about 20 feet off of its concrete block foundation. The path continued northeast, ending near the center of Connelly Springs, where numerous trees were downed, several outbuildings damaged, and multiple homes received mostly minor exterior damage.

Tornado in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 08-OCT-17 16:51:00 to 08-OCT-17 16:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: BATON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public reported an area of likely tornado damage along Dry Ponds Rd in the Sawmills area of Caldwell County. This was directly upstream of an area of tornado damage surveyed by an NWS storm survey team in the Hudson area and directly downstream from an area of tornado damage surveyed in the Connelly Springs area of Burke County. Damage appeared to be limited to downed trees and minor structural damage.

Tornado in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 08-OCT-17 16:15:00 to 08-OCT-17 16:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAMP CREEK
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found a damage path associated with a weak tornado that began near Polkville in Cleveland County continued into Burke County for a few miles. The tornado crossed into Burke County betweem Gus Peeler Rd and Dirty Ankle Rd. Damage was primarily limited to downed trees and limbs, although part of the metal roofing was removed from a small building in the Ramsey community (intersection of Old N.C. 18 and Rhoney Rd. The tornado appeared to lift just north of this location.

Thunderstorm Wind in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 08-OCT-17 17:02:00 to 08-OCT-17 17:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: LAKE LURE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

FD reported numerous trees blown down in the Lake Lure area in association with a thunderstorm. However, the EM also reported additional sporadic trees fell with strong prevailing winds throughout the day.

Tornado in POLK, NORTH CAROLINA
From 08-OCT-17 16:40:00 to 08-OCT-17 16:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: TRYON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found an area of tornado damage in downtown Tryon. This tornado developed from the same storm that produced a tornado just over the state line in the Lake Lanier area of northern Greenville County.  The tornado touched down on Melrose Ave, a block west of Pacolet St and continued moving to the north-northeast with continuous damage for a distance of less than a mile. Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted, homes had damaged shingles and siding, damaged roofs, while other homes and vehicles were damaged by falling trees. One company had 6 generators damaged with one 2400 pound generated moved 30 feet. The tornado lifted just north of the downtown area.

Tornado in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 08-OCT-17 17:01:00 to 08-OCT-17 17:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUDSON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found the path of a sixth tornado that affected the North Carolina foothills and far western Piedmont on 8 October 2017 in the Hudson area of Caldwell County. The tornado touched down near the intersection of Highway 321 and Mt Herman Rd, where a large truck was overturned. The tornado moved north/northeast, initially paralleling Mt Vernon Rd. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped, with one large tree falling on and causing significant damage to a home. The tornado peaked in intensity near Fairwood Dr, where two small houses had much of their roofing material removed and a concrete block building had its roof blown off. Two churches also had their steeples blown off along with some additional roof damage. The tornado weakened, but continued to blow down trees and power lines as it crossed Alfred Hartley Rd. At that point, it entered a heavily wooded area on Hibriten Mountain. Based upon dual pol radar data and information from local officials, the tornado likely continued through there, with the path re-emerging and ending in the Cedar Rock community, where additional downed trees and minor structural damage were observed.