Severe Storms with Tornado Risk Expected in Charlotte

Dark storm clouds over Charlotte, NC skyline

News Summary

This weekend, Charlotte should brace for severe storms that may bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and a potential tornado threat. According to the National Weather Service, the storms are set to arrive early Sunday morning, impacting the area from around 5 a.m. to noon. Residents are advised to prepare for severe weather, stay informed about alerts, and ensure safety measures are in place as the storms could lead to hazardous conditions including flooding.

Brace Yourself, Charlotte! Severe Storms with Tornado Risk Looming This Weekend

Hey there, folks in Charlotte! It looks like we’re in for some wild weather as severe storms are on the horizon, bringing not just rain but also the potential for tornadoes this weekend. Get ready, as the forecast suggests that the Charlotte area will experience powerful storms with heavy downpours, large hail, and even damaging winds.

What’s on the Weather Menu?

The National Weather Service has raised the alarm bells, indicating that “a strong tornado cannot be ruled out.” That’s definitely got our attention! Meteorologists are feeling a bit anxious about the severity of what’s to come, highlighting that everything is aligned for a stormy weekend ahead.

The storms are expected to first roll into the Georgia mountains before they make their way into the Carolinas. Grab your umbrellas and hold onto your hats because you can expect these storms to touch down in our neck of the woods around early Sunday morning, just as the day begins to break.

Timing and Impact of the Storms

The thunderous action is predicted to hit the Charlotte area just before and right after daybreak on Sunday. You might want to set those alarms a little earlier, as the severe weather danger is projected to last for a two to three-hour window, particularly from 6 a.m. until around noon. This is when the threat of tornadoes and severe storms will be at its peak.

And if you think it’s going to be calm after the storm, think again! There’s a chance of additional thunderstorms rolling through Sunday afternoon, but don’t worry—the risk during that time is expected to be much lower.

What’s the Big Concern?

As we gear up for this stormy weekend, the main hazards include damaging wind gusts, potential tornadoes, and large hail. Expect gusty non-thunderstorm winds to develop from Saturday into Sunday, with gusts clocking in at an impressive 35-50 mph in the North Carolina mountains and 25-35 mph elsewhere.

Just to remind you, we recently saw an EF-1 tornado sweep through Union County earlier this month, causing damage but thankfully no injuries. Let’s hope we don’t have to face another situation like that this weekend!

Weekend Forecast

Here’s what Saturday looks like: expect mostly cloudy skies with a high around 77°F and wind gusts reaching up to 24 mph. By early Sunday morning though, things are going to shift dramatically. Rain is expected to move in shortly after 5 a.m. and there’s a 100% chance of downpours. You might want to keep those raincoats handy, as temperatures will hover around 75°F while gusts could hit 33 mph.

The storms will first approach western North Carolina between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. and then sweep through Charlotte from approximately 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. After that, they will finally exit the eastern counties by around 1 p.m., but the damage could be done, and up to 2 inches of rain could pack a punch, bringing with it the risk of flooding.

What Can You Do to Prepare?

It’s essential that everyone in the Charlotte area gets ready for these impending storms. Charge your devices and be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Make sure you and your family stay informed and ready to take action if necessary.

So, keep your eyes on the sky this weekend, Charlotte! Whether you’re cheering for Charlotte FC on Saturday night or just enjoying your weekend routine, be alert and safe as the storms approach. Get cozy, grab some snacks, and prepare for what could be an exciting—albeit stormy—Sunday morning!