Month: August 2019

By Ashley Strickland, CNN CNN — In regions of the United States and Mexico that are prone to hurricanes, aggressive spiders are evolving to survive and ride out the storm. When hurricanes rage along the Gulf of Mexico or charge up the East Coast, they can reshape an entire habitat in a short time. The winds destroy trees and spread debris for miles, putting new pressure on the creatures living in these environments. But how…

By Elizabeth Gardner, WRAl meteorologist, & Emmy Victor, WRAL reporter Benson, N.C. — Cleanup was underway in Benson on Friday morning after strong storms moved through Thursday night. A National Weather Service report at 6:45 p.m. Thursday said that at least 40 trees and multiple power lines fell, damaging several houses. WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said the damage likely came from downburst winds rather than a tornado. When a storm is high in the atmosphere,…

BENSON, N.C. (WTVD) — Fierce storms blew through Johnston County on Thursday night, with winds tearing the roof off an old Chevrolet dealership in Benson. Pieces of that roof were found several blocks away near I-95. Highway 242 between Benson and I-40 were overcome with water. Benson Mayor Jery M. Medlin told ABC11 said what he thought may have been a tornado came across kind of the middle of town, taking tops off of some…

By Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL meteorologist Raleigh, N.C. — The Triangle and much of central North Carolina are under a Level 1 risk for severe weather Thursday and some of the storms could be strong. WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said the storms could fire up in the afternoon and last into the evening hours. The storms could bring downpours, lightning, gusty winds and hail, she said. But the rest of central North Carolina could also see…