Storm Topples Trees, Pelts Charlotte With Hail

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Some of the worst damage Sunday evening was in western Mecklenburg County.

Huge trees fell and power lines came down on Singing Pine Road in Westmoreland Estates just off Sam Wilson Road. Neighbors said they hadn't seen as much damage since Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

The storm also left damage two miles away on Wildlife Road where strong winds blew trees onto homes and ripped the roof off an outbuilding.

No one was hurt in either neighborhood.

VIDEO: Wild Weather Hits Charlotte-Mecklenburg County

Firefighters and the Red Cross set up a command center for evacuees at Sam Wilson Road and I-85. About 24 people sought shelter there.

The Red Cross found places for them to stay and the command center closed Sunday night.

The National Weather Service planned to visit Belmont Monday to determine whether a tornado touched down there.

The strong winds took off the roof of the Parkdale textile mill. Debris from that roof damaged several mobile homes.

Falling trees damaged at least four homes in Belmont and displaced one family. Residents called their families for help.

"They just called me and said 'Come! Come quickly. A tree went through the trailer. The top of mom and dad's house is missing. Come! Come!' So, we came as fast as we could," said Jason Scarboro.

People nearby also ran to a safe spot inside for cover. Hailey Shope, 9, said her grandmother helped keep her safe.

"The lights went out so she hugged me...and I was crying," said Shope.

One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Hail the size of ping-pong balls fell at the Lake Mist Apartments off Old Pineville Road in south Charlotte and dented cars in the parking lot. "I've never seen anything like this in my life," said Scott King, 53.

VIDEO: Hail Damage In Charlotte

More than 11,000 homes were without power including about 2,000 in Mecklenburg County. Officials with Duke Energy cautioned people not to touch fallen power lines because they could be live wires.

Four people were stranded in Gastonia when they drove their car on a flooded road. Water on Chapel Grove Road came up to the door of the car. All four people got out okay, but firefighters shut down the road.

WSOC