Medic responds to at least 14 accidents in Charlotte, multiple road closures isssued

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CHARLOTTE ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Medic has responded to at least 14 accidents Friday morning across Charlotte as Helene moves over the Carolinas, bringing widespread flooding.

As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, Medic said they’ve responded to 14 accidents. Thankfully, no injuries have been life-threatening, they said.

“Let’s keep that number low by staying home and driving slow if you must,” Medic said.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced a number of road closures Friday morning including I-77 southbound that was partially shut down early Friday morning as crews worked on a downed power line. “Please avoid the area,’ CMPD said.

Another road closure was announced in the 700 block of Eastway Drive in the North Tryon Division. A third road closure was in the 8500 block of Mt Holly-Huntersville Road Friday due to a downed tree, CMPD announced.

A fourth road closure was reported at Queens Road at Providence Road. CMPD said this area is closed. “Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes,” authorities said.

A fifth road closure was issued at N. Tryon Street at 16th Street Friday morning.

“High winds from the recent storm have caused significant damage across our area. Charlotte Fire is actively responding to multiple incidents involving downed trees and power lines,” emergency crews said on Friday morning.

Hurricane Helene made landfall last night as a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 MPH. Today is a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day as Hurricane Helene moves inland.

The worst impacts from the storm will be during the early morning hours with flooding rains, high winds, and possible tornadoes. But just as quickly as the storm moves in, Helene will clear out with much quieter weather on the way this weekend.

The worst impacts from Helene are expected this morning as the center of the storm moves just west of the Central Carolinas with an additional seven to ten inches of rain in the mountains, with widespread flooding expected across the mountains.

Along with the flooding rains widespread wind gusts of up to 55 MPH are possible around Charlotte with higher gusts possible in the mountains. The wind gusts will peak during the mid-morning hours as the heaviest rain moves through. Along with the strong straight-line winds we are expecting possible tornadoes as a line of strong storms moves through.

By the middle of the day the rain, wind, and severe weather will clear out of the region with partly cloudy skies expected later in the day. Over the weekend, we are expecting generally dry weather with just an isolated shower possible during the afternoon.

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