Stay alert: Severe weather possible Wednesday morning in Charlotte, NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Strong storms with the possibility of damaging winds are the reason to stay alert for severe weather on Wednesday morning in Charlotte.

By 6 a.m., the line of storms is forecast to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to locations such as Boone, Morganton, Hickory and Shelby. By 8 a.m., the line is expected to push east into Charlotte and other locations along the Interstate 77 corridor including Statesville, Gastonia, Mooresville, Cornelius, Davison and Rock Hill. The storms will then move off to the east and impact cities such as Salisbury, Concord and Monroe.

While the exact timing of the storms could shift by a few hours, the overall path of the storms is expected to remain the same: With the storms pushing into the Carolinas early Wednesday after bringing a severe weather outbreak to other portions of the South on Tuesday. 

The storms are forecast to be at their strongest west of Charlotte – and again east of Charlotte – where they will be fueled by the day’s sunshine. The early morning approach through Charlotte will comparatively provide the storms with less fuel than elsewhere in its lifespan but the possibility of severe weather remains.

Across Charlotte, the storms are expected to bring impacts from heavy rain, including reduced visibility and roadway flooding. The timing of the storms means the impacts are expected during periods of the morning rush hour commute.

Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and power lines, which could result in power outages. An isolated tornado is also possible. Damaging winds could result in tree or structural damage.

The timing of the storms warrants allowing extra time for any necessary travel on Wednesday morning. Ideally, travel should be delayed to avoid the strongest portion of the storms.

Keep your phones and spare batteries charged, in the result you experience power outages.

Be sure to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, especially during the overnight hours and while you drive. 

🌩️ If you like weather, watch Brad Panovich and the WCNC Weather Impact Team on their Emmy Award-winning Weather IQ YouTube channel. 🎥