First Alert: Severe Storms continue to move throughout area with Tornado Watches in place

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Although much cooler temperatures are in the forecast for the start of the workweek, rain and thunderstorm chances will remain elevated.

A Tornado Watch is in place until 9 p.m. for Cleveland Rutherford County.

A tornado warning was issued in Cabarrus County until 2:15 p.m., and Stanly and Rowan County until 2:45 p.m.

As of 2:30 p.m., thousands are without power in Concord, and Stanly and Rowan County. The City of Concord wrote on Twitter that crews are on scene and working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

WBTV Power Outage Resources

• First Alert: AM showers/PM downpours
• Cloudy and cooler 70s through mid-week
• Strong cold front brings more storms Thursday-Friday

For the most up-to-the-minute updates, download the WBTV Weather App.

The cool front that sparked late-weekend storms has now stalled across the WBTV viewing area and will be the trigger for more rain today. There can be a shower at just about any point today, but the greatest risk for heavy rain, thunder and lightning will arrive for the afternoon and evening hours. Keep the umbrella and First Alert Weather App handy as you head out the door!

There may be some localized flooding late today in widespread downpours, but the severe weather risk looks most possible in our southeastern counties - Piedmont/Sandhills - this afternoon and evening. Afternoon readings will range from the middle 60s in the mountains to the upper 70s /near 80 degrees around Charlotte.

Lingering showers and storms this evening will slowly taper down overnight and there may still be a shower around Tuesday morning ahead of what will be a very cloudy and cool day. Highs are only expected to reach the low 70s with high pressure locked into our northeast.

Wednesday will also feature more clouds than sunshine with scattered showers and storms possible and highs in the upper 70s.

By Thursday, our next cold front will be moving into the region, ushering in yet another good chance for showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe. Timing-wise, impacts look highest Thursday evening through Friday morning, but stay tuned for updates as we get a little closer. In advance of the front, we’ll likely see afternoon readings jump into the middle 80s both days.

Fortunately, we think drier conditions will work in for the second half of Friday and the start of the holiday weekend.

Hope you have a great week ahead!

Chief Meteorologist Al Conklin

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