National Weather Service meteorologists said the chance of tornadoes and other severe storms increased Saturday in Charlotte, Rock Hill and Hickory, with those cities having “the highest potential for severe hazards” in the Western Carolinas on Monday.
NWS forecasters said on social media that the cities faced an “elevated risk” of “multiple severe thunderstorms” between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
“While some isolated storms may precede Sunday night’s thunderstorms, the main concern is Monday morning,” National Weather Service meteorologists said.
“Confidence for severe hazards such as tornadoes is higher in areas east of the mountains, particularly along and east of Interstate 77 and south of Interstate 85,” the National Weather Service office in Greer, South Carolina, said.
National Weather Service forecasters said damaging winds were possible.
“Remember, straight-line winds can snap trees, down power lines, and cause damage to homes and cars,” the National Weather Service said. “Know where your safe spots are and avoid seeking shelter in mobile homes.”
An EF-1 tornado with 90 mph winds struck near a farm on White Oak River Road in Maysville, Onslow County, on Thursday, March 12, damaging the roof, collapsing and removing the barn door and peeling off the farm building’s siding, the National Weather Service Storm Damage Investigation Team reported.
“Our main concern is the thunderstorms from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday,” Christian Patterson, a meteorologist with Greer’s office, told The Charlotte Observer.
School buses and commuters will be on the road, she said. She said it’s important for everyone to know in advance “safe places” to go during a storm and have a way to receive weather warnings.
The South Carolina State Climate Office issued a similar severe weather warning Saturday afternoon.
“We are expecting an outbreak of severe thunderstorms on Monday that could produce widespread damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes,” Frank Strait, the office’s severe weather liaison, said in a statement.
“It looks like it’s still going to be early in the day, maybe even predawn in the far west, into midday for the northern areas,” Street said. “The rest of the state will be hit by the storm from midday to early evening.”
Five tornadoes ripped through parts of three eastern North Carolina counties on Thursday, injuring a home, tearing off a roof, downing trees and overturning campers, the National Weather Service reported late Friday.
Charlotte Weather Forecast
The NWS forecast for Saturday shows an 80% chance of showers in Charlotte Sunday night and early Monday, and a 90% chance of showers during the day Monday. Skies are expected to be clear on Tuesday.
After a high of 73 expected on Saturday, Charlotte could hit highs near 72 on Sunday, 69 on Monday, 45 on Tuesday and 50 on Wednesday, according to the forecast.
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
