Storms cause hundreds of flight delays, cancellations at Charlotte airport

As of 2:46 p.m., 374 flights were delayed at Charlotte Douglas, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. An additional 91 flights were canceled at Charlotte’s airport. More delays are possible as the storms move into the Queen City with heavy rain and gusty winds that prevent air travel. 

An American Airlines spokesperson confirmed to WCNC Charlotte that the vast majority of delays are due to weather. 

A line of thunderstorms capable of producing hail and damaging winds is expected to impact the Charlotte metro from around 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday. Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says these fast-moving storms could also produce a spin-up tornado, but the primary risks are gusty winds and hail. 

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Mecklenburg and surrounding counties until 8 p.m. Friday. 

Some isolated storms could linger into the late evening and overnight hours on Friday, but these will be clear from severe.