LIVE BLOG: Tornado Warnings issued as severe storms move through area

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — 12:05:  Tornado Warning for Mecklenburg County

12:01 p.m. – There is a temporary lull in storms in Charlotte, but Brad Panovich warns round two is coming

Noon – Tornado Warning Cabarrus, Rowan until 12:15 a.m.

11:58 a.m. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will not dismiss early

11:58 a.m. – Conformed tornado on the ground located 13 miles southeast of Salisbury near Rockwell in southeastern Rowan County

11:53 a.m. – Radar scan shows circulation is currently 12 miles southeast of Salisbury near Rockwell.  It is moving east at 50 mph.

11:52 a.m. – Tornado threat is past uptown

11:47 a.m. – Storm will be in Rockwell at 11:55 a.m., Gold Hill at 11:59 a.m. and Craven at 12:04 p.m.  The storm formed over Kannapolis and pushed off to the east at 55 mph.  Residents are urged to seek shelter immediately.

11:44 a.m. – Kannapolis Emergency Management reports a tornado on the ground in Kannapolis 

11:38 a.m. Possible tornado in Cabarrus County and the major concern is wind, especially near Old concord Road and I-85

11:34 a.m. – Let me read you this tornado warning from the National Weather Service because they’re putting very strong wording in this.  “This Tornado Warning just issued for Charlotte does indicate there is a tornado on the ground seven miles east of Gastonia moving east at 45 mph.”

11:32 a.m. –  The Charlotte Mayor urges people to stay safe during Tornado Warning

11:21 a.m. – There is a report of an overturned tractor-trailer on Highway 321 in Gaston County.  That storm system just moved right across 321.  “The radar was telling us we were seeing debris and now we’re getting ground truth of things being tossed or picked up,” said Brad Panovich. 

11:20 a.m. – “Tornado sirens only work when you’re outside.  They’re outdoor warning devices.  Please don’t wait to hear them.  Seek shelter if you’re under a tornado warning,” said Brad Panovich.

11:16 a.m. – There is shelter in place away from windows at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.  The FAA evacuated the tower.

11:15 a.m. – Tornado Warning for Cabarrus, Gaston and Mecklenburg counties until Noon.  

11:10 a.m. – “This is one of those situations in all the years that we’ve been doing this, we have never seen this multitude amount of tornado warnings at one time in such a populated area,” said Larry Sprinkle.

11:09 a.m. – Tornado sirens are sounding in Bessemer City

10:50 a.m. Brad Panovich says a confirmed tornado on radar is on the ground in south of Kings Mountain.  If you live in the area take shelter now.  Get as many walls around you as you can.  “Those walls will block the debris,” Panovich said.

10:20 a.m.

School Districts announce early dismal for students and teachers as the threat for severe weather continues. 

Click here for the full list.

10:10 a.m.

A Tornado Warning has been issued for Catawba and Lincoln Counties until 11:00 a.m. 

A Tornado Watch has been issued for Charlotte, Piedmont, and Foothills. 

9:54: a.m. 

A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Cleveland, Lincoln and Gaston Counties. Seek shelter immediately. 

9:40 a.m. 

Medic has responded to 15 crashes on Thursday morning between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. 

9:30 a.m. 

Flooding becomes more significant and the heavy rain is becoming more frequent in Burke County. 

9:00 a.m. 

Creek in Icard is exceeding its banks. Culverts are starting to look like rapids in some spots. WCNC Charlotte will monitor this area for potential flooding. 

A section of US-70 in Icard near Maple Lane Lake is already underwater and more water continues to spill into the road. Locals say the last time this road flooded was back in June.

7:00 a.m.

More than a thousand without power in northeast Charlotte. Duke Energy is sending a technician to restore power to these customers.  

SEVERE WEATHER TIPS FROM BRAD PANOVICH