Charlotte North Carolina News

Summer in the Carolinas means a greater threat of severe weather. Are there signs in the sky that indicate a tornado is imminent? CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As we move closer to summer, that means more severe storms across the Carolinas, but are there signs in the sky you can point to in order to know if severe weather’s on the way?  Everyone knows the famous scenes from “Twister” and “The Wizard of Oz” that showed…

Summer in the Carolinas means a greater threat of severe weather. Are there signs in the sky that indicate a tornado is imminent? CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As we move closer to summer, that means more severe storms across the Carolinas, but are there signs in the sky you can point to in order to know if severe weather’s on the way?  Everyone knows the famous scenes from “Twister” and “The Wizard of Oz” that showed…

Knowledge is one of the best things that can keep you safe during severe weather. These three clouds identify a strong to severe thunderstorm. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When it comes to severe weather, it is helpful to know what to look out for when the skies turn dark. The more we know when it comes to severe weather, the safer we will be.  Here are 3 clouds you need to know about to help you…

Clean-up will take days, even weeks following the tornado that ripped through parts of Rockingham County on Friday. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — The clean-up continues after an EF-1 tornado struck Rockingham County Friday night. Damage is extensive around the county. The efforts to clear debris is an all-hands-on-deck situation. There are still no reports of any injuries according to the sheriff and community members are coming together to help those in need. “We have had…

Clean-up will take days, even weeks following the tornado that ripped through parts of Rockingham County on Friday. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — The clean-up continues after an EF-1 tornado struck Rockingham County Friday night. Damage is extensive around the county. The efforts to clear debris is an all-hands-on-deck situation. There are still no reports of any injuries according to the sheriff and community members are coming together to help those in need. “We have had…

First responders found downed trees, blocked roadways, powerlines down, and trees on houses. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A tornado ripped through Rockingham County Friday. County officials said a tornado warning went into effect around 7:20 p.m. Communications got the first calls about damage about 22 minutes later. Saturday afternoon, the depths of the destruction left behind were clear on Sunset View Road. Trees and power lines were snapped like twigs. Neighbors were taking stock of…

Another line of storms brought the threat of heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, lightning and isolated tornadoes to the Charlotte region Friday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A line of severe thunderstorms moved through Charlotte and the Interstate 77 corridor of North Carolina and South Carolina Friday, moving out of the region shortly after 9 p.m. The National Weather Service warned the storms could produce damaging winds up to 60 mph, and hail upwards of 1.75 inches…

Another line of storms will bring the threat of heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, lightning and isolated tornadoes to the Charlotte region Friday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A line of severe thunderstorms is moving through Charlotte and the Interstate 77 corridor of North Carolina and South Carolina. The National Weather Service warns the storms could produce damaging winds up to 60 mph, and hail upwards of 1.75 inches. The storm could also produce a tornado. Friday…

A line of storms will bring the threat of heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, lightning and isolated tornadoes to the Charlotte region Friday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friday is a Weather Aware Day for the Charlotte region as a line of storms will bring the threat of damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes to the Carolinas.  A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Mecklenburg County and York County until 2:30 p.m. A Tornado Watch is in…

A line of storms will bring the threat of heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, lightning and isolated tornadoes to the Charlotte region Friday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friday is a Weather Aware Day for the Charlotte region as a line of storms will bring the threat of damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes to the Carolinas.  Chief meteorologist Brad Panovich says the risk for severe thunderstorms in Charlotte and surrounding areas is increasing because of a…

Catawba County, Hickory Public Schools and Iredell-Statesville Schools will dismiss students early Friday due to the threat of severe weather. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Multiple school districts in the Charlotte area will dismiss students early due to the threat of severe weather Friday afternoon and evening.  Hickory City Schools, Catawba County Schools and Iredell-Statesville Schools will all release students early Friday due to the forecast. Friday is a Weather Aware Day for the Charlotte area due…

The town of Fort Mill announced the festival, in its 13th year, will now start on Saturday, May 7. The decision was made to delay the start due to a forecast with strong storms, gusty winds and lightning for the Carolinas on Friday.  Town Manager David Broom said they were taking every precaution to protect all festival guests and vendors.  “Our first consideration is to protect the participants and visitors,” Broom said in a statement….

Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 8:09 AM EDT May 5, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — .Today: This will be a rain and storm-free day.  Afternoon temperatures will be in the mid 80s, with northeast winds around 5 to 10 mph.  Skies will be mostly cloudy during the evening with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows should be…

Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 7:12 AM EDT May 5, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — .Today: This will be a rain and storm-free day.  Afternoon temperatures will be in the mid 80s, with northeast winds around 5 to 10 mph.  Skies will be mostly cloudy during the evening with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows should be…

Severe thunderstorms around Charlotte are producing damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain. Expect poor visibility for the evening commute. MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Severe thunderstorms, including a potential microburst near Mooresville, are producing damaging wind, hail, and heavy rain around Charlotte for the Wednesday evening commute home to the Carolinas. As of 5:30 p.m.,. the National Weather Service was continuing to warn of severe thunderstorms over portions of Mecklenburg County, including Charlotte; York County, including Fort…

The Weather Service said the tornado was on the ground for 21 minutes Friday evening in a suburb of Wichita in south-central Kansas. WICHITA, Kan. — The tornado that damaged more than 1,000 buildings in south-central Kansas generated winds up to 165 mph (266 kph) and carved a path of destruction nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) long. The National Weather Service said the tornado that caused extensive damage Friday mostly in the Wichita suburb of Andover…

Most of the outages are expected to be restored around 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thousands of people were affected by power outages after severe weather hit the Charlotte region.  According to the Duke Energy power outage map, more than 4,000 people were impacted just outside of Mooresville in the service area of the company.  The map also showed 2,000 outages were reported along Wesley Chapel Road near the Charlotte-Monroe Executive…

Tropical storms and hurricanes that begin with the letter ‘I’ have had more names retired than any other letter. WASHINGTON — Ida has been retired from the list of Atlantic tropical cyclone names because of the devastation and death caused by Hurricane Ida in 2021.  The World Meteorological Organization Hurricane Committee announced Wednesday that Imani will be used in Ida’s place moving forward. The names given to tropical storms and hurricanes are repeated every six…

Meteorologist Brittany Van Voorhees breaks down what a quasi-linear convective system is and why the storms can be so sudden. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — QLCS stands for a quasi-linear convective system. It’s a complex term that can be broken down into this: A line of strong thunderstorms that is not perfectly straight. This is often referred to as a squall line. Most often in the Charlotte area, these squall lines form ahead of a cold front…

Meteorologist Brittany Van Voorhees breaks down what a quasi-linear convective system is and why the storms can be so sudden. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — QLCS stands for a quasi-linear convective system. It’s a complex term that can be broken down into this: A line of strong thunderstorms that is not perfectly straight. This is often referred to as a squall line. Most often in the Charlotte area, these squall lines form ahead of a cold front…

Dobby was sucked away by the tornado on Tuesday. The Califano family said he made his way back home on his own Wednesday. SALADO, Texas — Tuesday evening, a tornado swept through a Salado neighborhood. The Dallas/Forth Worth National Weather Service confirmed a high-end EF-3 twister with max winds around 165 mph had moved through the area. One Salado family’s cat got whisked away in a matter of seconds. Knealie Califano heard there was a…

Sevier County officials have also updated their website for owners to check the initial status of their properties within the affected areas. SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — According to the Tennessee Division of Forestry, the Hatcher Mountain wildfire in Wears Valley and the Dupont/Millstone Gap wildfire in Seymour are both out as of Friday morning after crews fully contained them. 219 structures were affected by the Hatcher Mountain fire, Sevier County officials said. Originally that number…

For the seventh year in a row, a very active hurricane season is expected in the Atlantic Basin. FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Researchers are predicting another active hurricane season.  On Thursday, the well-respected team at Colorado State University’s Tropical Weather and Climate Research Division, led by Dr. Philip Klotzbach, released their outlook for the 2022 hurricane season. The lack of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean, and warmer than normal Atlantic water temperatures, are again expected…

Researchers are still investigating the risks electric cars may pose. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Electric vehicles are still a relatively new technology and researchers are studying their potential risks. It seems Americans are curious about the new cars too. One viewer recently asked us about electric vehicle battery fires, saying she’s seen on the news that these fires burn hotter than fires in gas-powered vehicles. THE QUESTION Does an electric vehicle battery fire burn hotter than…

While the risk is low, it’s not zero. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolinas will be at risk for more severe weather late Wednesday into early Thursday, including an isolated tornado, as the second wave of thunderstorms moves over the Charlotte area.  In a 9 p.m. update, Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said the risk is going down but isn’t a non-zero threat.  “There’s still some ingredients out there tonight,” Panovich said. “I certainly believe it’s low…

Residents in Allendale County describe the tornado as something they’ve never experienced before. ALLENDALE, S.C. — After a tornado swept through Allendale County on Tuesday night, residents are picking up the pieces and evaluating the damage left behind. “All you could hear was like something was on top of the house, like horses or something … kind of like whoom whoom whoom whoom,” said Katherine Rivers, who lives in Allendale County. “I was in the…

Heavy damage has been reported in the area after a large tornado came through the rural area in South Carolina. ALLENDALE COUNTY, S.C. — A large, dangerous tornado is confirmed to have touched down in Allendale County, South Carolina, but the full scope of the damage it caused is still being evaulated.  The twister was seen on radar around 4 p.m. Eastern Tuesday, and quickly, there was high concern. Forecaster could see a strong area…

Heavy rain caused street and creek flooding in the Carolinas during the Tuesday evening rush hour. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Creeks across the Charlotte area rose as continued heavy rains continue to fall in parts of the Carolinas. By 6 p.m., over an inch of rain had fallen in Charlotte, with rain continuing for at least another hour. Some rain gauges in southern Mecklenburg County had measured upwards of 1.80″ of rain. The Little Sugar Creek…

Heavy rain is causing street and creek flooding in the Carolinas during the Tuesday evening rush hour. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Creeks across the Charlotte area are beginning to rise as continued heavy rains continue to fall in parts of the Carolinas. The Little Sugar Creek in Midtown Charlotte was rising towards its bank, according to Mecklenburg County data. Portions of the Greenway, which runs along Kings Drive, was beginning to flood. The greenway corridor is…

Multiple tornado warnings were issued in South Carolina as heavy rain and strong storms moved into the Charlotte region. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some parts of the Charlotte area are experiencing heavy rain and high winds as a line of thunderstorms moves across the Carolinas.  Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said there could be flash flooding in some areas, as well as damaging winds and isolated spin-up tornadoes. A tornado warning was issued for parts of Chester…

Multiple tornado warnings were issued in South Carolina as heavy rain and strong storms moved into the Charlotte region. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some parts of the Charlotte area are experiencing heavy rain and high winds as a line of thunderstorms moves across the Carolinas.  Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said there could be flash flooding in some areas, as well as damaging winds and isolated spin-up tornadoes. A tornado warning was issued for parts of Chester…

A Tornado Warning is in effect until 3:30 p.m. for Chester and York counties in South Carolina. Meteorologist Brad Panovich is tracking the storms live. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Tornado Warning is in effect for Chester and York counties in South Carolina until 3:30 p.m. as storms move across the Carolinas.  The tornado warning is in effect until 3:30 p.m. Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich is tracking rotation in the storms west of Chester as they…

The Carolinas will see heavy rain with the threat of flash flooding Tuesday as a storm system moves over the region. Damaging winds and tornadoes are also possible. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Heavy rain is moving into the Charlotte area as a line of storms moves across the Carolinas Tuesday afternoon.  The storms will bring the threat of flash flooding with heavy downpours. Heavy rain started in parts of South Carolina by 2 p.m. with showers…

The National Weather Service said Monday night it detected debris from a tornado near the home of Shaun Zeleny and his family in Texas. EGAN, Texas — A Johnson County man and his stepdaughter are lucky to be alive after a likely tornado flipped an RV trailer multiple times in his backyard.  The National Weather Service said Monday night that it detected debris from a tornado near the home of Shaun Zeleny and his family,…

The Carolinas will see heavy rain with the threat of flash flooding Tuesday as a storm system moves over the region. Damaging winds and tornadoes are also possible. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolinas will have two chances for severe weather this week, starting with a storm system that will bring heavy rain to the Charlotte region Tuesday afternoon.  Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said a large mass of showers and thunderstorms will move into the Carolinas…

The Carolinas will see heavy rain with the threat of flash flooding Tuesday as a storm system moves over the region. Damaging winds and tornadoes are also possible. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolinas will have two chances for severe weather this week, starting with a storm system that will bring heavy rain to the Charlotte region Tuesday afternoon.  Forecaster Larry Sprinkle said Charlotte will be at risk for heavy rain from around 2 p.m. through…

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Knights announced Monday that with the strong chance of inclement weather on Tuesday, April 5, the North Carolina vs. South Carolina game, scheduled for 7:04 pm, will now be played at Truist Field on Wednesday, April 6 at 7:04 pm. The Charlotte Knights said those holding tickets for the game with Tuesday’s date may use them for Wednesday’s game and the same seat location will be honored.  Those unable to…

Charlotte has two chance for sever storms Tuesday through Thursday. Flooding, wind damage and tornadoes are all possible CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Over the next few days, the South from Texas to the Carolinas will be under an elevated threat for severe storms and tornadoes. This is all credited to a warm front, and a powerful Mid-Latitude Cyclone (A low pressure system that has a well defined warm front and cold front. Under the right conditions…

Abundant sunshine is expected Sunday as highs peak in the low-70s. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 11:15 AM EDT April 3, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sunday: Sunshine will be abundant this afternoon as highs peak in the low-70s. Wind will become breezy at times in the afternoon with gusts near 20 mph. This may irritate your allergy…

The National Weather Service confirmed the damage in Anson and Stanly counties are from the same twister. POLKTON, N.C. — The National Weather Service in Raleigh has confirmed an EF-2 tornado touched down in Anson County before moving into Stanly County on Thursday. The twister touched down near Polkton at 1:22 p.m. and lifted at 1:31 p.m. near Cottonville. The damage led forecasters to winds of 120 mph, a path length of 7.6 miles, and…

The National Weather Service will continue to survey additional damage near Cottonville in Stanly County on Friday. POLKTON, N.C. — As of 11:28 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service in Raleigh has confirmed an EF-2 tornado touched down in Anson County Thursday near Polkton with winds of 120 mph. More information will be available later today. The NWS is surveying additional damage still near Cottonville in Stanly County. Stay tuned for updates! Original story A…

The Thomas Divide Complex Fire is comprised of two wildfires. Officials confirm both fires were caused by down power lines due to high winds and fallen trees. Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — UPDATE (4/1/22) The Great Smoky Mountains National Park said all roads, trails, and backcountry campsites have reopened after closures due to the Thomas Divide Fire Complex on the North Carolina side. On Friday, the GSMNP said the Southern Area Gold Incident Management…

The Thomas Divide Complex Fire is comprised of two wildfires. Officials confirm both fires were caused by down power lines due to high winds and fallen trees. Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park said crews continued to make progress on Thursday to contain wildfires that began on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. The Thomas Divide Complex Fire is comprised of two wildfires. Officials confirm both fires were…

The National Weather Service will survey the damage Friday to determine the strength of the possible tornado. POLKTON, N.C. — A tornado likely touched down near the border of Anson and Stanly counties in North Carolina Thursday.  Photos shared by the Anson County Emergency Management show severe weather storm damage from the possible tornado in the Burnsville community near Polkton. Emergency officials said chicken houses were destroyed, and damage occurred to homes and trees. The…

The National Weather Service will survey the damage Friday to determine the strength of the possible tornado. POLKTON, N.C. — A tornado likely touched down near the border of Anson and Stanly counties in North Carolina Thursday.  Photos shared by the Anson County Emergency Management show severe weather storm damage from the possible tornado in the Burnsville community near Polkton. Emergency officials said chicken houses were destroyed, and damage occurred to homes and trees. The…

After a wild day of weather on Thursday, much calmer conditions are expected Friday and through the weekend. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 6:01 PM EDT March 31, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Severe Weather Update: Severe storms moved through portions of the WCNC viewing area earlier today. A suspected tornado touched down near the Anson/Stanly county line…

Severe thunderstorms earlier Thursday prompted several tornado warnings for counties in North Carolina and South Carolina. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Tornado Warning has been canceled for Anston, Montgomery, Randolph and Stanly counties in North Carolina, as a line of storms moves through the Carolinas.  The Tornado Warning was in effect until 1:45 p.m. Meteorologist Brad Panovich said the storm moved toward the towns of Wadeville, Liberty Hill, Troy, Lovejoy and Star in North Carolina.  Portions…

Charlotte will likely see heavy rain and thunderstorms, with the threat of damaging winds and severe weather Thursday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Tornado Warning has been issued for Anston, Montgomery, Randolph and Stanly counties in North Carolina, as a line of storms moves through the Carolinas.  The Tornado Warning is in effect until 1:45 p.m. Meteorologist Brad Panovich says the storm is moving toward the towns of Wadeville, Liberty Hill, Troy, Lovejoy and Star in…

Charlotte will likely see heavy rain and thunderstorms, with the threat of damaging winds and severe weather Thursday. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A tornado warning for both Chester and York counties in South Carolina was activated at 12:05 p.m. Thursday by the National Weather Service. The warning, which expired by 12:30 p.m., came as the Charlotte area was predicted to face severe weather in the afternoon as a line of storms moves across the Carolinas. Eventually,…