Charlotte North Carolina News

Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Larry Sprinkle, Iisha Scott Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 10:41 PM EDT April 10, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tonight: Cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing through about 11 pm. Some of these storms could be strong to severe with gusty winds and small hail. The slower-moving storms could cause some flash flooding as well. Then we should see some drier air moving in as…

Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Larry Sprinkle, Iisha Scott Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 9:49 PM EDT April 10, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tonight:  Cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing through about 11 pm. Some of these storms could be strong to severe with gusty winds and small hail. The slower-moving storms could cause some flash flooding as well. Then we should see some drier air moving in as…

Wind gusts were expected to get up to 45 mph in the impacted areas. BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Tornado warnings were in effect for several counties in the area and expired at 9 p.m. Burke, McDowell, Rutherford and Caldwell counties were all under warnings at some point, but all warnings in the area have been canceled or expired. Strong thunderstorms were also forecast to impact Cabarrus, eastern Lincoln, southeastern Iredell, Mecklenburg, southwestern Rowan, eastern Gaston,…

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A Tornado Warning has been issued for Avery, Burke, Caldwell, and McDowell counties until 9 p.m. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Burke, Catawba, Caldwell and Lincoln counties until 8:30 p.m.  WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich is tracking the latest as the threat moves through the area.  If you are in these areas, get to a safe space in an interior room far from windows. Make sure you…

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A Tornado Warning has been issued for Burke, McDowell, and Rutherford counties until 8:15 p.m. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Burke, Catawba, Cleveland and Lincoln counties until 8:30 p.m.  WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich is tracking the latest as the threat moves through the area.  If you are in these areas, get to a safe space in an interior room far from windows. Make sure you have…

A line of thunderstorms capable of producing 60 mph winds and heavy rain will move across the Carolinas Wednesday, bringing the threat of severe weather. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A line of thunderstorms will bring the threat of severe weather to the Charlotte, North Carolina, region Wednesday, including the possibility of heavy rain and damaging winds.  First Warn Storm Team forecaster Larry Sprinkle said the biggest threat from Wednesday’s weather system will be heavy rain with…

Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Larry Sprinkle, Iisha Scott Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 2:17 PM EDT March 27, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Today: This morning started off warm and muggy and that will translate to storm fuel this afternoon. Most of us will stay dry until about the middle of the afternoon. The severe window really opens up from 3PM until sunset. Scattered thunderstorms could turn severe and even…

The South Fork River in Gaston County, North Carolina, is expected to rise above 14 feet after heavy rain fell in the area Thursday and Friday. GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Now that heavy rain and thunderstorms have moved out of the Charlotte area, flooding will be a concern for low-lying areas along rivers, creeks, and streams across the region.  In Cramerton, North Carolina, the South Fork River began flooding its banks early Friday morning with…

A line of severe thunderstorms moving eastward across the Carolinas is producing damage and severe weather. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The threat for storms and severe weather will continue for the Charlotte region early Friday morning after a stormy Thursday evening and overnight.  First Warn forecaster Larry Sprinkle said the biggest threat from these storms will be lightning and damaging winds. Gusts up to 50 mph are possible in some areas along I-77 south of Charlotte. …

A line of severe thunderstorms moving eastward across the Carolinas is producing damage and severe weather. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The threat for storms and severe weather will continue for the Charlotte region early Friday morning after a stormy Thursday evening and overnight.  A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Chester County, South Carolina until 5:15 a.m. Friday. First Warn forecaster Larry Sprinkle said the biggest threat from these storms will be lightning and damaging…

Storm warnings stretched Thursday from eastern Mississippi, across Alabama and into western Georgia — and northward through much of Tennessee and Kentucky. Blaring tornado sirens and howling winds roared across parts of western Georgia early Friday as severe storms pounded southern states, including in Alabama where at least five people died in twisters that wrecked homes, splintered trees and crumpled businesses. Meteorologists said a large, dangerous tornado swept through metro Atlanta’s Coweta County around midnight…

Storm warnings stretched Thursday from eastern Mississippi, across Alabama and into western Georgia — and northward through much of Tennessee and Kentucky. A string of deadly tornadoes roared through Alabama on Thursday, toppling trees, demolishing homes and knocking out power to thousands, part of a broad swath of violent weather sweeping across the Deep South. At least five fatalities and an unknown number of injuries were reported. The confirmed deaths were in Calhoun County, in…

Storm warnings stretched Thursday from eastern Mississippi, across Alabama and into western Georgia — and northward through much of Tennessee and Kentucky. A string of deadly tornadoes roared through Alabama on Thursday, toppling trees, demolishing homes and knocking out power to thousands, part of a broad swath of violent weather sweeping across the Deep South. At least five fatalities and an unknown number of injuries were reported. The confirmed deaths were in Calhoun County, in…

Storm warnings stretched Thursday from eastern Mississippi, across Alabama and into western Georgia — and northward through much of Tennessee and Kentucky. Deadly tornadoes roared through Alabama on Thursday, toppling trees, demolishing homes and knocking out power to thousands, part of a broad swath of violent weather sweeping across the Deep South. At least five fatalities and an unknown number of injuries were reported. All of the deaths happened in eastern Alabama’s Calhoun County, Coroner…

A line of severe thunderstorms is approaching Charlotte and moving eastward across the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Stanly County in North Carolina until 7 p.m. Portions of Union and Cabarrus counties in the most recent warning have been allowed to expire. At 6:15 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Midland and moving east at 35 mph. Locations inside this…

A line of severe thunderstorms is approaching Charlotte and moving eastward across the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A tornado is possible in Chester, Lancaster, and Kershaw counties in South Carolina as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado continues pushing eastward. At 5:45 p.m., this storm was located southwest of Lancaster and moving east at 55 mph. Locations inside the warning include, but are not limited to, Lancaster, Pageland, Kershaw, Mt Pisgah, and Lancaster….

A line of severe thunderstorms is approaching Charlotte and moving eastward across the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A tornado is possible in Chester, Lancaster, and Kershaw counties in South Carolina as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado continues pushing eastward. At 5:45 p.m., this storm was located southwest of Lancaster and moving east at 55 mph. Locations inside the warning include, but are not limited to, Lancaster, Pageland, Kershaw, Mt Pisgah, and Lancaster….

The first batch of storms will arrive in the Carolinas Thursday into Friday. Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee facing extreme risk again. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The WCNC Charlotte First Warn Storm Team is tracking a storm system that could bring rain and thunderstorms to the Carolinas Thursday into Friday. While some scattered strong-to-severe storms are possible in the Carolinas, the nation’s biggest and most extreme risk is again over Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee — just…

The first batch of storms will arrive in the Carolinas Thursday afternoon but the threat of severe weather is much lower than Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The First Warn Storm Team is tracking a storm system that could bring rain and thunderstorms to the Charlotte, North Carolina, region, with another extreme risk of severe weather in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee Thursday.  Chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said Charlotte’s overall threat…

Brad Panovich is tracking a storm system that could bring heavy rain and damaging winds to the Charlotte, North Carolina area Friday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The First Warn Storm Team is tracking a storm system that could bring rain and thunderstorms to the Charlotte, North Carolina, region Friday and another outbreak of severe weather in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia Thursday.  Chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said Charlotte’s overall threat for severe weather is…

National Weather Service crews are surveying damage in High Point and Burlington on Friday. BURLINGTON, N.C. — The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down in High Point on Thursday as severe weather rolled through the area.  NWS said its preliminary investigation shows wind speeds got up to 85 mph and the tornado was on the ground for one mile. The circulation was on the ground for about five minutes.  NWS is heading…

Maryann Tucker was doing a Facebook live when she captured the tornado on video while riding in the car along the South Church Street area. BURLINGTON, N.C. — A Burlington woman couldn’t contain her excitement while capturing a tornado on video. Maryann Tucker was doing a Facebook live when she captured the tornado on video while riding in the car along the South Church Street area. “Holy cow! There’s a tornado, y’all,” she screamed. Alamance…

A storm with the risk of a tornado prompted a tornado warning Thursday in Charlotte. Thankfully no damage was reported after the storm. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A rotating thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado prompted the National Weather Service to issue a tornado warning for Charlotte and surrounding Mecklenburg, York, Union, and Cabarrus counties Thursday. Luckily, despite the vivid radar signature and observed rotation, no damage was reported after the storm. The warning, which came…

A storm with the risk of a tornado prompted a tornado warning Thursday in Charlotte. Thankfully no damage was reported after the storm. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A rotating thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado prompted the National Weather Service to issue a tornado warning for Charlotte and surrounding Mecklenburg, York, Union, and Cabarrus counties Thursday. Luckily, despite the vivid radar signature and observed rotation, no damage was reported after the storm. The warning, which came…

Risk of severe thunderstorms, including the possibility of tornadoes, continues through 6 p.m. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Tornado Warning remains in effect for Cabarrus County in North Carolina until 6 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was moving eastward across southern Mecklenburg County, where it had previously prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Tornado Warning for locations including Pineville, Ballantyne, South Park, and Matthews. The storm was expected to be…

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Severe weather rolled through our area Thursday afternoon, bringing rain, hail, and wind. In its wake: downed power lines, trees, and damage to property. WCNC Charlotte tracked the severe weather as storms moved through. Outside of our area, radar indicated tornadic activity in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties in the Upstate of South Carolina, well before the stronger lines hit the area. Around 3:30 p.m., we got initial reports of damage in the…

Risk of severe thunderstorms, including the possibility of tornadoes, continues through 6 p.m. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Tornado Warning remains in effect for Cabarrus County in North Carolina until 6 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was moving eastward across southern Mecklenburg County, where it had previously prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Tornado Warning for locations including Pineville, Ballantyne, South Park, and Matthews. The storm was expected to be…

Risk of severe thunderstorms, including the possibility of tornadoes, continues through 6 p.m. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A cluster of storms will bring the threat of severe weather to the Charlotte, North Carolina, region Thursday. The biggest threats associated with the storm system will be damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Tornado Warning for much of the greater Charlotte area viewing area, along with surrounding Carolina counties. In the…

The Chester County School District will operate on a remote learning day Thursday in response to expected severe weather conditions.  The district sent the following statement to WCNC Charlotte: “The National Weather Service issued a statement calling for severe weather on Thursday, March 18, 2021 including heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds. These conditions also have a potential for flooding, making the roads unsafe for our buses, student drivers, staff, and traveling families. For the…

The NWS has the watch active until 6 p.m. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A cluster of storms will bring the threat of severe weather to the Charlotte, North Carolina, region Thursday, but the chances of tornadoes and damaging winds have gone down, according to First Warn chief meteorologist Brad Panovich.  The biggest threats associated with the storm system will be damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes, although the chances have gone down for most of the…

A cluster of storms will bring the possibility of damaging winds, hail and some isolated tornadoes to the Carolinas Thursday afternoon. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A cluster of storms will bring the threat of severe weather to the Charlotte, North Carolina, region Thursday, but the chances of tornadoes and damaging winds have gone down, according to First Warn chief meteorologist Brad Panovich.  The biggest threats associated with the storm system will be damaging winds, hail and…

Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Larry Sprinkle, Iisha Scott Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 9:45 AM EDT March 18, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tonight: A warm front will be moving north and bringing in milder and more humid air through the overnight hours. We could see a few waves of rain or even a rumble of thunder with this warm front. Low will hold steady in the mid to upper…

A storm system will bring the threat of damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes to the Charlotte, North Carolina, region Thursday morning and afternoon. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Severe weather is forecast to impact the entire Charlotte, North Carolina, area Thursday, including the possibility of strong thunderstorms with high winds, lightning and hail. There’s also the possibility of tornadoes across the Carolinas.  The entire Charlotte metro area is at a “medium” to “high risk” for seeing…

Many are now preparing for another potential threat with severe storms on the way. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Neighbors in South Charlotte say they still remember the sight and sounds when an EF-1 tornado flew through their neighborhood on Feb. 6, 2020. Now a year later many are worried they might have to go through the same destruction with the threat of another severe storm moving through the area. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: NWS confirms EF-1 tornado in…

The Chester County School District will operate on a remote learning day Thursday in response to expected severe weather conditions.  The district sent the following statement to WCNC Charlotte: “The National Weather Service issued a statement calling for severe weather on Thursday, March 18, 2021 including heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds. These conditions also have a potential for flooding, making the roads unsafe for our buses, student drivers, staff, and traveling families. For the…

Stay weather aware tomorrow. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Larry Sprinkle, Iisha Scott Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 5:02 PM EDT March 17, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tonight: A warm front will be moving north and bringing in milder and more humid air through the overnight hours. We could see a few waves of rain or even a rumble of thunder with this warm front. Low will hold steady in…

The state emergency operations center will be activated for Thursday’s severe weather, and they’re not the only ones in preparation mode. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina emergency officials say strong tornados, localized flooding, hail, and damaging wind gusts are all possible throughout the state on Thursday. “All North Carolinians should continue to monitor the forecast as details and expected timing will be refined over the next 12 to 24 hours,” said Will Ray, North Carolina…

The state emergency operations center will be activated for Thursday’s severe weather, and they’re not the only ones in preparation mode. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina emergency officials say strong tornados, localized flooding, hail, and damaging wind gusts are all possible throughout the state on Thursday. “All North Carolinians should continue to monitor the forecast as details and expected timing will be refined over the next 12 to 24 hours,” said Will Ray, North Carolina…

Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes are forecast Thursday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Severe weather is forecast to impact Charlotte and throughout the Carolinas Thursday. The storm threat brings with it the possibility of tornadoes, damaging wind, and hail.  Brad Panovich and the WCNC Charlotte First Warn Storm Team consider much of the greater Charlotte meteropolitan area to be at a “high risk” Thursday for seeing storms. The greatest risk includes uptown…

This is why we have a high threat for storms. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In the Spring most people understand we have our severe weather season. The reason is not so much about the clash of temperatures from winter cold to summer warmth. The real culprit is the strong winter jetstream energy combined with the warm and humid air of Spring and summer.  During the wintertime, the jetstream is farther south and just stronger than the…

A strong storm system will bring an increased threat of severe weather across the south Wednesday. Here’s the latest severe weather outlook. There is a high threat of severe storms from Arkansas to Mississippi to Alabama where the risk of tornadoes is also high. Right now, there is a 15% chance of a tornado within the dark red area. While 15% sounds low, for locations in the yellow areas there’s a 2% chance of a…

On the last day of our severe weather week it is time to get our severe weather kit together CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the final day of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, it is time to build our severe weather kit. Every household in our area should go through the following steps to have supplies ready in their safe place for the moment when the weather turns on you. Here is what you should have: Container…

Starting April 28th, there will be a new tiered system for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Weather Service is making changes to the way they issue and disseminate Severe Thunderstorm Warnings to the public. The changes will impact the way your cell phone automatically receives severe weather alerts. Starting no earlier than April 28, meteorologists with the National Weather Service will issue alerts about severe thunderstorms in three tiers: base, considerable, and…

Starting April 28th, there will be a new tiered system for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Soon we will be hearing and seeing a lot more of that and some sadly will be seeing this again. Last year the Greer-Spartanburg NWS, which covers most of our viewing area, reported 325 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. Well those warnings are changing by the end of April. Being broken down into 3 tiers called “Impact Based Warnings.” But…

Hail is responsible for billions of dollars in damage across the United States and will be seen this severe weather season. Facts you should know. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hail is an insurance claim waiting to happen. Every year across the US there are on average 5,000 major hail events.  Last year we had 4,611 and in 2019 we saw 5,396 major events. Most of it falls here in hail alley.  Once a hailstone reaches up…

Hail is responsible for billions of dollars in damage across the United States and will be seen this severe weather season. Facts you should know. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hail is an insurance claim waiting to happen. Every year across the US there are on average 5,000 major hail events.  Last year we had 4,611 and in 2019 we saw 5,396 major events. Most of it falls here in hail alley.  Once a hailstone reaches up…