Charlotte, North Carolina – Commuters across western and central North Carolina face a stormy start Monday as strong thunderstorms sweep across the region with the potential for wind gusts up to 60 mph through the late morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 a.m. Monday for 34 counties across the mountains and western Piedmont, including Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Catawba, Iredell, Union, and Gaston counties. Storms moving east could produce damaging winds capable of downing trees and power lines, especially during the morning commute.
Cities including Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, Boone, and Gastonia may see brief heavy rain and sudden wind bursts as the line of storms pushes through the region. In the foothills and mountain counties such as Burke, Caldwell, Watauga, and Yancey, higher elevations could experience stronger gusts where storms interact with terrain.
Transportation agencies warn drivers to watch for debris on roads and reduced visibility in downpours, particularly along I-40, I-85, and I-77 corridors where early travel volumes are highest.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and keep mobile devices charged in case isolated power outages develop. The strongest storms are expected to move east of the mountains by late morning, though additional alerts could be issued if storms intensify.
