NWS lifts tornado watch for the Charlotte area as severe storms race to the east
Mecklenburg and surrounding counties were under a tornado watch for several hours Thursday afternoon and night before severe thunderstorms that could have spawned them swept to the east.
Just after 6:30 p.m., the NWS lifted a tornado warning for Huntersville in northern Mecklenburg County, Lowesville in eastern Lincoln County and Mount Holly, Stanley and Dallas in Gaston County.
Radar earlier indicated a tornado in the area, although a twister wasn’t confirmed, according to the NWS.
A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible, according to the NWS. A tornado warning means you should take action, as a tornado has been sighted, or indicated by weather radar.
At 6:30 p.m., a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for Charlotte, Rock Hill and Charlotte Douglas International Airport until 7:30 p.m. and for Mooresville until 7 p.m.
Just before 7 p.m., severe thunderstorms barreled at 50 mph from four miles northeast of uptown Charlotte south to near Indian Land, South Carolina.
Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston and Rowan counties also were under the tornado watch.
NWS meteorologists warned of scattered gusts up to 65 mph and quarter-size hail.
“Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds,” forecasters in the NWS office in Greer, South Carolina, said.
By 8 p.m., the storms moved from the Charlotte area into Stanly and other counties to the east and northeast.
The FAA warned earlier Thursday that storms “could slow flights” at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and airports in Atlanta, Philadelphia Boston and New York.
By 6 p.m., 402 flights were delayed Thursday at Charlotte’s airport, FlightAware.com reported.
Flights were still arriving and departing CLT just before 6 p.m..
This story was originally published January 12, 2023 at 6:07 PM.