Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Charlotte as Storms Expected this Sunday

Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. — Residents of the Charlotte area are urged to be Weather Aware as severe weather is expected to hit on Sunday. The forecast predicts two rounds of storms that could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, flooding, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.

Severe Weather Alerts in Effect

A tornado watch is currently in place until 1 p.m. for several counties, including Alexander, Burke, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, and Union. Nearby Chester, Lancaster, and York counties in South Carolina are also included in the watch.

Timing of the Storms

The first round of heavy rainfall has already swept through parts of the Carolinas early Saturday, with additional downpours expected as the main weather front approaches. These storms could reach the mountains as early as 5 a.m. and are predicted to arrive in the Charlotte metro area by around 10 a.m.

The initial line of storms is anticipated to have the most significant impact, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and heavy rain. The risk of flooding is particularly high in mountainous regions due to this rapidly moving front as it heads eastward toward Charlotte.

Second Wave Could Follow

The forecast suggests another wave of isolated storms may follow in the late afternoon, feeding primarily along and southeast of Interstate 40, with timing expected between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. While these storms may be less intense, the possibility of an isolated tornado cannot be completely dismissed.

Precautions Recommended

As the ground becomes saturated from heavy rains, the risk for isolated power outages increases significantly. Residents are advised to take precautions by charging their electronic devices, having multiple channels for weather alerts, and minimizing travel if possible during the storms. To stay informed, residents are encouraged to download official mobile apps that provide real-time notifications about severe weather events.

Flights and Travel Disruptions at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Travelers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are already experiencing the effects of the inclement weather. As of early Sunday morning, around 200 flight delays and nine cancellations were reported. Passengers reported facing challenges since the previous night due to anticipated weather disruptions.

Kasey Kane, a traveler waiting for his flight, shared his experience, stating, “Got delayed about two hours, two and a half I think, plus an hour layover is three hours.” Other travelers like William “Catfish” Marston took the outlook light-heartedly, waiting it out at the airport as he continued his vacation until January 6. However, delays meant that Kane would arrive home much later than planned, now expecting to reach home around midnight instead of the original time of 10:30 p.m.

Stay Informed

As the severe weather unfolds, local residents are reminded to stay informed and updated on the latest developments. Downloading mobile weather apps and ensuring notifications are enabled allows for localized weather alerts. If you encounter severe weather conditions, prioritize safety and consider staying indoors.