News Summary
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Cabarrus, Gaston, and Mecklenburg counties in the Charlotte area, expected until 6 p.m. today. The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail, posing risks for minor damage and power outages. An updated warning extends to Brunswick and Columbus counties until 9:45 p.m. The National Weather Service advises residents to take shelter in safe areas and remain informed about potential outages.
Charlotte, NC – Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for three counties in the Charlotte area: Cabarrus, Gaston, and Mecklenburg. The warnings are in effect until 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, as a severe storm is expected to move through the region shortly after 5 p.m.
This storm is forecasted to produce wind gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour and quarter-size hail, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Residents are advised that minor hail damage to vehicles is likely, and damaging winds pose a risk for downed trees and power lines in the area.
In addition to the immediate Charlotte-area warnings, an updated severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Brunswick and Columbus counties, effective until 9:45 p.m. on the same day. This storm system in Brunswick and Columbus counties also has the potential to generate quarter-size hail and wind gusts similar to those affecting the Charlotte area.
Locations specifically warned include Whiteville, Bethel, and Lake Waccamaw. The NWS recommends that individuals take shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of their buildings to ensure safety during the storm. Lightning strikes are prevalent in the U.S., totaling approximately 25 million annually, predominantly in summer months, and causing around 20 fatalities each year.
On Sunday, the majority of North Carolina, along with parts of northern South Carolina, faces a marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) of severe weather. Observers can find real-time outage maps for power companies in both North Carolina and South Carolina, assisting residents in tracking potential service disruptions.
Duke Energy has issued safety recommendations for anyone who may encounter downed power lines, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these hazards. Additionally, the risk of hydroplaning—a situation where vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulation—highlights the need for cautious driving during the storms.
Friday’s thunderstorms at Charlotte Douglas International Airport caused significant disruptions, resulting in hundreds of flight delays and dozens of cancellations. By 11:55 p.m. that night, 494 flights had been delayed, and an additional 93 flights were canceled, largely attributed to weather conditions affecting primarily American Airlines and PSA Airlines services. The storms were expected to impact the Charlotte metro area from around 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, leading to further concerns about hail and damaging winds.
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich noted that the fast-moving nature of these storms raises concerns about the potential for spin-up tornadoes, a phenomenon that could further complicate safety and emergency response efforts in the region.
Looking ahead, drier conditions are anticipated for most of the upcoming week, providing a reprieve after the severe weather. Residents are encouraged to keep informed about weather updates and to heed safety precautions throughout the storm’s duration.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Charlotte Observer: Weather Update
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- WCNC: Flight Delays and Cancellations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Microburst
- WBTV: Flight Disruptions
- Google News: Charlotte Severe Weather
