Strong Wind — Gaston, North Carolina

2010-01-25 · Gaston, North Carolina

Event narrative

A combination of gusty winds and saturated ground from the previous night's heavy rainfall caused a tree to fell on Lower Dallas Highway, crushing an automobile and killing the 72-year-old woman who was driving.

Wider weather episode

Widespread heavy rain affected the region ahead of a slow moving cold front. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 4 inches were common across western North Carolina. Quite a bit of flash flooding developed as a result of the heavy rain falling on already saturated ground. Windy conditions the following day, combined with the wet ground, resulted in a few fallen trees. One tree fell on a car, killing the driver.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 213556. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.