Severe thunderstorm watch issued

An area of strong thunderstorms is crossing the Charlotte metro region Monday morning, and more thunderstorm activity is possible for the next few hours.

Severe thunderstorm warnings that were in effect earlier for several counties west of Charlotte have expired, and there were no reports of significant damage.

Bryan McAvoy, at the National Weather Service office in Greer, S.C., says strong storms are crossing northern Mecklenburg and adjacent counties shortly before noon. McAvoy says those storms could produce wind gusts of about 40 mph.

Heavy rain is falling in a number of places across Mecklenburg County.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1 p.m., covering all of the Charlotte area. The storm threat is being caused by a rather powerful autumn low pressure system that triggered 174 reports of tornadoes, damaging winds and hail Sunday.

Farther to the south, a tornado watch is in effect until 1 p.m. for parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

We'll continue to stay on top of the stormy conditions today.

A line of severe storms plowed into the North Carolina mountains around daybreak Monday, causing reports of damage in Swain, Franklin, Jackson and Macon counties. Those storms weakened considerably as they moved into slightly more stable air in the foothills.

The atmosphere is primed for trouble, and if you want proof, just take a step outdoors. After several days (weeks, really) of very dry conditions, it is quite humid. Dewpoint temperatures, a measure of humidity, have been in the 20s and 30s for the last several days. This morning, they're in the 60s. Those are summer-type readings.

And unlike some severe weather episodes, the warm and muggy conditions won't come to an end when the storm system passes our area later today.

It will remain warm and humid Tuesday, with high temperatures reaching 80 degrees under partly sunny skies. More 80-degree weather is likely Wednesday, but showers and thunderstorms will return. Then a cold front will move across the region, bringing a return of conditions more appropriate for late October.