A cold front crossed western North Carolina during the early morning hours on August 15th with associated showers and storms. Some of these storms reached severe levels, producing damaging winds over the mountains and foothills of Northwest North Carolina and a tornado in Watauga County.

Thunderstorm Wind in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 14-AUG-23 23:56:00 to 14-AUG-23 23:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: KELLERSVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm winds blew large limbs down along Buckeye Ridge Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 00:09:00 to 15-AUG-23 00:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: VALLE CRUCIS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Thunderstorm winds brought down large limbs which fell on and damaged a roof in Vilas. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 00:15:00 to 15-AUG-23 00:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOONE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm winds blew down a wood framed wall near High School Drive. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 00:22:00 to 15-AUG-23 00:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAMBOO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on Jakes Mountain Road. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in SURRY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 01:44:00 to 15-AUG-23 01:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELKIN
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 8.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The severe thunderstorm that had its origins in Wilkes County started weakening as it entered Surry County. However, the storm was still strong enough to produce wind gusts estimated to be around 65 mph. Trees limbs were downed near Old Mill Lane, and trees were reported downed in the Elkins area. Damage values are estimated.

Tornado in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 00:02:00 to 15-AUG-23 00:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: KELLERSVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 5.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved a short distance into western Watauga County from Avery County, NC. Sporadic uprooted hardwood trees were noted by a ground survey and drone flight in a wooded area between Buckeye Road and Seminole Trail. The tornado traveled approximately one-third of a mile, and dissipated before reaching Blevins Lane and Seminole Trail. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 01:27:00 to 15-AUG-23 01:27:00 (EST-5)
Location: BENHAM
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down across Austin Little Mountain Road. Damage values are estimated.

Lightning in WILKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 01:15:00 to 15-AUG-23 01:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTH WILKESBORO
Property damage: 0.20K
Reported by: Public

Lightning struck in the 100-block of Sumerset Lane, North Wilkesboro, NC. The strike damaged a metal shed and underground wiring to an old satellite dish. Damage values are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 15-AUG-23 01:41:00 to 15-AUG-23 01:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: BENHAM
Magnitude: 83.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A broad swath of straight wind damage occurred between a location approximately two miles northwest of Pleasant Hill to Pleasant Hill. The damage consisted of mainly uprooted or snapped hardwood trees, with damage to power lines and homes as a result of fallen trees. The storm initially produced tree damage along Little Elkin Church Road and West Walker Road, where dozens of trees were either uprooted or snapped by thunderstorm wind gusts estimated to be as high as 90 mph. One uprooted tree fell onto an outbuilding, damaging a shed and a tractor. As the storm moved east, it produced scattered tree damage along Austin Traphill Road and CB Eller School Road. Thunderstorm wind gusts estimated to be 90 to 95 mph caused the uplift and collapse of a carport along CB Eller School Road. Along Pleasant Hill Road, and estimated 175 year-old tree was uprooted. The storm began to weaken as it neared the Wilkes/Surry County border. Damage values are estimated.