CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pea-size hail fell across the greater Charlotte area Wednesday as a strong thunderstorm moved through the Carolinas.
The storm had radar-estimated winds up to 40 mph as it moved through the Carolinas, bringing a coating of hail to communities including Charlotte, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Gastonia.
While the storm was not strong enough to meet the National Weather Service's definition of a "severe thunderstorm," the storm was strong enough for those trying to travel for Thanksgiving. Flights were temporarily disrupted at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as ground crews, including those who handle fuel and baggage, sought shelter from the storm. Incoming flights were left circling away from the storm until it was safe to land.
WCNC Charlotte viewers shared photos and videos of the strong winds and small hail.
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Eric Height sent a video from Gastonia, where you can see and hear the hail falling on a backyard patio and table.
Tracy Fitzgerald sent a photo of hail, which had accumulated on the ground in Clover, South Carolina.
Video by Grant Baldwin shows small hail also falling at Optimist Hall in Charlotte.
A drone picture from Drew King in Waxhaw showed the storm's leading edge, called a shelf cloud, along with a lightning strike.
If it is safe to do so, photos and videos can be shared with WCNC Charlotte by texting 704-329-3600. Photos and videos can also be uploaded to the "Near Me" map on WCNC Charlotte's mobile app.
The National Weather Service will issue a severe thunderstorm any time a storm has winds of either 60 mph winds or one inch-sized hail. Wednesday's storms did not qualify for this type of severe weather alert.
The rain Wednesday comes a day after Charlotte saw one of its rainiest days in months. Heavy rains Tuesday night helped ease some of the still-present drought conditions.
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