Tornado Threat Shuts Down Charlotte Douglas International Airport

CHARLOTTE, NC — A tornado warning shut down air traffic Thursday morning at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as the entire Charlotte metro region was pounded by severe weather.

The Charlotte metro area and counties surrounding it are all under a tornado watch as severe storms move through the region. The watch includes 25 counties in North Carolina, including Mecklenburg and Iredell counties, according to the National Weather Service.

The tornado watch for the greater Charlotte metro is in effect until 5 p.m. A flash flood watch is also in effect for the region until midnight.

SEE ALSO: Tornado Watch Issued As Severe Weather Moves Into Metro

Airport passengers and staff were alerted to find shelter around noon, when the airport sent out the message, “Tornado Warning: Shelter in place away from windows. The FAA has evacuated the tower.”

The airport also suspended all its bus operations until the severe weather passed.

“If you are in a bus shelter, bus operations are suspended, shelter in your car,” the airport told passengers.

About a half-hour later, bus, TSA and terminal operations resumed; however, flights remained grounded.