Author: WeatherPreppers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — South Carolina forestry officials announced Wednesday that the Covington Drive Fire in Myrtle Beach is finally 100% contained, 82 days since it ignited, burning over 2,000 acres in Horry County.  The fire was started in Myrtle Beach in early March when a 40-year-old woman was burning yard debris and lost control of the flames. She was arrested on two charges related to the fire. Witnesses said the woman started the fire in…

Mecklenburg County emergency leaders say they focus on modern alert systems for residents. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As severe weather sweeps across the region and much of the country, many in Mecklenburg County are asking the same question: Are there tornado sirens in place to warn residents? Our Verify team breaks down how the county handles alerts. OUR SOURCES: THE ANSWER: No, Mecklenburg County does not have tornado sirens. WHAT WE FOUND: According to the National…

The 2025 hurricane season outlook was released today. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its 2025 hurricane season outlook Thursday. As expected, an above-average season is expected. NOAA’s forecast calls for 13 – 19 named storms, which is categorized as a tropical storm or stronger. Of those, 6 – 10 are expected to become hurricanes. Within those 6 – 10 hurricanes, 3 – 5 will reach major hurricane criteria. The Atlantic…

The mayor’s office said Commissioner Sarah Russell’s directive to activate the outdoor warning siren during a call to the fire department was “ambiguous.” ST. LOUIS — A day after St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said the city’s outdoor warning siren wasn’t activated during a deadly tornado because of “human error,” the commissioner of the City Emergency Management Agency was placed on paid administrative leave. The mayor’s office cited multiple serious issues with Commissioner Sarah Russell’s…

Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New research shows powerful storms are hitting farther east, raising new concerns about severe weather safety and preparedness.  Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting, as researchers say there could be a new Tornado Alley.  The term Tornado Alley was first used in the 1950s to describe parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. For…

Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New research shows powerful storms are hitting farther east, raising new concerns about severe weather safety and preparedness.  Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting, as researchers say there could be a new Tornado Alley.  The term Tornado Alley was first used in the 1950s to describe parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. For…

Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New research shows powerful storms are hitting farther east, raising new concerns about severe weather safety and preparedness.  Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting, as researchers say there could be a new Tornado Alley.  The term Tornado Alley was first used in the 1950s to describe parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. For…

After a tornado in Kentucky nearly took her son from her, resident Tara Hollifield said she is thankful to God for being so lucky. LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — In a miracle of survival, one mother’s son is alive after being pulled from the debris of her destroyed home.  At least 19 people are dead and several others are injured after a tornado tore through Laurel County, KY, on May 16, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. Now,…