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Tornado warning issued for Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg counties
Strong to severe storms are moving through the greater Charlotte area, followed by snow in the mountains.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Mecklenburg County until 6:45 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Cabarrus, Davie, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Gaston counties in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina.
The National Weather Service has also issued a tornado watch until 10 p.m. for most of the Charlotte metro area. A tornado watch means all the ingredients are in place for possible tornadoes with a strong line of thunderstorms.
If any storm produces a tornado, the National Weather Service will follow up with a tornado warning, if needed.
A strong cold front will bring a line of thunderstorms to the Carolinas Thursday with severe weather in the Charlotte area.
The biggest threats during Thursday’s storms will be heavy rain and damaging winds. There is also a risk of spin-up tornadoes along the leading edge of the front as it moves over the Carolinas Thursday afternoon and evening.
Behind the front is something totally different: The North Carolina mountains are expecting snow with heavy snowfall possible from Thursday night through Friday. Higher elevations could see up to 5 inches, while areas around Blowing Rock and Boone are expecting somewhere around 2 inches of snow. Charlotte won’t see any snow, but we’re expecting a much cooler weekend with chilly temperatures.
Live interactive radar
Thursday: Thunderstorms
“We’re kind of on that edge,” WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said of the moderate severe weather risk. “The Upstate of South Carolina is definitely an area that is more at risk than east of I-77. West of I-77 into the Upstate of South Carolina is definitely an area of greater concern.”
Threats
- Damaging wind gusts. Winds mainly gusting 40 – 60 mph
- Isolated tornado possible
- Heavy rain during a short time period
Timing
“Some isolated cells will break out ahead of the line. We’ve got to keep an eye on these,” Panovich said. “If these do develop south of the warm front or even along the front, those would have the potential to rotate.”
The main line will move through Charlotte around 6-9 p.m. Panovich says heavy rain and strong winds are likely in the Charlotte metro through 10 p.m. with those gusty winds being the biggest threat Thursday.
Snow Forecast
Behind this front, colder air will filter in, which will lead to snow in the high country. Charlotte and surrounding areas will be precipitation free by the time it is cold enough for snow.
Snow will start late Thursday night and be on and off through Friday, ending by late evening, which is great news for skiers and snowboarders. A second round will add more accumulation Friday night into Saturday morning!
Snow Totals
Totals will peak around 4 – 6 inches for areas 5,000 ft and above, including Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Grandfather Mountain.
1 – 3 inches are possible for areas like Banner Elk and Gingercake Mountain. Blowing Rock and Boone are closer to 1 – 2 inches with lower totals for places like Jefferson and Valle Crucis.