The National Weather Service has issue a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Rowan County until 6 p.m.
At 5 p.m., the service’s Doppler radar indicated a severe storm with quarter-size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, according to a release from Frank Thomason at Rowan Emergency Services.
The storm was located near Cleveland or 10 miles east of Statesville and moving east at 15 mph.
Locations impacted include Cleveland, Cooleemee, Woodleaf, Salisbury, Spencer, High Rock Lake and Fork Church.
Large hail can cause major property damage, especially to vehicles, and winds may blow down trees and power lines.
Residents are advised to seek shelter in an interior room if the storm hits their area.