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Tornado watch for Charlotte area extended until 8 p.m.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte area remains under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. as storms sweep the Carolinas.
Multiple tornado warnings were issued Friday afternoon in Alexander, Iredell, Catawba, Lincoln counties in North Carolina and Chester, Union and York counties in South Carolina.
Storm damage was reported in several areas including northwest Charlotte, Bessemer City, York County, Alexander County, and Lincolnton.
Late Friday afternoon, First Warn chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said the Charlotte area was not in the clear just yet.
“A new line is developing out back towards the west, and there are new warnings out for that, that are severe thunderstorm warnings, but we might see a tornado warning or two, and then a third line that has yet to move through,” said Panovich.
The National Weather Service put areas east of Charlotte in the extreme category for probable wind damage, something that’s rarely seen in the Carolinas. By 1 p.m., heavy rain was spotted in Burke County along I-40.
RELATED: TIMELINE | Potential severe weather in Charlotte Friday
As Charlotteans know, trees in the Myers Park area fall during any storm, so gusty winds above 35 mph could be problematic and lead to damage and widespread power outages.
“When you get winds over 55 mph that can cause a lot of major problems,” First Warn forecaster Larry Sprinkle said.
The probability of wind damage in the Chalrotte area is significant Friday, especially in areas east of the city.
WCNC
The Carolinas will be at risk for tornadoes during Friday’s storms, including an elevated threat east of Charlotte.
WCNC
Sprinkle said some areas south and east of Charlotte could see up to 2 inches of rain, while nearly every area will receive at least a half-inch from the storms. The storms will move out of the Charlotte area Friday night.
Saturday will be cooler in the 60s while Easter Sunday will be a beautiful sunny day with afternoon highs in the mid-70s.
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