CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One person died and thousands remain without power after severe weather swept across the Charlotte area on Wednesday into Thursday morning.
Multiple severe thunderstorm watches and warnings were issued when waves of strong storms rumbled across the Carolinas Wednesday into early Thursday.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service determined two separate tornadoes had impacted the region. Damage consistent with an EF1 tornado was found in Cleveland and Gaston counties. A second EF1 tornado caused damage near Gastonia and Belmont, the National Weather Service concluded.
A tornado warning was issued around 3 p.m. Wednesday for Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties. The National Weather Service reported widespread wind damage, including downed trees and power lines in Gaston County. There were also reports of quarter-sized hail in Bessemer City during the storms.
One person was killed in Gaston County when a tree fell on the car. Firefighters were able to rescue another person from the vehicle. A state of emergency was declared in Gaston County due to the widespread damage littering the county.
Numerous school districts canceled classes on Thursday, including Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties. Several Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are closed due to power outages in the Queen City.
Wednesday, Thursday storm damage in the Charlotte area
WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Charlotte weather meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
While people are cleaning up, many in the community are lending a helping hand. The Mystery Box, a second-hand business in Gastonia, opened its doors to help people without power.
They sell donated items to keep them out of landfills, and on Wednesday, someone donated a grill. The business said they decided to use the grill and feed those without power. The owner, Michelle Guyther, said it's a way they can help out.
“You did not know it was going to be what it was going to be," Guyther said. "It's a way we can help."
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.