Severe storms with 60 mph winds, quarter-size hail threaten the Charlotte region
Severe storms with possible 60-mph winds and quarter-size hail popped up in parts of the Charlotte region on Saturday, National Weather Service meteorologists said.
Forecasters warned of high winds and pea- to quarter-sized hail in the Caldwell County communities of Lenior, Sawmills, Granite Falls and Hudson around 5 p.m.
In the mountains, 40-mph winds and half-inch-size hail were possible in Asheville, Swannanoa and Royal Pines, the NWS said.
The storms fell on another sultry day when the high reached 100 degrees in Charlotte and a heat advisory was issued for much of the Carolinas until 8 p.m.
Drink plenty of fluids
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” meteorologists in the Greer, S.C., office, warned in a bulletin earlier Saturday. “Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
“Drink plenty of fluids and check up on relatives and neighbors,” forecasters urged. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
The hot weather should ease slightly throughout the week, with expected highs of 98 on Sunday, 96 on Monday, 93 on Tuesday, 92 on Wednesday, 93 on Thursday, 95 on Friday and 94 on Saturday, July 11.