Month: July 2021

ZHENGZHOU, China — Terrified subway passengers in central China were left clinging to ceiling handles inside flooded cars on Tuesday, trapped up to their necks in rising water, as record-breaking rains devastated parts of Henan province. At least 12 people have been confirmed dead in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, where more than 20 centimeters (7.8in) of rain fell in one hour on Tuesday, according to the meteorological observatory. More than 100,000 people have so far…

SAN BERNARDINO, California — A couple whose gender reveal ceremony sparked a Southern California wildfire that killed a firefighter last year were charged with involuntary manslaughter, authorities announced Tuesday. Refugio Manuel Jimenez Jr. and Angela Renee Jimenez pleaded not guilty Monday to charges involving the El Dorado Fire, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson announced at a news conference. The charges included one felony count of involuntary manslaughter, along with other felony and misdemeanor…

By Aimee Wilmoth, WRAL weather executive producer Did you notice a haze to the sky or perhaps smell a little bit of smoke in the air outside? Believe it or not, smoke from wildfires over the western part of the United States is traveling all the way across the country and has made it to North Carolina. There are currently 80 large wildfires spanning 13 states out west. The largest fire is the Bootleg Fire…

By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. — Wildfires in the American West, including one burning in Oregon that’s currently the largest in the U.S., are creating hazy skies as far away as New York as the massive infernos spew smoke and ash into the air in columns up to six miles high. Skies over New York City were hazy Tuesday as strong winds blew smoke east from California, Oregon, Montana and other states. Oregon’s…

By WRAL Weather Team Expect to wake up to some lingering rain on Wednesday — but don’t worry — we will progressively dry out during the morning commute. “Areas that wake up with clouds will see them clear throughout the day,” said WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell. Wednesday afternoon will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 80s. By Thursday, each day will feature more sun, hot temperatures and tiny rain chances, according to Campbell….

By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. — The threat of thunderstorms and lightning has prompted officials in fire-ravaged Oregon to ask for help from outside the Pacific Northwest to prepare for additional blazes as many resources are already devoted to a massive fire in the state that has grown to a third the size of Rhode Island. The 537-square-mile (1,391-square-kilometer) Bootleg Fire is burning 300 miles (483 kilometers) southeast of Portland in and around…

By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. — The monstrous wildfire burning in Oregon has grown to a third the size of Rhode Island and spreads miles each day, but evacuations and property losses have been minimal compared with much smaller blazes in densely populated areas of California. The fire’s jaw-dropping size contrasted with its relatively small impact on people underscores the vastness of the American West and offers a reminder that Oregon, which is…

By WRAL Weather Team A flood advisory in effect west of the Triangle has been expanded to include Wake and Franklin counties. Wake, Durham, Chatham, Orange, Alamance, Franklin, Granville and Vance counties are under a flood advisory until 3:30 p.m. Monday as rain soaks the Triangle. Download the WRAL Weather App for alerts and more WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said the rain is expected to become heavier around lunchtime, tapering off around 5 p.m. in…

By WRAL Weather Team A flood advisory is in effect for Durham and Orange counties until 2 p.m. Monday as rain soaks the Triangle. Widespread rain covered the radar Monday morning with only a few breaks in the showers. The rain is expected to become heavier throughout the day, tapering off around the evening commute. “Just expect this to continue for most of the day,” said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. Between 2 and 3 inches…