Central Atlantic Storm Investigators


Squall Line
Mar. 5, 1997

A small severe squall line (derecho?) developed over the Northern Foothills of NC after the line of thunderstorms associated with a front had dissipated over the mountains. The line was amazingly compact on radar and we weren't surprised to see it produce unconfirmed tornadoes in Surry and Stokes counties, with wind damage from there through Raleigh.

The storms were moving very quickly (50 mph) so there wasn't a lot to see on an LSI. As the storms approached CASI was on alert.