EF1 tornado in Catawba County, North Carolina

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.

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.