Carowinds, the popular theme park straddling the North and South Carolina border, announced a sudden closure on Thursday, June 5, 2025, just hours before inclement weather was forecasted for the Charlotte area.
The weather warning, which includes a flood advisory for the Charlotte, North Carolina area, prompted the unexpected early closure. Carowinds, known for its world-class roller coasters like Fury 325, Carolina Cyclone, and Copperhead Strike, made the call to close its gates as of 2:00 p.m. on June 5, as rain and potential flooding loomed over the park.
Located on the state line, Carowinds has long been a favorite for roller coaster enthusiasts and families alike, offering everything from heart-pumping rides to seasonal events like SCarowinds for Halloween and WinterFest for Christmas. The park also includes the expansive 26-acre Carolina Harbor water park, which operates on select days during the summer months.
The closure notice, shared via Instagram, read: “PARK UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, Carowinds will be closing at 2:00 p.m. today, June 5. Tickets dated June 5, 2025, will be valid through September 1, 2025.” The same notice was later posted on the park’s website.
By the time the announcement was made, rain had already begun to fall in Charlotte:
#NCwx
For Today, we have a coastal low that is giving us quite the rainy day for this morning and afternoon, the rain should start to taper down late afternoon and early evening, with isolated showers possible for Tonight.
There is a low risk of seeing some stronger storms SE of the Triad and closer to the coast, although the SPC hasn’t outlined a risk of severe weather, but we cannot rule out a warning or two.
The rain chances for Friday is lower but we are under a level 1 risk of seeing severe storms for the afternoon and evening, but for Saturday the rain chances increase as there is a potential for a MCS system to affect the area, mainly the southern sections of our forecast area closer to SC border and the Charlotte metro area, the SPC has outlined much of those areas under a level 2/5 risk of severe weather.
Rain chances will be with us for the next week or two at least, so keep the rain gear ready, but most days are not gonna be complete washouts for much people, these are your typical pop up storms.
-JR
For Today, we have a coastal low that is giving us quite the rainy day for this morning and afternoon, the rain should start to taper down late afternoon and early evening, with isolated showers possible for Tonight.
There is a low risk of seeing some stronger storms SE… pic.twitter.com/tfadJrRMpS
— NC's Weather Now – (@NCWXNOW) June 5, 2025
According to local weather source @NCWXNOW, flooding has already affected some roadways:
At 12:57 PM EDT, 2 WNW Gold Hill [Rowan Co, NC] Emergency Mngr reports Flood. Flooding near intersection of Gin Road and Eller Road where Gin Rd crosses creek. #ncwx https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/lsr/?by=wfo&wfo=GSP&sts=202506051657&ets=202506051657
At 12:57 PM EDT, 2 WNW Gold Hill [Rowan Co, NC] Emergency Mngr reports Flood. Flooding near intersection of Gin Road and Eller Road where Gin Rd crosses creek. #ncwx https://t.co/60H8OUVeop pic.twitter.com/ckWcs3Cxvw
— NC's Weather Now – (@NCWXNOW) June 5, 2025
Despite Thursday’s closure, Carowinds assured visitors that both the theme park and Carolina Harbor water park would be open the following day, June 6. Guests who had tickets for June 5 can use them at any time before September 1, 2025, ensuring that guests wouldn’t lose out on their experience due to the unforeseen weather delay.
While the rain is expected to taper off later in the evening, guests are advised to prepare for isolated showers throughout the weekend. This could affect select outdoor attractions at Carowinds and Carolina Harbor, even after the parks reopen.
Did this closure notice impact your visit to Carowinds? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
