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Wind gusts up to 45 mph prompt advisory for Charlotte region Sunday, forecasters say

Marley Dingle, a 4-year-old, observes a tree that fell in his front yard during a Wind Advisory for the Charlotte region on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Iron Station, North Carolina.
Marley Dingle, a 4-year-old, observes a tree that fell in his front yard during a Wind Advisory for the Charlotte region on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Iron Station, North Carolina. dvences@charlotteobserver.com

A Wind Advisory is in effect for Charlotte through much of Sunday, with forecasters expecting steady winds up to 20 mph and gusts near 45 mph, the National Weather Service reports.

The advisory remains in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.

As of 3 p.m. Sunday, about 10,000 homes were without power in Charlotte, Cornelius, Mooresville and Kannapolis, Duke Energy reported.

“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution,” said in a news release posted just before 5 a.m.

A tree fell in the Dingles’ front yard in Iron Station, North Carolina, during the Wind Advisory for the Charlotte region on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Forecasters expect steady winds of up to 20 mph, with gusts reaching nearly 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
A tree fell in the Dingles’ front yard in Iron Station, North Carolina, during the Wind Advisory for the Charlotte region on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Forecasters expect steady winds of up to 20 mph, with gusts reaching nearly 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service. DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.”

Even stronger winds are expected in the North Carolina mountains, with Boone and Asheville forecast to see 30 mph winds and gusts up to 55 mph, forecasters say.

Parts of upstate South Carolina could see 60 mph gusts, NWS officials said in a 6:30 am, statement.

The winds will emerge as a line of thunderstorms crosses the region and some of the storms “may become strong to severe, with locally damaging winds and heavy rainfall as the main threats,” forecaster say.

“Though a low chance, an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out,” the National Weather Service says.

Miracle (left) and Kim Dingle (right) identify a few swaying trees in their yard, monitoring them as a wind advisory continues for much of Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Iron Station, North Carolina.
Miracle (left) and Kim Dingle (right) identify a few swaying trees in their yard, monitoring them as a wind advisory continues for much of Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Iron Station, North Carolina. DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com
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This story was originally published February 16, 2025 at 6:20 AM.

MP
Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
Mark Price is a state reporter for The Charlotte Observer and McClatchy News outlets in North Carolina. He joined the network of newspapers in 1991 at The Charlotte Observer, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. 
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