Charlotte North Carolina News

The wildfire torched 1,100 acres on Pilot Mountain. SURRY COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper visited Pilot Mountain Thursday to view the wildfire damage as crews continue to monitor it.  Gov. Cooper thanked the North Carolina Forest Service and local firefighters in the area. He also thanked the community for their outpouring of support.  “I want to thank the people of this area of the state. All of them stepped up. Started donating…

The wildfire torched 1,100 acres on Pilot Mountain. SURRY COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina Forest Service said a campfire started the wildfire burning at Pilot Mountain.  It was started in a non-designated/unauthorized area. They said there’s no word on who’s responsible for the fire. The law enforcement division within the NC Forest Service is handling the investigation.  Thursday makes day six of the firefight. Firefighters have the blaze 80% contained, North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner…

SURRY COUNTY, N.C. — Update: Thursday at 10:30 a.m., North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will visit the command post at the Pilot Mountain wildfire to get an update on efforts to control the fire. Troxler will then speak to media members and answer questions. We’ll bring you the latest from his visit.  The North Carolina Forest Service said a campfire started the wildfire burning at Pilot Mountain.  It was started in a non-designated/unauthorized area….

Even though the season ended quiet, this season produced the third most named storms in Atlantic Hurricane Season history CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season: This season was another one for the record books. 2021 totaled 21 named storms which is the third most on record. This is also the third time the alphabet name list has been completed and the second year in a row. Seven of those 21 named storms reached…

It comes after a days-long fight to contain a massive wildfire on Pilot Mountain in addition to a dry autumn season across the Carolinas. PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The North Carolina Forest Service issued a statewide burn ban as of 5 p.m. Monday due to hazardous forest fire conditions. With the increased fire danger, N.C. Forest Service issued a ban on all open burning and all burning permits have been canceled statewide until further notice. …

The agency’s been trying to get a new aircraft since 2019. The last two hurricane seasons have seen more storms than normal. LAKELAND, Fla — The Florida-based hurricane hunter team is getting a new aircraft to help chase fierce storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s team will add a Gulfstream 550 to the three other aircraft at its home base at the Lakeland Linder International Airport in central Florida, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The…

PINEVILLE, N.C. — Firefighters are on the scene of a large apartment fire in Pineville after multiple homes were destroyed early Monday, officials said.  Pineville Fire Department officials said the fire started sometime around midnight Sunday night at an apartment complex on Plum Creek Lane, just off Johnston Road. A two-story building was destroyed by the flames.  One woman told WCNC Charlotte she was asleep when she woke up to firefighters banging on her door…

One year ago, North Carolina and South Carolina experienced historic flooding that claimed 6 lives and led to water rescues across numerous counties. The impact and damage were so severe North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency. The flooding was seen in rural and metro communities alike – including Charlotte and Greensboro. It took days for a swollen Catawba River to return to its banks. It left many, including WCNC Charlotte’s owned seasoned…

One year ago, North Carolina and South Carolina experienced historic flooding that claimed 6 lives and led to water rescues across numerous counties. The impact and damage were so severe North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency. The flooding was seen in rural and metro communities alike – including Charlotte and Greensboro. It took days for a swollen Catawba River to return to its banks. It left many, including WCNC Charlotte’s owned seasoned…

Flooding can happen any time of the year, and it’s the deadliest severe weather event in the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Flooding is the deadliest weather threat to the Carolinas and is the most common of all weather-related natural disasters that happen in all 50 states. Let’s learn more about floods in this week’s Weather IQ. Flooding has no season and can happen any time of year with Flash Flooding being the most deadly. For instance,…

Flash Flooding is the deadliest weather event in the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Flooding is the deadliest weather threat to the Carolinas and is the most common of all weather-related natural disasters that happens in all 50 states. Let’s learn more about floods in this weeks Weather IQ. Flooding has no season and can happen anytime of year with Flash Flooding being the most deadly. For instance, some of the worst flooding in recent years…

A strong coastal storm is setting up this weekend creating heavy rain, gusty winds, and major flooding. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A strong coastal storm is setting up across the Deep South this weekend.  The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty wind, and coastal flooding from Charleston all the way to the Outer Banks. This will include the flooding of roadways and structures in low-lying areas. 9:10am here at Edisto Beach, SC, water is starting…

The hurricane season is not over. About 20% of the Atlantic hurricane season storms typically occur in October – and some of them have been monsters. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane season may be winding down but October is still historically responsible for over 20% of the tropical storms and hurricanes in an average hurricane season. Dating back to the 1800s, there have been 172 tropical storms and 252 hurricanes in October. Eight of those storms…

Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 1:22 PM EDT October 7, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A tremendous amount of rain has fallen around Burke County and areas southwest of the county. Multiple Flash Flood Warnings were issued Thursday morning and now the rain is trending in the right direction. The widespread heavy rain and spots that were producing…

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for parts of the North Carolina mountains and foothills as heavy rain moves through the region. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The mountains and foothills of North Carolina will see periods of heavy rain with some reports of flash flooding across the western part of the state.  First Warn chief meteorologist Brad Panovich expects some of that rain to move across the Charlotte metro area but the heaviest rain will…

The dry stretch of weather is coming to an end. Rain chances are back this week with widespread showers expected. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 6:45 PM EDT October 3, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rain is starting to move into the region from the west. The mountains and foothills are first to pick up a few showers…

Most recently, Victor became the twentieth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Victor Victor was only the third time in history we had a name starting with the letter ‘V’. Victor will continue to weaken through the weekend and eventually become a sub-tropical low by the middle of next week and its story will be closed. This is another classic “fish storm” that will only well up waters…

Victor became the twentieth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Victor As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Tropical Storm Victor formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Victor is only the third time in history we have had a name starting with the letter ‘V’. Through Thursday and Friday, Victor will  reach its peak intensity. Steady strengthening is a sure thing with prime water temperatures in the storm’s path but…

Victor became the twentieth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Victor As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Tropical Storm Victor formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Victor is only the third time in history we have had a name starting with the letter ‘V’. By Thursday night or Friday morning, Victor will become a hurricane and will reach its peak intensity by Saturday morning. Steady strengthening is a sure…

Two of the three waves being tracked have now weakened leaving one with a solid shot to become our 20th named storm of the season CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam continues to maintain its major hurricane status in the Atlantic. Sam rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the past weekend weekend. The fourth major hurricane of the season latest advisory shows maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (Low end category 4) as it moves…

Three waves have a 50-80% chance to form into a tropical depression or tropical storm. Also tracking the fourth major hurricane of 2021. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam continues to maintain its major hurricane status in the Atlantic. Sam rapidly intensified to a major hurricane during the weekend. The fourth major hurricane of the season latest advisory shows maximum sustained winds of 125 mph as it moves to the northwest. Rapid intensification happened over the…

Tracking fourth major hurricane of 2021. Plus, three other areas to watch for tropical development. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam continues to maintain its major hurricane status in the Atlantic. Sam rapidly intensified to a major hurricane during the weekend. The fourth major hurricane of the season latest advisory shows maximum sustained winds of 145 mph as it moves to the northwest at 7 mph. Rapid intensification is defined as a wind increase of 35…

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…

Hurricane Sam has strengthened into the fourth major hurricane of 2021. Elsewhere, we have two areas to watch. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam has rapidly intensified to a Category 3 with maximum sustained winds of 120 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…

Hurricane Sam is strengthening quickly and will become a major hurricane today. Elsewhere, we have two areas to watch. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam has rapidly intensified to a Category 2 with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. Rapid intensification is defined as a wind increase of 35 mph or more over a 24-hour period. The storm will become a major hurricane as early as today as it continues its trek toward the west-northwest. Long-range…

Sam intensifies into a Category 1 hurricane as we monitor two other disturbances across the Atlantic Basin. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam Sam strengthened into a hurricane earlier this morning. As of 11 a.m. Friday, the storm has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. By mid-next week, the storm will be nearing the Lesser Antilles. We still have a lot of time to watch it. 🌀 HURRICANE SAM 🌀 Sam remains a Category 1 hurricane…

Sam intensifies into a Category 1 hurricane as we monitor three other disturbances across the Atlantic Basin. Author: Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Chris Mulcahy Published: 12:48 PM EDT September 9, 2021 Updated: 10:38 AM EDT September 24, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Sam Tropical Storm Sam becomes the eighteenth named storm as of the 11 a.m. advisory Thursday. This cyclone is expected to become a hurricane as early as tomorrow. Sam will eventually…

Tropical Storm Sam becomes the eighteenth named storm as of the 11 a.m. advisory Thursday. This cyclone is expected to become a hurricane as early as tomorrow. Sam will eventually become a major hurricane as it continues its trek toward the west-northwest. Long-range forecast models indicate a strong trough of low pressure keeping the storm away from the United States east coast. However, these storms are generally systems to watch extremely closely, especially this time…

Wednesday will be the last day of wet weather in the Charlotte region before a dry and pleasant start to fall with temperatures in the 70s. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wednesday is the first day of fall and Mother Nature will bring another round of rain to the Carolinas with the threat of severe weather and storms.  First Warn chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said the first real cold front of fall is moving in and with…

Hugo left a trail of destruction across the Carolinas that hasn’t been seen since. Thousands of people in Charlotte went many days without power. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor’s Note: The attached video originally aired on Sept. 22, 2019.  Wednesday, Sept. 22 isn’t just the first day of fall, it’s one of the most notorious weather anniversaries in the Carolinas: It marks the 32 years since Hurricane Hugo made landfall just north of Charleston, South Carolina. …

Hugo left a trail of destruction across the Carolinas that hasn’t been seen since. Thousands of people in Charlotte went many days without power. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor’s Note: The attached video originally aired on Sept. 22, 2019.  Wednesday, Sept. 22 isn’t just the first day of fall, it’s one of the most notorious weather anniversaries in the Carolinas: It marks the 32 years since Hurricane Hugo made landfall just north of Charleston, South Carolina. …

Two named storms in the Atlantic basin. Author: Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Chris Mulcahy Published: 12:48 PM EDT September 9, 2021 Updated: 6:07 PM EDT September 20, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two tropical storms are currently in the Atlantic with two other tropical waves trying to develop later during the week.  Tropical Storm Peter Peter continues to move near the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico. Peter is 150 miles northeast of the Leeward…

A soggy midweek with soaking rain and cooler temperatures. Much cooler and drier conditions later this week. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 6:11 PM EDT September 20, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rain is headed our way!  Mostly cloudy with isolated rain tonight, but the coverage of showers is on track to become widespread during the early morning…

Two named storms in the Atlantic basin. Author: Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Chris Mulcahy Published: 12:48 PM EDT September 9, 2021 Updated: 1:05 PM EDT September 20, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two tropical storms are currently in the Atlantic with two other tropical waves trying to develop this work week.  Tropical Storm Peter Sunday with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts of 65 mph. Peter is located about 300 miles east…

Two named storms in the Atlantic basin. Author: Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Chris Mulcahy Published: 12:48 PM EDT September 9, 2021 Updated: 12:12 AM EDT September 20, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two tropical storms are currently in the Atlantic.  Tropical Storm Peter Tropical Storm Peter continues to maintain its status as a tropical storm. Peter is stronger as of 11 p.m. Sunday with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts of 65…

Two named storms in the Atlantic basin. Author: Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Chris Mulcahy Published: 12:48 PM EDT September 9, 2021 Updated: 10:14 PM EDT September 19, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two tropical storms are currently in the Atlantic.  Tropical Storm Peter Tropical Storm Peter continues to maintain its status as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and gusts of 60 mph. Peter is located 350 miles east of…

Peter was upgraded to a tropical storm Sunday morning as a new tropical depression forms in the central Atlantic. Author: Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Chris Mulcahy Published: 12:48 PM EDT September 9, 2021 Updated: 6:25 AM EDT September 19, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We have two brand new systems to track across the Atlantic Basin. Tropical Storm Peter Tropical Depression Sixteen was upgraded to Tropical Storm Peter as of 5 a.m. Sunday. Peter…

Nicholas is a remnant low but is still bringing a lot of rain to the Southeast. We’re also watching three areas across the Atlantic. Author: Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Chris Mulcahy Published: 12:48 PM EDT September 9, 2021 Updated: 4:35 PM EDT September 17, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Invest 96-L becomes Odette Invest 96-L, a tropical wave already moving away from the Carolina coast, will be named as Tropical Storm Odette at 5…

It is not uncommon for a hurricane or tropical storm to produce at least one tornado after landfall. This is why this happens, even here in the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Landfalling Tropical Systems and Tornadoes: Hurricanes are notorious for their strong winds, storm surge and torrential rains, but they another threat is tornadoes. Tornadoes spawning from a Tropical Storm or Hurricane once it makes landfall is not uncommon. It is actually more rare to…

Hurricane Nicholas has made landfall about 10 miles WSW of Sargent Beach, Texas. Now set to bring life threatening flooding to the area CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Nicholas Nicholas upgrades to a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico just off the Texas coast late Monday evening. The category one hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph is approaching landfall along the Texas coast near Houston. The 14th named storm formed Sunday as a…

Activity in the tropics continues to ramp up during the month of September. Nicholas along with multiple waves with the chances of development later this week. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Nicholas Nicholas upgrades to a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico just off the Texas coast late Monday evening. The category one hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph is approaching landfall along the Texas coast near Houston. The 14th named storm formed Sunday…

Part of the Texas coast has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning in light of the upgrade, according to the National Hurricane Center. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A medium chance for a tropical depression or storm to form in the southwest Atlantic over the next five days.  The potential for tropical development is historically higher during the middle of September due to favorable environmental conditions. While Tropical Storm Nicholas is bearing down on parts of the…

Hurricane Nicholas is forecast to make landfall near Brazosport, TX as a category 1 hurricane Monday night/early Tuesday morning. Author: Mariah Gallegos (KIII TV), Ryan Shoptaugh, KIII Weather, Joe DeCarlo Published: 7:19 PM EDT July 29, 2021 Updated: 11:17 PM EDT September 13, 2021 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — MON 10PM – Nicholas is now a Category 1 hurricane, sitting 20 miles off from the middle Texas Gulf Coast.  75 mph winds; 90 mph gusts.  Movement…

Tropical Storm Nicholas moves in, near Matagorda Bay Monday Evening. As Nicholas makes landfall, conditions will improve in the Coastal Bend. Author: Mariah Gallegos (KIII TV), Ryan Shoptaugh, KIII Weather, Joe DeCarlo Published: 7:19 PM EDT July 29, 2021 Updated: 5:55 PM EDT September 13, 2021 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — 4 p.m. UPDATE: Nicholas has strengthened 5mph since 1pm and is now a 65 mph tropical storm; winds gusting up to 75 mph.  Nicholas is…

Nicholas is expected to maintain Tropical Storm strength as it travels across the Texas coast. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — 4 p.m. UPDATE: Nicholas has strengthened 5mph since 1pm and is now a 65 mph tropical storm; winds gusting up to 75 mph.  Nicholas is moving NNE at 12 mph.  It’s about 60-70 miles away from Matagorda Bay. The 4PM NHC update takes Nicholas near Matagorda Bay at landfall this evening as a 70 mph tropical…

We’re deep into the most active month of hurricane season and the WCNC Charlotte weather team is tracking three systems. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Nicholas Tropical Storm Nicholas is the newest named storm in the Atlantic basin that formed over the weekend. The 14th named storm this hurricane season is currently a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph with gusts of 70 mph in the southern Gulf of Mexico.  Track: Nicholas…

Nicholas is expected to maintain Tropical Storm strength as it travels across the Texas coast. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As of the 7 AM CDT update from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Nicholas has maintained its strength in the western Gulf of Mexico. Nicholas has winds sustained at 60 mph, with gusts of 70 mph. Nicholas is expected to maintain its Tropical Storm status as it pushes up the Mexican coastline and near South…