A large area of moderate to heavy rain showers, along with embedded clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms moved slowly across western North Carolina throughout the morning and into the afternoon of the 19th ahead of a slow-moving cold front. Some of the storms produced a couple of isolated, weak tornadoes and locally damaging winds. However, the larger impact was from flash flooding resulting from a swath of 4 to 7 inches of rain that fell across portions of the mountains.

Flash Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 14:30:00 to 19-APR-19 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOWMAN BLUFF
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager and stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed across western and northern Henderson County after 4 to 5 inches of rain fell over the area in just a few hours. Flooding was first reported along Gosh Creek in Etowah, which inundated at least one road (Timberline Dr.) Flash flooding also developed along Hoopers Creek and Cane Creek in the Fletcher area, impacting portions of Jackson Rd and Howard Gap Road. One residence was evacuated along Jackson Rd. By early evening, flooding had developed along the Mills River, which sent water over Mills River Rd in a couple of locations. Although the heavy rain and flash flooding ended across the county by the evening of the 19th, minor to moderate river flooding developed along the French Broad from Blantyre to Fletcher and continued through the 21st.

Tornado in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 09:27:00 to 19-APR-19 09:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: ASHFORD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

EM reported a short tornado track along Highway 221 in the Ashford area. Most of the damage consisted of uprooted trees and large limbs blown down. However, some minor structural damage was observed to a couple of buildings while some metal skirting was also torn away from the base of a mobile home. Some small outbuildings also sustained damage.

Flash Flood in MITCHELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 14:30:00 to 19-APR-19 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPRUCE PINE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the North Toe River near Spruce Pine exceeded its established flood stage after around 4 inches of rain fell near the headwaters in just a few hours. Several low water crossings/bridges were flooded along the river.

Flash Flood in AVERY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 13:15:00 to 19-APR-19 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MINNEAPOLIS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the North Toe River in the Frank community exceeded its established flood stage after up to 5 inches of rain fell in the basin in just a few hours. Several private bridges were flooded while water entered a business on Blue Bell Ln.

Flash Flood in JACKSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 13:30:00 to 19-APR-19 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SYLVA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed in Sylva due from a combination of urban flooding as well as due to Scott Creek overflowing its banks after 3 to 4 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. Mill St and Main St were impacted in downtown Sylva.

Flood in MITCHELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 17:30:00 to 19-APR-19 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPRUCE PINE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rainfall ended across Mitchell County by early evening, flooding persisted into mid-evening along the North Toe River, with several low water crossings/bridges remaining inundated.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 08:20:00 to 19-APR-19 08:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOWMAN BLUFF
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County comms reported trees and power lines blown down on River Rd in Etowah and other trees down closer to Hendersonville.

Tornado in LINCOLN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 14:31:00 to 19-APR-19 14:39:00 (EST-5)
Location: LABORATORY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey determined that a weak tornado that touched down in northern Gaston County crossed into Lincoln County near Landers Church Rd. The tornado tracked north/northeast, blowing down numerous trees and large limbs, including through the south side of Linconton and the east side of the downtown area before lifting near Highway 155 on the north side of town.

Tornado in GASTON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 14:29:00 to 19-APR-19 14:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: LONG SHOALS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey concluded that a weak tornado touched down along Aderholdt Rd, just north of Bittersweet Ln. A large tree was blown down onto a house at this location, injuring one occupant. The tornado continued almost due north, knocking down a few trees and large limbs before crossing into Lincoln County near Landers Chapel Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 14:43:00 to 19-APR-19 14:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: COTTON FACTORY
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

EM reported a large tree blown down on a garage at Main Street and North 9th Avenue. Possible tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 15:00:00 to 19-APR-19 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: TAYLORSVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Ham radio operator reported multiple trees blown down in Taylorsville, with some blocking roads.

Flash Flood in SWAIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 10:30:00 to 19-APR-19 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: UNAHALA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager and stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed along several creeks and streams across Swain County, including the Tuckasegee River, after widespread rainfall of 3 to 4 inches occurred in the basin in just a few hours. Flooding was first reported along Alarka Creek in the Alarka community, where one home had to be evacuated. Flash flooding also developed along Connelly Creek near Whittier. By mid-afternoon, a stream gauge in the Tuckasegee in Bryson City exceeded its established flood stage by almost two feet, indicating inundation of Bryson Walk, portions of Bear Creek Campground, and low-lying areas along Island and Collins St.

Tornado in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 15:10:00 to 19-APR-19 15:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: SMITHS STORE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey confirmed a short tornado track that began along Rock Pond Ln, where the metal roof was peeled off a barn and lofted some distance. Otherwise, damage was limited to downed trees and limbs as the tornado moved northeast before lifting shortly after crossing Berea Church Quincy Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in UNION, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 14:05:00 to 19-APR-19 14:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAKERS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Public reported trees blown down, a collapsed shed and damage to a silo north of Union.

Flash Flood in BUNCOMBE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 11:22:00 to 19-APR-19 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROYAL PINES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flash flooding developed across central Buncombe County after 3.5 to 5.5 inches of rain fell across the area in just a few hours. Public first reported flooding of Cane Creek was inundating low-lying areas and some roads in the Fletcher and Fairview areas. The more significant issues were along the Swannanoa River from the Swannanoa community downstream to Biltmore Village in Asheville. Stream gauges along the river at Warren Wilson College and in Biltmore Village exceeded their established flood stages by 2-4 feet. Water inundated low lying areas of Warren Wilson College while multiple streets were flooded in Biltmore Village due to the Swannanoa but also due to backwater effects into Sweeten Creek. These included Swannanoa River Rd, Garfield St, Caledonia Rd, Glendale Ave, Thompson St, Decatur St, and Biltmore Ave. Water entered several businesses on Garfield St and Decatur St. Although waters began to recede in most areas by the evening of the 19th, the Swannanoa remained above flood stage at Biltmore Village through midnight. Minor to moderate river flooding also developed along the French Broad River at Fletcher and Asheville on the 19th, and persisted for a couple of days.

Flash Flood in TRANSYLVANIA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 09:30:00 to 19-APR-19 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROSMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauges and county comms reported flooding developed along the headwaters of the French Broad River and some of its tributaries after 4.5 to 7.5 inches of rain fell within the basin, with most of that falling in around 6 hours. F;looding first developed along the Little River, which flooded Cascade Lake Rd near Merrill Ln. Flash flooding then developed along the French Broad River near Rosman, where Depot St, a portion of Highway 178 near Chestnut St, and Hannah Ford Rd between Rosman and Brevard. Flooding then developed along the Davidson River during mid-afternoon, which inundated portions of Davidson River Rd and Wilson Rd in the Pisgah Forest area. County comms confirmed closure of these and other roads due to a combination of poor drainage and small stream flooding. Although the heavy rain and flash flooding ended across the county by the evening of the 19th, moderate river flooding developed along the French Broad at Blantyre and continued through the 21st.

Flash Flood in MADISON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-APR-19 17:30:00 to 19-APR-19 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROLLINS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the Ivy River near Marshall exceeded its established flood stage after widespread 2 to 3 inch  rainfall fell through the basin, although some of the flooding was likely due to backwater effects from moderate flooding along the French Broad River that developed as a result on much heavier rain falling upstream across Transylvania and Henderson Counties. Ivy River Rd was flooded in several spots. Although flooding along the Ivy was brief, river flooding continued along the French Broad at Marshall and Hot Springs for another day or so.