A severe thunderstorm warning lit up eastern Gaston County on Wednesday evening as a fast-moving system moved in with the potential for damaging wind and hail. The alert targeted a stretch of communities from Gastonia and Mount Holly to Lowell and McAdenville, and officials urged residents to head indoors and stay put while the storm passed.
Storm Details From The NWS
At 7:14 p.m. EDT, the National Weather Service in Greenville‑Spartanburg reported a severe thunderstorm over Lowell, about 4 miles northeast of Gastonia, tracking east at roughly 20 mph. The warning, in effect until 7:45 p.m. EDT, flagged radar‑indicated wind gusts up to 60 mph and nickel‑sized hail and told residents to "expect damage to trees and power lines," according to National Weather Service. Communities specifically listed in the alert included Gastonia, Mount Holly, Belmont, Stanley, Cramerton, Lowell, Ranlo, McAdenville and Dallas.
How To Stay Safe
The Raleigh News & Observer's coverage passed along the safety advice included in the warning: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, keep clear of windows and wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before heading back outside, as reported by The Raleigh News & Observer. The update also relayed driving guidance from the alert: slow down on wet roads, avoid standing water and, if your vehicle starts to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator, steer into the skid and brake gently only as needed.
Where To Get Updates
For real‑time changes and mapping, residents were directed to follow the Greenville‑Spartanburg National Weather Service office and local broadcasters; the office’s briefing page and current hazards map are available on the NWS website, according to NWS Greenville‑Spartanburg office. Local emergency agencies and utility companies will provide updates on road closures and power outages if the storm causes damage.
