The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in effect until 10pm this evening for the following areas:
Western North Carolina counties: Alexander, Avery, Catawba, Graham, Madison, Mitchell, Swain and Yancey
Piedmont North Carolina counties: Cabarrus, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union
This also includes the cities of: Bakersville, Bryson City, Burnsville, Charlotte, Cherokee, Chester, Concord, Gastonia, Hickory, Lincolnton, Marshall, Mocksville, Monroe, Mooresville, Newland, Newton, Robbinsville, Rock Hill, Salisbury, Statesville and Taylorsville