Houston weather: Flash Flood Watch, Tornado Watch as cold front sweeps through | View live radar

Houston weather: Flash Flood Watch, Tornado Watch as cold front sweeps through | View live radar

And the temperatures are about to plunge into the 30s and 40s as we ring in 2021. HOUSTON — The overnight hours were relatively calm weather-wise in Houston proper, but we can’t let our guard down yet. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for Chambers, Galveston and Liberty counties until 3 p.m. There is also a Flash Flood Watch for parts of the Houston area through 3 p.m. today. Much of the heavy rainfall overnight…

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Houston weather: Flash Flood Warning for Brazoria, Galveston counties as cold front sweeps through | View live radar

Houston weather: Flash Flood Warning for Brazoria, Galveston counties as cold front sweeps through | View live radar

And the temperatures are about to plunge into the 30s and 40s as we ring in 2021. HOUSTON — The overnight hours were relatively calm weather-wise in Houston proper, but we can’t let our guard down yet. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Brazoria and Galveston County until 1:45 p.m.   A Tornado Watch is in effect for Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston and Harris Counties until 3 p.m. today — especially for…

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New Year's Eve storms, possible tornados expected in South

New Year's Eve storms, possible tornados expected in South

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Severe storms capable of spinning up tornados are expected across the Deep South. Forecasters say the storms are expected to strike the region on Thursday — New Year’s Eve. The national Storm Prediction Center says the area most at risk of severe weather on Thursday includes parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and southeast Texas. The region at enhanced risk of severe weather includes more than 4 million people and the metropolitan areas…

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Heavy snow expected in Texas; storm could spawn tornadoes

Heavy snow expected in Texas; storm could spawn tornadoes

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A winter storm moving across southwestern Texas on Wednesday could dump more than a foot (0.30 meters) of snow before moving eastward and possibly spawning tornadoes in parts of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi on New Year’s Eve, according to weather forecasters. The storm produced what Grams said was a likely a brief tornado in Corsicana, Texas, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Dallas shortly before noon Wednesday. More than a…

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Multiple homes damaged in massive Steele Creek fire

Multiple homes damaged in massive Steele Creek fire

Dozens of first responders were called to the Selkirk neighborhood in southwest Charlotte early Wednesday morning when multiple homes were on fire. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of first responders are still on the scene of a large fire that damaged multiple homes in Charlotte’s Steele Creek neighborhood early Wednesday morning.  It happened on Selkirshire Road, about a mile from the Charlotte Premium Outlets. Multiple Charlotte Fire, Medic and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police units were called to the…

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'We're preparing for a hurricane:' NC hospitals at precipice as COVID-19 slams capacity

'We're preparing for a hurricane:' NC hospitals at precipice as COVID-19 slams capacity

CLAYTON, N.C. (WTVD) — Health administrators and physicians across North Carolina on Tuesday warned that hospitals are on the precipice of exceeding capacity as the holiday surge of COVID-19 pummels the state. “The issue is staffing,” Dr. Rodney McCaskill, Chief Medical Officer at UNC Hospital in Clayton, told ABC11. “There are not enough nurses or respiratory therapists for beds. The patients coming in are much sicker than what we saw before COVID, and COVID illness…

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Hurricanes, virus can't stop Louisiana couple's wedding

Hurricanes, virus can't stop Louisiana couple's wedding

GRAND LAKE La. (AP) — Most couples might have wondered whether the forces of nature were against them after moving their wedding three times because of the pandemic and two hurricanes that hit almost the exact same spot within weeks of one another. But Emily Kitfield and Taylor Pascale were even more determined than ever to tie the knot. And in a small ceremony Dec. 5 surrounded by close friends and family, Emily finally got…

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'Presents don’t matter, but family does' | Virginia family thankful after close call with Christmas Eve tornado

'Presents don’t matter, but family does' | Virginia family thankful after close call with Christmas Eve tornado

“By the time I got downstairs it was pretty much over… longest minute and a half of my life, that’s for sure,” Cary Glover said. SUFFOLK, Va. — Within a matter of minutes, it had already come and gone.  “It happened so fast, within a minute it was all over,” Morris Glover Jr. said, standing on the driveway of his Dutch Road home in Suffolk. The Glover family has lived in their Holland-area house for…

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Severe storms move out of the Triangle, flooding still possible

Severe storms move out of the Triangle, flooding still possible

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — Christmas Eve was a busy day of weather watches and warnings across central and eastern North Carolina. Wake county was under a severe thunderstorm warning until 10 p.m. on Thursday night. Winds of up to 60 mph were possible as a band of storms bringing heavy rain and strong winds moved east. Much of the Triangle is also still under a flood advisory until midnight. Some areas…

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Tornado watch in effect for several NC counties until 10 p.m.

Tornado watch in effect for several NC counties until 10 p.m.

RALEIGH (WTVD) — As strong storms move through central North Carolina, several weather alerts are active. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings all along the I-95 Corridor. Tornado Warnings have expired but still some rotation is visible. We might see another isolated tornado in the next hour or so along this line. pic.twitter.com/RR5oz3dVvN — Brittany Bell (@BrittanyABC11) December 24, 2020 Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Edgecombe, Halifax and Nash until 5:45 p.m. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in effect for…

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Severe thunderstorms march east across NC; tornadoes possible through 10 p.m.

Severe thunderstorms march east across NC; tornadoes possible through 10 p.m.

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — The Triangle saw gusty winds and downpours through mid-day on Christmas Eve, while tornado warnings popped up to the south. Just after 4 p.m., nine counties were under severe weather alert warnings. Much of the eastern half of the state, including Wake and Johnston counties, is under a tornado watch – which means conditions are right for tornadoes to form – through 10 p.m. At 4 p.m.,…

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Tornado warnings along I-95, in Sandhills; severe thunderstorms march through central NC

Tornado warnings along I-95, in Sandhills; severe thunderstorms march through central NC

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — The Triangle saw gusty winds and downpours through mid-day on Christmas Eve, while tornado warnings popped up to the south. Just after 4 p.m., nine counties were under severe weather alert warnings. Much of the eastern half of the state, including Wake and Johnston counties, is under a tornado watch – which means conditions are right for tornadoes to form – through 10 p.m. At 4 p.m.,…

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Tornado warnings issued for multiple counties as storm moves north

Tornado warnings issued for multiple counties as storm moves north

RALEIGH (WTVD) — As strong storms move through central North Carolina, several severe weather alerts are active. A Tornado Warning has been issued for Sampson, Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson counties until 4:30 p.m. A Tornado Warning has been issued for Cumberland, Sampson, Edgecombe, Johnston, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties until 4:30 p.m. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Franklin, Johnston and Wake until 4:15 p.m. A Tornado Warning has been issued for Johnston,…

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Tornado warning issued for Cumberland, Sampson counties

Tornado warning issued for Cumberland, Sampson counties

RALEIGH (WTVD) — As strong storms move through central North Carolina, several severe weather alerts are active. A Tornado Warning has been issued for Cumberland, Sampson, Edgecombe, Johnston, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties until 4:30 p.m. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Franklin, Johnston and Wake until 4:15 p.m. A Tornado Warning has been issued for Johnston, Sampson and Wayne counties until 4:00 p.m. A Tornado Warning is in effect for Johnston and…

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Tornado warnings in effect; severe thunderstorms march through central NC

Tornado warnings in effect; severe thunderstorms march through central NC

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — The Triangle saw gusty winds and downpours through mid-day on Christmas Eve, while tornado warnings popped up to the south. Much of the eastern half of the state, including Wake and Johnston counties, is under a tornado watch – which means conditions are right for tornadoes to form – through 10 p.m. Just before 3 p.m., a warning was issued, meaning tornado conditions were detected by radar,…

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Tornado warnings issued for parts of Johnston, Wayne counties

Tornado warnings issued for parts of Johnston, Wayne counties

RALEIGH (WTVD) — As strong storms move through central North Carolina, several severe weather alerts are active. Tornado Warning is in effect for Johnston; Wayne counties until 4:00 p.m. A Tornado Warning is in effect for parts of Sampson, Wayne and Johnston counties until 3:15 p.m. Another Tornado Warning is in effect for parts of Sampson County until 3:30 p.m. A Tornado Watch has been issued for Cumberland, Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Nash,…

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Tornado warnings in effect; dangerous storms spotted near Clinton, headed towards Goldsboro

Tornado warnings in effect; dangerous storms spotted near Clinton, headed towards Goldsboro

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — The Triangle saw gusty winds and downpours through mid-day on Christmas Eve, while tornado warnings popped up to the south. Much of the eastern half of the state, including Wake and Johnston counties, is under a tornado watch – which means conditions are right for tornadoes to form – through 10 p.m. Just before 3 p.m., a warning was issued, meaning tornado conditions were detected by radar,…

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Tornado Watch issued for eastern counties in central NC

Tornado Watch issued for eastern counties in central NC

RALEIGH (WTVD) — A tornado watch has been issued for Cumberland, Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Nash, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wake, Warren, Wayne and Wilson counties until 10 p.m. Thursday evening. Mother Nature is putting some coal in our stockings with this Christmas Eve forecast. We will see a significant system swing through this afternoon and evening. Ahead of it, the warm air will surge into North Carolina and we get temps that are…

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NC braces for threat of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes on Christmas Eve

NC braces for threat of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes on Christmas Eve

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — The Triangle is preparing for the possibility of severe storms, gusty winds and even a tornado threat for Christmas Eve. “Damaging wind gusts and tornadoes will be possible from 2 to 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve,” said WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood. On Thursday, the Triangle is under a Level 2 risk for severe weather, and counties east of Raleigh, including the coast, are under a Level 3…

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2 months after hurricanes, Louisiana residents still hurting

2 months after hurricanes, Louisiana residents still hurting

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — As southwest Louisiana recovers from the back-to-back hurricanes that hammered the region this year, signs of progress compete with lingering evidence of mass destruction. The fallen trees that carpeted neighborhoods have mostly been chopped up and hauled away, but the roofs they devoured are still covered in blue tarps. Piles of debris still line the roads. Brandy Monticello is thankful for the progress. She and her wife no longer have…

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Severe weather possible on Christmas Eve in Charlotte

Severe weather possible on Christmas Eve in Charlotte

A line of storms will produce heavy rain, strong winds and bring the threat of flash flooding to the Charlotte, North Carolina region on Christmas Eve. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolinas are preparing for a stormy Christmas Eve as a weather system will bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to the Charlotte area Thursday afternoon.  First Warn Forecaster Larry Sprinkle said there will be scattered showers across the area Christmas Eve morning before the heavier precipitation…

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Strong to severe storms and tornadoes possible Christmas Eve

Strong to severe storms and tornadoes possible Christmas Eve

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — To top off 2020, the Triangle could see severe weather, isolated tornados and damaging winds on Christmas Eve. The Triangle is under a Level 1 risk for storms and counties east of Raleigh are under a Level 2 risk for severe storms on Thursday. The greatest threat for our area is damaging wind gusts during the storms. The Triangle could see some “supercells,” or rotating thunderstorms on…

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Severe storms, damaging winds possible Christmas Eve

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Raleigh, N.C. — To top off 2020, the Triangle could see severe weather, isolated tornados and damaging winds on Christmas Eve. The Triangle is under a Level 1 risk for storms and counties east of Raleigh are under a Level 2 risk for severe storms on Thursday. There will be a strong jet stream coming in, which means there will be a great deal of wind in the atmosphere. The…

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Carolina Hurricanes arena sustained damages after water leak

Carolina Hurricanes arena sustained damages after water leak

Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp PNC Arena, home of the Carolina Hurricanes (Photo: Ed Clemente / MGN) RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The home of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes sustained $250,000 in damages after a water leak was discovered in the room where video replays are controlled for the overhead scoreboard. The News & Observer of Raleigh reports some team employees returned to PNC Arena in Raleigh earlier this month to find the leak in the CanesVision…

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NC curfew poses bigger problem for Waffle House than hurricanes

NC curfew poses bigger problem for Waffle House than hurricanes

By Lora Lavigne, WRAL Durham reporter Durham, N.C. — Known for staying open through hurricanes to serve “good food fast,” overnight business at Waffle House has been very slow since North Carolina imposed a nightly curfew last week to curb the spread of coronavirus. People are allowed to get food during the 10 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew, but Fred Anton, senior vice president of restaurant operations for Waffle House, said he’s already seen a drop in…

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NC Gov. Cooper signs disaster declaration after deadly North Carolina flooding

NC Gov. Cooper signs disaster declaration after deadly North Carolina flooding

Homeowners and small businesses still recovering from Eta’s devastating flooding are eligible for low-interest federal loans to rebuild and replace property. RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper signed a state disaster declaration for Alexander County and the surrounding areas of western North Carolina after heavy rains caused deadly floods and catastrophic damage in November, the governor’s office announced Tuesday. “The tragic consequences of this storm left loved ones grieving, families without homes, and damaged communities,”…

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NC Gov. Cooper signs disaster declaration deadly North Carolina flooding

NC Gov. Cooper signs disaster declaration deadly North Carolina flooding

Homeowners and small businesses still recovering from Eta’s devastating flooding are eligible for low-interest federal loans to rebuild and replace property. RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper signed a state disaster declaration for Alexander County and the surrounding areas of western North Carolina after heavy rains caused deadly floods and catastrophic damage in November, the governor’s office announced Tuesday. “The tragic consequences of this storm left loved ones grieving, families without homes, and damaged communities,”…

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Damaged by Hurricane Florence, Boiling Spring Lakes Motel reopens

Damaged by Hurricane Florence, Boiling Spring Lakes Motel reopens

BOILING SPRING LAKES, NC (WWAY)–Stephanie Bodmer and her husband Robert Gosnell have brought an iconic landmark in Brunswick County back to life. The couple purchased the Boiling Spring Lakes Motel in December of 2018. In September of 2018, the motel was flooded with over a foot of water in Hurricane Florence. Nearly two years later the ‘Mom and Pop’ motel has opened their doors, something Bodmer’s late father would be proud of. “He always asked…

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Wilmington replants trees in areas hit hard by Hurricane Florence

Wilmington replants trees in areas hit hard by Hurricane Florence

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Contractors were out in Wilmington on Friday planting trees in areas hit hard by Hurricane Florence.  The city says they are planting 285 trees, which are wind resistant, predominantly large-canopied trees of different sizes that best fit available spaces. Funding for the trees comes from charges paid by developers that cut down trees rather than save or replant them, or fines paid for illegally cutting down trees without a permit, according to…

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Carolina Hurricanes host toy drive; GM says NHL could return Jan. 13

Carolina Hurricanes host toy drive; GM says NHL could return Jan. 13

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — It’s been 10 months since fans saw live action inside PNC arena but the Carolina Hurricanes are making sure the community continues to feel the team’s support. From now through Dec. 17, the Canes are hosting a toy drive at the team store to benefit the Durham Children’s Initiative. “We felt it was very important to provide an opportunity…to these kids that otherwise might not have any Christmas presents under the…

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Heavy rains cause floods in parts of Slovenia, Croatia

Heavy rains cause floods in parts of Slovenia, Croatia

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Heavy rains have battered parts of Slovenia and Croatia close to the Adriatic Sea coast, causing floods and landslides, blocking roads and disrupting traffic. Persistent rain in coastal Slovenia on Wednesday made the Dragonja river overflow its banks along the border with Croatia, blocking a key road in the area and forcing closure of a border crossing. A landslide brought down trees in the area of the port town of Koper and…

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High tide floods Venice as dike-on-demand wasn't activated

High tide floods Venice as dike-on-demand wasn't activated

High tides flooded St. Mark’s Square in Venice on Tuesday, propelled by winds that were stronger than predicted, and an experimental system of inflatable barriers wasn’t activated to prevent water from invading the lagoon city. The system, while still in an experimental phase, gets activated when high tides are predicted to reach at least 1.3 meters (4 feet, 4 inches). Tuesday’s tide was predicted to reach 1.25 meters. Instead, it kept rising, to a height…

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Vast wildfires in Siberia linked to warming Arctic

Vast wildfires in Siberia linked to warming Arctic

By CHRISTINA LARSON, AP Science Writer WASHINGTON — This year’s vast wildfires in far northeastern Russia were linked to broader changes in a warming Arctic, according to a report Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Wildfires are a natural part of many boreal ecosystems, but the extent of flames during the past fire season was directly influenced by climate change, said Alison York, a University of Alaska Fairbanks fire scientist and a contributor…

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Australian tumbleweeds swamp neighborhood during wind storm: 'It's completely taken over our back yard'

Australian tumbleweeds swamp neighborhood during wind storm: 'It's completely taken over our back yard'

HILLSIDE, Australia — A rare and wild sight greeted residents of one Australian neighborhood when a strong wind storm blew a freakish amount of tumbleweeds into their development over the weekend. Residents said the grass, known locally as “hairy panic,” seemed to blow out of nowhere into Hillside, a suburb of Melbourne. It piled up across streets, yards and even a pool, reaching hip-height in front of one woman’s home. “Our garden is normally immaculately…

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Drought And High Risk Of Wildfire Are Likely In Texas At Least Through Winter

Drought And High Risk Of Wildfire Are Likely In Texas At Least Through Winter

The risk of wildfires will be higher than normal through the winter in much of Texas. It’s yet another effect of the drought that continues to worsen in much of the state, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Though parts of Texas got some rain after the Thanksgiving holiday, the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor map shows nearly a quarter of the state is now classified in “extreme drought.” The story behind the drought…

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Triangle eastward under Level 1 risk for severe weather tonight

Triangle eastward under Level 1 risk for severe weather tonight

By WRAL Severe Weather Center Much of the viewing area from the Triangle eastward is under a Level 1 risk for severe weather Friday night. Friday will be a mild, cloudy day before a chance for rain and thunderstorms. According to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, we may see some light sprinkles Friday morning and throughout the day, but rain and storms won’t arrive until after sunset. According to Gardner, rain is likely after dinner and…

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Wind fans wildfire in California canyons, residents flee

Wind fans wildfire in California canyons, residents flee

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER, Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Powerful gusts pushed flames from a wildfire through Southern California canyons on Thursday, one of several blazes that burned near homes and forced residents to flee amid elevated fire risk for most of the region that prompted utilities to cut off power to hundreds of thousands. The biggest blaze began late Wednesday as a house fire in Orange County’s Silverado Canyon, where gusts topped 70 mph (113…

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New Jersey cousins organize Hurricane Eta relief efforts for victims in Honduras

New Jersey cousins organize Hurricane Eta relief efforts for victims in Honduras

BAYONNE, New Jersey — The devastation caused by Hurricane Eta across Central America inspired two Jersey City cousins to take action and help the victims in Honduras. Using social media, Gabriela Casco and Norman Bonano, organized and called on their followers to assist with food, water, and essentials, without imagining the donations would exceed their expectations. “The majority of the communities that were devastated were ones that were already under the poverty line and in…

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UN climate report: 2020 shattered weather records for hurricanes, wildfires, floods, more

UN climate report: 2020 shattered weather records for hurricanes, wildfires, floods, more

An overheating world obliterated weather records in 2020, creating an extreme year for hurricanes, wildfires, heat waves, floods, droughts and ice melt, the United Nations’ weather agency reported Wednesday. While the globe partly shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, extremes linked to human-caused climate change intensified, the World Meteorological Organization said in its State of the Global Climate report. The report kicked off a day when the United Nations pushed for new climate action…

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30 named storms: Record hurricane season comes to a close

30 named storms: Record hurricane season comes to a close

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A record-setting Atlantic hurricane season that saw the highest number of named storms officially came to a close Monday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season set multiple records while producing a record 30 named storms. There were so many that the list of 21 conventional names was exhausted and the Greek alphabet was used for only the second time. The season also saw the second-highest number…

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Record-breaking 2020 hurricane season finally ends

Record-breaking 2020 hurricane season finally ends

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The record-breaking 2020 hurricane season is officially over. The last day of the season is Nov. 30, but it is still possible (although less likely) to get hurricanes out of season. The 2020 hurricane season was like no other. There were 30 named storms–more than any other season in recorded history. The previous record was 28 set in 2005 Of the 30 named storms, 13 of them became hurricanes. That was…

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Hurricane season ending, but a late-season storm still possible

Hurricane season ending, but a late-season storm still possible

Monday marked the end of the Atlantic hurricane season, but are we really done? In the past 20 years, we’ve seen eight named storms in December. About 3% of storms happen outside the named hurricane season. Hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said with how active the 2020 hurricane season was, it would not be surprising to have a late season storm form. “The severity of…

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