MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Severe thunderstorms, including a potential microburst near Mooresville, produced damaging wind, hail, and heavy rain around Charlotte during the Wednesday evening commute home.
The National Weather Service was warning of severe thunderstorms over portions of Mecklenburg County, including Charlotte; York County, including Fort Mill and York; Gaston County, including Kings Mountain and Gastonia; and Chester County, including the City of Chester.
All of these storms were capable of producing 60 mph winds, which could bring down powerlines, trees, or cause damage to small and light structures.
The storms were also capable of producing one-inch size hail, which is about equal to a quarter coin.
Storm damage near Mooresville
A thunderstorm around 4 p.m. in Iredell County produced damage near Mooresville. While some social media posts speculated the damage could have been from a tornado, WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says it was likely wind damage from a microburst.
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A microburst is caused by thunderstorm winds that push outward from an epicenter. Radar data analyzed by Panovich showed potential winds upwards of 65 mph.
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The National Weather Service confirmed potential damage to structures around Mooresville.
WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker found trees down on a home along Cascade Street.
“It was mind-blowing and I came down and I saw it and I had to go around the corner and catch my breath," Dan Clement said.
While Clement figures out his next steps, he says he knows the future is uncertain but he feels lucky.
“All in all it could have been worse," he said.
In Clement's case, the city connected him with the Salvation Army and the Red Cross to obtain a safe place to sleep.
The city said there have been no reported injuries from the storm.
More photos from Mooresville shared with Panovich showed additional trees which had fallen and been uprooted.
Trees and power lines are also down near Mooresville, where Duke Energy reports near 2,000 customers are without power.
Mooresville residents also saw one-inch size hail, which is about the size of a quarter.
Hail in Gaston County
WCNC Charlotte viewers also shared pictures of hail in Gaston County.
Tyler Helton shared a photo of hail with Panovich via Twitter.
Video recorded by Huntington Hawkins shows the hail bouncing off their back deck and patio furniture.
Flooding in Charlotte
Flooding on the Charlotte Lab School Upper School campus Wednesday night moved school officials to make Thursday a remote learning day for grades 6-10. The building will be inspected prior to student and staff return.