NWS issues a severe weather warning for Charlotte and surrounding areas | WFAE 90.7

UPDATED 4:55 p.m

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for west-central Chester County and east-central Union County in South Carolina until 5:15 p.m

At 4:45 p.m., a severe thunderstorm occurred 11 miles southeast of Union or near Carlisle, moving east at 30 miles per hour. Wind gusts of 60 miles per hour and half-dollar-sized hail are possible with this storm. Minor hail damage to vehicles is to be expected. Wind damage to trees and power lines is expected. To protect yourself, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Charlotte region effective May 8 at 3:48 p.m. through May 8 at 4:45 p.m. The warning comes as a severe thunderstorm moves east.

At 3:48 p.m., the severe thunderstorm was spotted about 4 miles southeast of Gastonia, near Cramerton. This storm is notable for its rapid movement, moving eastward at an estimated speed of 40 miles per hour. Key threats associated with this severe thunderstorm include wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and half-dollar-sized hail.

The source of this warning is radar readings that confirm the severity of weather conditions in the specified areas. Residents are advised to take immediate precautions as impacts from this storm may result in minor hail damage to vehicles, significant tree damage and possible wind damage to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings.

Areas likely to be affected include Gastonia, Uptown Charlotte, Huntersville, Central Charlotte, South Charlotte, Northeast Charlotte, Southwest Charlotte, East Charlotte, Northwest Charlotte and West Concord.

Seek shelter indoors, preferably an indoor space on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.