Storm soaks Charlotte hours before Obama’s speech

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A thunderstorm popped up over the site of the Democratic National Convention about seven hours before President Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech.

Heavy rain started around 3:15 p.m. Thursday, and the National Weather Service issued a lightning advisory for the Charlotte airport.

Campaign officials had decided earlier in the week to move Obama’s speech indoors because of the chance of rain.

The afternoon downpour soaked people outside of Bank of America Stadium, where Obama was originally supposed to speak. Instead, he’ll deliver the address at the smaller Time Warner Cable Arena.

More storms are possible the rest of the afternoon, but forecasters say the weather should clear later Thursday evening.

It was a muggy day in Charlotte with temperatures in the 80s and humidity above 50 percent before the rain.