Severe storms and tornado watch impact parts of the Charlotte region

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Severe storms and tornado watch impact parts of the Charlotte region

Update 3/12/2026 10:00am:

The National Weather Service just issued a new alert for Concord NC, Indian Trail NC and Monroe NC until 10:45 AM EDT:

Original article 3/12/2026 9:30am:

Severe thunderstorms are moving across the Charlotte region this morning as warnings remain in effect across parts of the area.

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Chester County and eastern York County in South Carolina.

At 9:26 a.m., radar showed a line of storms stretching from southwest of York to southwest of Chester. The storms were moving northeast at about 45 mph.

Meteorologists warn the storms could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph, which may cause damage to trees and power lines.

Areas expected to be impacted include Rock Hill, York, Chester, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Newport, Lesslie, McConnells, Richburg, and Lowrys.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. for parts of Upstate South Carolina.

Weather officials say tornadoes can form quickly within severe thunderstorms, so residents should remain alert.

Safety guidance recommends moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building if dangerous weather approaches.

Meanwhile, the North Carolina mountains are experiencing accumulating snowfall, creating a sharp contrast with the severe weather moving through the Piedmont.

Union County Invests in Future with New Stafford Corrugated Global HQ

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Union County Invests in Future with New Stafford Corrugated Global HQ

Union County recently approved an economic development incentive grant for a massive new $10 million 60,000 square foot manufacturing facility to be built in the Charlotte suburb of Indian Trail.

The new facility will become the global headquarters of Stafford Corrugated Products Inc., which is recognized as one of the largest box manufacturers in the United States.

“Our new facility significantly increases Stafford’s ability to inventory more products and that’s great news for our customers,” says Tony D’Aprile, Founder and CEO of Stafford “But it also gives us the ability to develop and create new products that are essential to the corrugated industry. Our reputation of being known as the ‘go to’ guys will be enhanced by our increased ability to respond to customer needs.” 

As per the official Union County records, the total value of these incentives is estimated to be around $190,000.

What do you think about the new project and county incentives? 

North Carolina Leaders Unveil Bold Plan to Make NC Public Schools Best in Nation by 2030

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North Carolina Leaders Unveil Bold Plan to Make NC Public Schools Best in Nation by 2030

North Carolina education leaders have just launched an ambitious new plan to make the state’s public schools the best in the nation by 2030. The initiative, called “Achieving Educational Excellence,” is the first joint strategic plan between the Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education in more than a decade.

The plan was shaped by extensive input from educators, families, and local leaders in all 100 counties. He also announced a statewide tour this fall to encourage public engagement.

“This is a bold plan that matches North Carolina’s potential to have the best public schools in the country,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice Green in a press release. “We created this strategic plan after crossing the state listening to parents, students and educators about their hopes and dreams for education. Now, with the State Board of Education’s unanimous approval, I’m eager to get to work with educators, families, partners and students to make North Carolina’s public schools the best in the nation.”

The plan sets measurable goals, including raising the statewide graduation rate to 92%, increasing average ACT scores to 20, and leading the nation in National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results by 2030. Progress will be tracked through quarterly public reports and a new statewide “Excellence Report Card.”

The plan focuses on eight key priorities:

  • Prepare each student for their next phase in life

  • Revere and retain public school educators

  • Enhance parent, caregiver, and community support

  • Ensure healthy, safe, and secure learning environments

  • Optimize operational excellence across districts

  • Lead transformative change in public education

  • Celebrate excellence in student and educator achievement

  • Galvanize public and private support for long-term investment

Several major initiatives are already underway. A $25 million Golden LEAF Foundation grant will help transform math instruction in rural middle schools. A new NC College Connect program will guarantee admission to state universities for students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. The plan also includes expanded mental health support, Youth Mental Health First Aid training, a campaign to read 10 million books annually, and the creation of an endowment to fund two years of tuition-free postsecondary education.

If successful, the effort could significantly improve student outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and position North Carolina as a national leader in public education.

Charlotte’s Infamous ‘Epicenter’ aka ‘Queen City Quarter’ Is Going Up For Sale Again

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Charlotte’s Infamous ‘Epicenter’ aka ‘Queen City Quarter’ Is Going Up For Sale Again

One of Uptown Charlotte’s most high-profile and troubled entertainment districts is about to hit the market, again. The complex now known as Queen City Quarter, formerly the EpiCentre, is expected to be listed for sale again in the coming weeks.

Washington, D.C.–based CWCapital is preparing to market the property at 210 E. Trade St., according to commercial mortgage-backed securities loan documents.

The property is currently owned by Deutsche Bank, which foreclosed on the complex in March 2022. The bank later purchased the property at auction for $95 million as the sole bidder.

Developers previously attempted to reposition the aging nightlife hub into Queen City Quarter, a walkable mixed-use destination focused on restaurants, retail, and public gathering space.

However, efforts to revive the site have struggled, and multiple redevelopment attempts over the past decade have failed to fully restore the complex’s former popularity.

Now, real estate brokers are hoping upcoming sale could give a new owner the chance to breathe life back into one of Uptown Charlotte’s most recognizable properties.

Another Sewage Spill just hit Lake Norman After Contractor Damages Sewer Line

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Another Sewage Spill just hit Lake Norman After Contractor Damages Sewer Line

Another sewage spill has just occurred on Lake Norman after a wastewater line was damaged in Cornelius, according to local officials.

The overflow happened near Harbor Light Boulevard, where officials estimate about 100 gallons of sewage entered the lake.

Officials with Charlotte Water said a contractor accidentally damaged a low-pressure sewer pipe, triggering the spill.

Many homes along Lake Norman rely on low-pressure sewer systems that pump wastewater to Charlotte Water’s treatment plants.

Although this spill resulted from construction damage, officials say many sewage spills can be prevented with proper household habits.

Charlotte Water urges residents to throw items like wipes, paper towels, hair, cotton swabs, feminine products, dental floss, coffee grounds, and excess food in the trash.

Only toilet paper should be flushed, officials said.

Used oils and grease should also be taken to a full-service recycling center instead of poured down drains.

Anyone who suspects a sewage spill is encouraged to call 311 or 704-336-7600, which are monitored 24 hours a day.

University City Wine Fest Returns for Its 10th Annual Celebration on April 11

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University City Wine Fest Returns for Its 10th Annual Celebration on April 11

University City Partners, the nonprofit focused on strengthening University City through economic development and community-building events and activations, is proud to announce the details of its 10th annual University City Wine Fest, returning on April 11th. The weekend will kick off with a Royal Wine Dinner on April 9th and Wine on the Water experience on April 10th. More details and ticket information can be found here.

Royal Wine Dinner on April 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET: The Royal Wine dinner will return this year, taking place at one of University City’s newest restaurants and a Charlotte favorite, Sol’ Delish. Menu and ticket details will be announced closer to the event.

Wine on the Water on April 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET: Set against the scenic backdrop of the Boardwalk’s lakefront,  Wine on the Water offers guests a one-of-a-kind date night made easy. It’s the perfect excuse to sip on wines, listen to live music, and soak in the views. The wines provided are brut, pinot grigio, brut rosé, and a red blend. There will be two times available for booking: 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cover two people and cost $45.

Wine Fest on April 11 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET: Attendees are invited to savor over 100 wines from North Carolina’s top wineries and vendors, as well as a curated selection of craft brews from the Queen City’s favorite breweries, including but not limited to Armored Cow, Pilot, and Petty Thieves. Cocktails will also be available, served by iconic local bartenders from Lucky Dog, Side Eye, Sol Delish, and Soul Gastrolounge.

There are three types of tickets available, which can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event, though same-day availability is not guaranteed.

  • General Admission ($35): Four hours of boundless wine, craft brew, and cocktail tastings, and a festival souvenir sampling glass. Starting at 2 p.m. ET.

  • Early Admission ($45): Five hours of boundless wine, craft brew, and cocktail tastings, and a festival souvenir sampling glass. Starting at 1 p.m. ET.

  • VIP Admission ($500): Early entrance, ten tickets for a special VIP experience with a reserved covered table perfect to kick your feet up and enjoy some shade, four bottles of wine, unlimited tastings, and a souvenir glass. Entrance starting at 1 p.m. ET.

This year’s festival is brought to life by incredible sponsors, Greystar, Tito’s, and Mi Campo, who will help make the day a success and believe in the community of University City. Those interested in getting involved as a volunteer or a sponsor, please fill out the contact form here.

For all events, all attendees must be 21+ and present a valid government-issued ID for entry, and those under 21+ must be accompanied by an adult. A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit University City Foundation, the funding and fundraising tool to advance community development, community building, and placemaking programs and projects in the University City market area. For more information, visit https://universitycitywinefest.org/ or follow @univcitywinefest on Instagram.

One of America’s Largest Old-Growth Forests With 400+ Year Old Trees Lies A Short Drive From Charlotte

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One of America’s Largest Old-Growth Forests With 400+ Year Old Trees Lies A Short Drive From Charlotte

Drive west for about 3 hours from Charlotte and you’ll run into one of America’s most untouched and ancient woodlands – North Carolina’s legendary Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This magical place hosts over 100 varied species of trees, some of which are as old as 400 years and reach heights in excess of 100 feet.

Spanning an impressive 3,800 acres, this expansive woodland was designated as a protected national forest in 1936. The forest serves as a tribute to Joyce Kilmer, the writer of the poem “Trees”, who tragically lost his life while serving with the Allies in WW1.

The forest’s trees are not merely ancient and lofty, but also notable for their substantial girth, with some measuring over 20 feet around (wide enough to drive a small car through).

 

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The park includes a 2 mile walking trail that crosses a moss covered bridge and a waterfall;

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is located in Robbinsville, NC. It’s open year-round and admission to the park is free.

You can check out more about the park Learn more at this here on the US National Forest Service’s website.

Fort Mill School Board Passes Resolution To Have All of Silfab’s Hazardous Chemicals Permanently Removed

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Fort Mill School Board Passes Resolution To Have All of Silfab’s Hazardous Chemicals Permanently Removed


After two separate chemical spills last week at Silfab Solar’s factory in Fort Mill, the Fort Mill School Board has just passed a major resolution calling on top state officials to permanently restrict Silfab’s operations and require all hazardous chemicals be permanently removed from the site.

The new resolution specifically reads:

“NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this 10th day of March, 2026, that the Fort Mill School District Board of Trustees hereby formally requests that Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina General Assembly, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and the York County Council exercise their respective authorities to permanently limit the facility’s operations strictly to non-hazardous assembly processes and remove all hazardous chemicals on site in accordance with the facility’s current light industrial zone.”

The Tuesday night vote follows a series of chemical leaks at the facility located adjacent to Flint Hill Elementary School and within close proximity to several other Fort Mill schools.

Last week, a major Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) spill triggered a hazardous-materials response at the Fort Mill plant. According to York County officials, “there was an incident at 7149 Logistics Lane, which resulted in 1,530 gallons of potassium hydroxide being released”. The chemical spilled into Silfab’s retention pond bordering Flint Hill Elementary School and connected to the Fort Mill watershed. Over the weekend, Silfab pumped out roughly 300,000 gallons of liquid from the retaining pond for disposal off site, according to DES.

According to employees at the factory, the KOH spill began at around 7:30am on Tuesday morning. According to York County, the first emergency crews arrived at 9:45am. According to eye witnesses, the first emergency HAZMAT crew arrived on site at 10:36am.

At the time of the spill, school was in session and children were outside playing near the retention pond, according to parents.

SCDES later ordered Silfab to pause certain operations while investigators reviewed the incident.

The KOH spill was followed days later by the community being made aware of another chemical leak involving hydrofluoric acid at the factory.

Silfab’s full list of chemicals and the quantities they would need to store on site.

York County officials confirmed the HF leak and Flint Hill Elementary was forced to close the school Thursday and Friday out of an abundance of caution. It’s still unclear exactly how much HF leaked and how much of it became airborne.

Beyond the chemical incidents, the Silfab project has been at the center of a long-running zoning dispute in York County.

The factory sits on property zoned Light Industrial, and the York County Board of Zoning Appeals ruled in May of 2024 that Silfab’s operations cannot take place in a light industrial zone. That ruling occurred before any permits were issued to Silfab, and to this day, Silfab has still not received any change of use, zoning change, or zoning compliance from the county.

There are currently multiple active lawsuits that various organizations and community members have filed against Silfab and York County regarding the legality of their operations. There are even rumors that the legal fight could make it’s way up to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Over the past week, numerous high ranking politicians and officials across South Carolina have spoken out against Silfab, including Senator Tim Scott, Nancy Mace, Pamela Evette, and the Attorney General of South Carolina, Alan Wilson, who has called for full investigations into the chemical spills, and confirmed that county officials and the County Council has the authority to revoke Silfab’s permits.

With multiple investigations ongoing, several active lawsuits pending, and school officials now formally weighing in, the future of Silfab’s operations in Fort Mill are now more uncertain than ever.

Charlotte Selected to Host Gospel Music Awards

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Charlotte Selected to Host Gospel Music Awards

Charlotte will soon take center stage in the gospel music world. City leaders announced Tuesday that the Queen City will host the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, one of the most influential celebrations in gospel music.

The announcement came from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority in partnership with the awards’ producers.

The event will bring gospel artists, faith leaders, and fans from across the country to Charlotte. Officials say it highlights the city’s strong faith community and ties to gospel music and Black cultural expression.

The awards were established in 1985 and are produced by Central City Productions. The nationally televised ceremony airs on networks including the Stellar Network, BET, and Bounce TV.

Together, those broadcasts reach more than 3.6 million television viewers nationwide, with millions more watching online.

Local leaders say hosting the awards could also boost Charlotte’s visitor economy.

Michael Smith of Charlotte Center City Partners joined faith and hospitality leaders in highlighting the expected tourism and economic benefits tied to the nationally broadcast event.

CLT Travelers Urged to Arrive Early as Shutdown May Slow TSA Checkpoints

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CLT Travelers Urged to Arrive Early as Shutdown May Slow TSA Checkpoints

Travelers heading through Charlotte’s airport this spring break may encounter longer security lines as the busy travel season overlaps with a partial federal government shutdown.

Officials at Charlotte Douglas International Airport warned this week that the combination of increased travel and fewer available security officers could lead to extended wait times at checkpoints.

Airport leaders urged passengers to arrive earlier than usual to avoid missing flights.

Spring break already ranks among the busiest travel periods of the year. However, the shutdown has also reduced staffing among officers with the Transportation Security Administration, which could slow screening operations.

Travelers departing from Charlotte can also monitor current checkpoint delays before leaving home. Real-time security wait times are available through the airport’s website and mobile app.

The warning comes as passenger volumes at Charlotte Douglas continue to climb. The airport consistently ranks among the busiest in the nation for total aircraft movements.

For travelers in the Charlotte region, the advice is simple: arrive early, check wait times online, and prepare for potential delays during the peak spring break travel period.

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