LIVE BLOG: Tornado warnings issued in Charlotte area

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — 10:02 a.m. 

Rock Hill Schools is dismissing students early today. The school will operate on a half-day schedule. 

9:54: a.m. 

A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Cleveland, Lincoln and Gaston Counties. Seek shelter immediately. 

9:49: a.m.

Rowan-Salisbury Schools will dismiss 4 hours early today due to flash flooding warning. All after-school activities are cancelled as well. 

9:40 a.m. 

Medic has responded to 15 crashes on Thursday morning between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. 

9:30 a.m. 

Flooding becomes more significant and the heavy rain is becoming more frequent in Burke County. 

Lancaster County Schools will dismiss early Thursday due to the concern of possible flooded roads and expected severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Elementary schools will be dismissed at 10:30 a.m.
Middle schools will be dismissed at 11:15 a.m.
AJ High/Buford High/Lancaster High will be dismissed at 11:35 a.m.
Indian Land High will be dismissed at 12:00 noon

9:00 a.m. 

Creek in Icard is exceeding its banks. Culverts are starting to look like rapids in some spots. WCNC Charlotte will monitor this area for potential flooding. 

A section of US-70 in Icard near Maple Lane Lake is already underwater and more water continues to spill into the road. Locals say the last time this road flooded was back in June.

8:30 a.m. 

All Caldwell County Schools will release three hours early today. WrapAround is closed today. 

7:00 a.m.

More than a thousand without power in northeast Charlotte. Duke Energy is sending a technician to restore power to these customers.  

SEVERE WEATHER TIPS FROM BRAD PANOVICH