- Severe weather leads to fallen trees, car crashes and flooding around the Triangle
- New video shows vehicles being swept away in historic, deadly flash floods in SA on June 12
- $40 million to go to underserved SC counties for Hurricane Helene recovery. Here's what you need to know.
- Family honors Air Force veteran Derwin Anderson Jr. after he died in June flash floods
- City of Wilmington addresses flooding on New Centre Drive
Sam remains a strong and powerful Category 4 hurricane
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam rapidly intensified to a major hurricane yesterday, and remains an intense Category 4 with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. Rapid intensification is defined as a wind increase of 35 mph or more over a 24-hour period.
The storm has become the fourth major hurricane this year as it continues its trek toward the west-northwest. Long-range forecast models indicate a strong trough of low pressure will keep the storm away from the United States east coast.
Depending on how strong the storm eventually becomes and how close it tracks, the swells could increase our rip current risk slightly along the eastern seaboard. You can trust the WCNC Charlotte weather team to keep you updated on any changes.