CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cleanup continues across the Charlotte-area from severe storms Sunday evening. An intense microburst with winds upwards of 70 mph impacted communities near Lake Norman.
Communities like Troutman and Mooresville were hit by a microburst around 6:25 to 6:35 p.m.
The strong line of storms with powerful, damaging wind gusts as the primary impact developed a few hours after a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service.
The line of storms moved southeast around 20 to 30 mph. Radar images shows how the leading edge of the storm "bowing out," which is indicative of strong winds reaching the surface and spreading out horizontally.
A microburst is a localized column of rapidly sinking air coupled with heavy rain. As it hits the ground, it spreads out in all directions causing strong and damaging straight-line winds. As a result, trees, homes, and power lines were suddenly impacted due to the intensity of the wind.
This type of weather phenomenon is common in the Charlotte area. Microbursts tend to cause significant wind damage in very concentrated areas of 2.5 miles in diameter or less.
The intense downdraft winds often pack a punch and pose a real threat to both life and property. Depending on the height of the storm, aviation can also be impacted.
Local storm reports from Sunday’s severe weather event show several other locations across the Piedmont sustained tree damage from thunderstorm wind gusts.
Contact KJ Jacobs at kjacobs3@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.