Sunday afternoon turned stormy fast for communities just south of Charlotte, as the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Lancaster County, S.C., calling for 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail along a line of storms sweeping through the region. Nearby Chester, Chesterfield and Union counties were placed under a severe thunderstorm watch through 9 p.m., with the storms expected to roll west to east across the Charlotte metro during the late-afternoon commute.
What the NWS warned
In its bulletin for Lancaster County, the National Weather Service warned that “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to trees and powerlines,” with forecasters calling for wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail. According to the National Weather Service, the warning was tied to radar-indicated strong cells moving east. People in the warned area were urged to head indoors to the lowest floor of a sturdy building and to avoid travel if they could.
Where watches are in effect
A severe thunderstorm watch for Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster and Union counties was scheduled to run until 9 p.m., according to WBTV. Local forecasters said the bulk of the storms could slide across the greater Charlotte area between about 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., heightening the risk of damaging winds and brief but heavy downpours. Officials warned that any storms that stall or train over the same area could trigger localized flash flooding.
Power and safety
Utilities cautioned that strong gusts and falling limbs can bring down power lines and cause outages, and Duke Energy stressed the importance of steering clear of any downed or sagging lines and reporting potential hazards to utilities or emergency services. Per Duke Energy, customers should assume all downed lines are energized and avoid floodwater near electrical equipment. If a live wire lands on a vehicle, utilities advise staying inside until crews or first responders arrive, unless there is an immediate life-threat.
Timing and flood risk
Forecasters said that excessive rainfall across parts of the Carolinas through Sunday and Monday could bring a slight risk of isolated flash flooding in low-lying and urban spots. The mix of frequent lightning, strong winds and intense bursts of rain could make driving hazardous and lead to sudden rises on small streams and roadways. Drivers are urged not to go through standing water and to follow local guidance as conditions and warnings evolve.
How to prepare now
Before storms arrive, residents are encouraged to charge phones, bring pets and loose outdoor items inside, and move vehicles under cover if they can. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service and local broadcasters, and sign up for mobile alerts from your county emergency management office. If you encounter downed power lines or other immediate hazards, stay away and report them to your utility or local emergency services.
