Multiple counties in the Charlotte area were under severe thunderstorm warnings late Thursday afternoon.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Strong-to-severe storms moved across the metro area Thursday afternoon and evening, producing heavy rain, lightning, damaging gusty winds and outages in some areas. This is the most widespread severe thunderstorm risk that the area has had in several weeks.
Shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday, severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect for Rowan, Union, Gaston, York and Mecklenburg counties.
These storms are moving in during rush hour, causing delays and crashes. Shortly before 5 p.m., NCDOT reported a crash on I-85 north near Beatties Ford Road. The road was closed after Exit 37. Traffic is also backed up on I-77 N in the Huntersville area due to heavy rain.
There were also multiple trees down across the Salisbury area, and some trees and power lines were downed in Troutman.
Timing
Between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Anson, Stanly, Richmond and Rowan counties through this evening.
Impact
The primary impacts will be gusty winds in excess of 60 mph which can knock down loosely rooted trees and even cause minor damage to power lines.
Lesser impacts may include large hail, isolated flooding and frequent lightning. Additionally, heat and humidity will remain elevated with highs reaching the low 90s and feels-like temperatures in the upper 90s.
How to stay safe
On Thursday, the WCNC Weather Impact Team advises you:
- Avoid outdoor activities and getting out and about
- If thunder roars, come indoors
- Keep your umbrella handy for the pop-up storms
Forecast
After Thursday afternoon, a strong cold front is expected to bring more clouds and higher rain chances to the Carolinas. As it stalls across our region, multiple rounds of showers and storms should keep highs a little “cooler” with highs in the mid-upper 80s.
This will be much needed rainfall as most of the Carolinas remain under drought conditions.
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