Update 3/16/2026 at 10:00am:
Severe storms triggered tornado warnings across the Charlotte area Monday morning as a powerful line of thunderstorms moved through the region.
The National Weather Service issued multiple alerts as storms brought threats of damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes across the Carolinas.
A Tornado Warning was issued around 9:45 a.m. for parts of Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties after radar detected storm rotation. The warning covered northeast Mecklenburg and southwestern Cabarrus, including University City, Harrisburg, and the area near Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Tornado Warning continues for Concord NC until 10:15 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/R3OxUS2Way
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) March 16, 2026
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning covered Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Chester, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, and York counties until 10 a.m.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch will remain in effect for much of the Charlotte metro until 11 a.m., while a Tornado Watch covered Anson, Chesterfield, Richmond, Stanly, and Dorchester counties until 2 p.m.
Original Article 3/14/2026 at 8:00pm:
Severe weather could impact North Carolina on Sunday and Monday, with forecasters warning that damaging storms and possible tornadoes may develop across the region.
The National Weather Service says a strong cold front moving toward the state will create the right conditions for dangerous storms. Warm temperatures, high moisture levels, and atmospheric instability will help storms intensify ahead of the front.
The main line of storms is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon. Forecasters say the primary threat will be damaging wind gusts that could reach 45 mph.
However, isolated tornadoes are also possible if storms strengthen quickly.
Severe weather could begin forming as early as late Sunday morning before expanding through the afternoon hours.
Researchers have also noted that hailstones across the United States appear to be growing larger in recent years, increasing the potential for storm damage during severe weather events.
March is typically the start of a more active stretch for severe storms across the country. During the first ten days of March 2026 alone, at least 35 tornadoes were reported nationwide, with 10 associated fatalities, according to preliminary weather service data and local officials.
For comparison, the 30-year average number of tornado-related deaths during the first three months of the year is about 19 to 20.
After the storms pass, a sharp temperature drop is expected Sunday night. Overnight lows could fall into the 30s.
That colder air will carry into the start of the week. Forecasters say Tuesday’s St. Patrick’s Day could be the coldest the region has seen since 2014.
