Charlotte North Carolina News

Strong rip currents, gusty winds and big waves caused a red flag advisory to go into effect at the Oceanfront, Outer Banks and across the East Coast VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Hurricane Fiona is miles away from Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront, but the storm’s effects kept the beach largely empty.  Strong rip currents, gusty winds and big waves caused a red flag advisory to go into effect. The flags mean beachgoers should not go swimming in…

The Canadian Hurricane Centre issued a hurricane watch over extensive coastal expanses of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. SAN SALVADOR, Caguas —  A hurricane expected to transform into a huge post-tropical storm will bring hurricane-strength wind, heavy rain and big waves to Atlantic Canada, meteorologists said Friday in warning that it has the potential to be one of the most severe storms in the country’s history. Hurricane Fiona, which had weakened a bit…

The dramatic video was captured by an unmanned drone designed to monitor ocean conditions during hurricane season. WASHINGTON — Hurricane Fiona brought waves of at least 50 feet with it as it made its way toward Bermuda and Canada this week. An unmanned sailboat in the Atlantic Ocean captured video from directly inside the storm, showing giant waves crashing as the Category 4 hurricane made its way overhead.  The boat, developed by Saildrone Inc., is…

Hurricane Fiona is now a Category 3 storm. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Hurricane Fiona has wreaked havoc on the Caribbean. Now, the hurricane is now projected to hit Bermuda later this week.  If you are wanting to help those affected by this major storm, here are some places you can donate to.  Americares – Americares is offering assistance to health facilities in Puerto Rico and is preparing to deliver medicine, relief supplies and provide emergency funding to…

Fiona on Sunday is lashing a U.S. territory that is still recovering from a string of strong earthquakes and Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm in 2017. HAVANA, Cuba — Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico’s southwest coast on Sunday as it unleashed landslides, knocked the power grid out and ripped up asphalt from roads and flung the pieces around. Forecasters said the storm would cause catastrophic flooding and threatened to dump “historic” levels of rain,…

Forecasters said “historic” levels of rain were expected to produce landslides and heavy flooding. HAVANA, Cuba — The eye of newly formed Hurricane Fiona neared Puerto Rico’s south coast on Sunday — already causing an island-wide power blackout and threatening to dump “historic” levels of rain. Forecasters said the downpour was expected to produce landslides and catastrophic flooding, with up to 25 inches possible in isolated areas. “It’s time to take action and be concerned,”…

Forecasters said “historic” levels of rain were expected to produce landslides and heavy flooding. HAVANA, Cuba — The eye of newly formed Hurricane Fiona neared the coast of Puerto Rico on Sunday — already leaving hundreds of thousands without power and threatening to dump “historic” levels of rain. Forecasters said the downpour was expected to produce landslides and catastrophic flooding, with up to 25 inches possible in isolated areas. “It’s time to take action and…

Forecasters said “historic” levels of rain were expected to produce landslides and heavy flooding. HAVANA, Cuba — Fiona strengthened into a hurricane Sunday as it bore down on Puerto Rico, where people braced for severe wind and torrential rains. Forecasters said “historic” levels of rain were expected to produce landslides and heavy flooding, with up to 25 inches forecast in isolated areas. “It’s time to take action and be concerned,” said Nino Correa, Puerto Rico’s…

Forecasters said “historic” levels of rain were expected to produce landslides and heavy flooding. HAVANA, Cuba — Puerto Ricans braced for severe wind and extreme rain as Tropical Storm Fiona bore down amid expectations it would grow into a hurricane before striking the U.S. territory’s southern coast Sunday afternoon. Forecasters said “historic” levels of rain were expected to produce landslides and heavy flooding, with up to 20 inches forecast in isolated areas. “It’s time to…

On this day 4 years ago, Hurricane Florence moved ashore and caused extreme flooding across the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Four years ago Wednesday, the Carolinas took on devastating flooding from Hurricane Florence. Hurricane Florence is now in the history books. Unlike other hurricanes, Florence is remembered not for its Saffir-Simpson category strength but instead for the catastrophic flooding it caused across both South Carolina and North Carolina. On August 30, 2018, Florence emerged as…

On this day 4 years ago, Hurricane Florence moved ashore and caused extreme flooding across the Carolina’s. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Four years ago Wednesday, the Carolinas took on devastating flooding from Hurricane Florence. Hurricane Florence is now in the history books. Unlike other hurricanes, Florence is remembered not for its Saffir-Simpson category strength but instead for the catastrophic flooding it caused across both South Carolina and North Carolina. On August 30, 2018, Florence emerged as…

Tropical storms and hurricanes have historically influenced North Carolina’s most historic floods. Here are the worst floods on record. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina is no stranger to flooding. Every year floods happen across the state. But sometimes the set up lines up perfectly, leading to catastrophic historical flooding. We reached out to Corey Davis, N.C. State University’s Assistant State Climatologist, to inquire what were the worst flooding events in North Carolina history. Below were…

Tropical storms and hurricanes have historically influenced North Carolina’s most historic floods. Here are the worst floods on record. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina is no stranger to flooding. Every year floods happen across the state. But sometimes the set up lines up perfectly, leading to catastrophic historical flooding. We reached out to Corey Davis, N.C. State University’s Assistant State Climatologist, to inquire what were the worst flooding events in North Carolina history. Below were…

Heavy rains Monday unleashed the mudslides east of Los Angeles, drenching the area after months of bone-dry summer conditions. LOS ANGELES — Heavy rains Monday unleashed mudslides in a mountain area east of Los Angeles that burned two years ago, sending boulders and other debris across roads and prompting evacuation and shelter-in-place orders for thousands of residents. Firefighters went street by street in the community of Forest Falls to make sure no residents were trapped….

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services offers multiple volunteer programs to help our local community. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Adopting a storm drain can help prevent flooding of Charlotte neighborhoods. Ahead of potential flooding rains this weekend, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is reminding residents to check drains outside their homes. Keeping these drains clear help mitigate the flood risk and improve the quality of drinking water. FORECAST: Wet Weekend: How it affects your plans Rain water washes…

Every year the tropics will become most active during a 2 month stretch to end the summer and begin fall. But this month is by far the most active. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Peak of Hurricane Season: September 10th is the exact peak date of the Atlantic hurricane season. Where 40% of all tropical cyclones happen during the month of September alone. Since 1842, September has recorded 316 Tropical Storms and 541 hurricanes in the…

After persistent, widespread rain Monday, expect lower rain chances across Charlotte midweek. HICKORY, N.C. — Labor Day Outlook The Carolinas don’t have the forecast many want to see on a holiday Monday. Outdoor plans need to have a backup plan across the Charlotte area as a flux of moisture is coming in from the Southeast, leading to widespread showers and thunderstorms in the mountains and foothills. This includes the cities and towns of Blowing Rock,…

The mountains and foothills will see persistent widespread rain, while the Charlotte metro will see on-and-off showers with heavy rain at times. HICKORY, N.C. — Labor Day Outlook: The Carolinas don’t have the forecast you want to see on a holiday Monday. Outdoor plans need to have a backup plan across the Charlotte area as a flux of moisture is coming in from the Southeast, leading to widespread showers and thunderstorms in the mountains and…

It’s been an unusually quiet hurricane season this year. The slow tropical development is a welcome relief for the southeastern U.S. after last year’s busy season. MIAMI — Tropical Storm Danielle strengthened into a hurricane Friday morning — the first of an unusually quiet storm season. The storm is not currently a threat to any land. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were clocked at 75 mph (120 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center….

It’s been an unusually quiet hurricane season this year. The slow tropical development is a welcome relief for the southeastern U.S. after last year’s busy season. MIAMI — Tropical Storm Danielle strengthened into a hurricane Friday morning — the first of an unusually quiet storm season. The storm is not currently a threat to any land. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were clocked at 75 mph (120 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center….

There are two other areas in the tropics being watched by the National Hurricane Center, but none of them pose any threat to landmasses at this time. COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tropical Depression Five formed in the north Atlantic early Thursday morning and became Tropical Storm Danielle by the late morning hours. It is forecast to become our first hurricane of the 2022 season this week. There are two other areas in the tropics being watched…

Flooding can transform the popular park’s canyons into deadly channels of fast-moving water and debris in mere minutes. MOAB, Utah — A levee was breached Monday in a small town near the Arizona-New Mexico state line, forcing the evacuations of 60 people after a weekend of flash floods across the American Southwest that also swept away one woman who is still missing in Utah’s Zion National Park. In Duncan, a rural Arizona town located about…

The sudden deluge of water in mountainous regions in China’s west caught people by surprise, sweeping many up in the current. BEIJING, China — At least 16 people died and 18 others were missing after a sudden rainstorm in western China triggered a landslide that diverted a river and caused flash flooding in populated areas, Chinese state media said Thursday. Rescuers, who earlier reported 36 people missing, had found 18 of them by early afternoon,…

Charlotte Metro Credit Union is building a new branch in the Elizabeth neighborhood but residents claim the new construction is disrupting the area’s water flow. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When it rains, it pours. But in parts of Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood it also floods.  For nearly 20 years, neighbors like Joe Duke who live along Sunnyside Avenue say they have been dealing with flooding and poor drainage issues. Neighbors say it’s connected to Charlotte Metro Credit…

At least two people have died after another round of intense lightning and thunderstorms flooded parts of southern Nevada. LAS VEGAS — The most “restless” summer monsoon season in a decade became deadly Thursday, as intense lightning and thunderstorms flooded parts of southern Nevada and a leaky ceiling forced table games to stop at one Las Vegas Strip casino. A man’s body was found Friday by public works crews and firefighters removing debris from a…

It’s the second time Biden has visited the state after a natural disaster. The state was just beginning to recover from a series of tornados in December. WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden on Monday witnessed the damage from deadly and devastating storms that have resulted in the worst flooding in Kentucky’s history, as they visited the state to meet with families and first responders. At least 37 people have died…

Scattered showers and storms are ongoing this evening with heavy rain and lightning. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 4:35 PM EDT August 6, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Happening Right Now:  Scattered showers and storms are ongoing across the Charlotte area. Expect heavy rain, gusty winds at times, and lightning. A few storms may become strong due to…

Get ready for another hot and humid day across the Carolinas! Highs will peak in the low 90s with heat indices in the mid-upper 90s. With highs closer to normal for this time of year, it’ll be hot and humid, just not quite as hot and humid as it has been. Scattered showers and storms will be more abundant Friday compared to Thursday, especially north of Charlotte toward the mountains and foothills. Watch for a…

Your evacuation plan should include staying with family, friends, or at a hotel, which are better options than a busy shelter. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — August is Preparedness Month in North Carolina and Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging everyone to review their emergency plans and update their emergency supply kits.   “North Carolinians need to be prepared year-round,” Governor Cooper said. “Take the time now to prepare so your family will fare better during a disaster and…

The National Weather Service warned slow-moving rain could provoke more flash flooding in Appalachian mountain communities devastated by flooding last week. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Another round of storms hit flooded mountain communities Monday as more bodies emerged from the sodden landscape, and the governor warned that high winds could bring another threat — falling trees and utility poles. Gov. Andy Beshear said the death toll rose to 35, and hundreds of people remained unaccounted for…

Scattered showers and storms tonight. More storms on Sunday afternoon, possibly severe. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 9:51 PM EDT July 30, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tonight: Flood Advisory in effect tonight for several parts of the area. Seek higher ground if you live near a small stream prone to flooding during a heavy rain storm. Excessive…

Scattered showers and storms tonight. More storms on Sunday afternoon, possibly severe. Author: WCNC Staff, Brad Panovich, Chris Mulcahy, Brittany Van Voorhees (WCNC), KJ Jacobs, Larry Sprinkle Published: 12:41 PM EST March 6, 2019 Updated: 9:51 PM EDT July 30, 2022 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tonight: Flood Advisory in effect tonight for several parts of the area. Seek higher ground if you live near a small stream prone to flooding during a heavy rain storm. Excessive…

Because of poor cell service and the rural nature of the area, it’s difficult to know how many people are still unaccounted for. JACKSON, Ky. — Search and rescue teams backed by the National Guard searched Friday for people missing in record floods that wiped out entire communities in some of the poorest places in America. Kentucky’s governor said 16 people have died, a toll he expected to grow as the rain keeps falling. “We’ve still…

As the globe heats up, destructive fires that burn too hot for forests to quickly regrow naturally have far outpaced the government’s replanting capacity. BILLINGS, Mont. — The Biden administration on Monday said the government will plant more than one billion trees across millions of acres of burned and dead woodlands in the U.S. West, as officials struggle to counter the increasing toll on the nation’s forests from wildfires, insects and other manifestations of climate change….

Meteorologist Brittany Van Voorhees explains the three main influences that can weaken hurricanes and tropical storms. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical cyclones thrive in warm ocean waters due to the large amounts of moisture and heat the sea water can provide. As a storm encounters more warmth and more fuel, it’ll grow stronger and become more intense.  On the other hand, these three factors can weaken a tropical cyclone: Wind shear Land interaction Dry air Wind…

A Matthews family is concerned a cleared, vacant lot next to their house could be making flood damage to their property much worse. MATTHEWS, N.C. — A Matthews family is still dealing with the effects of heavy rain and floods from over the weekend. The homeowners are looking to county and town officials for help after mud and debris from a nearby vacant lot poured into their backyard and pool. “It was just chaos,”  April…

The tropical storm formed roughly 50 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Colin continues to move northeast at about 7 mph. Dangerous beach conditions, elevated rip currents, and isolated flooding remain the primary concerns. Improvements are expected as early as tomorrow.  Beachgoers should expect on and off showers with pockets of rain – heavy at times and gusty winds on occasion. Watch for swim…

It formed roughly 50 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Colin is now downgraded to a tropical depression, losing its status as a tropical storm from earlier in the day Saturday. The storm moved northeast along the East Coast at about 7 mph. Dangerous beach conditions, elevated rip currents, and isolated flooding were the primary concerns. Improvements are expected as early as tomorrow.  Beachgoers…

The tropical storm formed roughly 50 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical storm warnings have been issued for portions of the South Carolina and North Carolina coasts after Tropical storm Colin forms near the South Carolina coast early Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The tropical storm formed roughly 50 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of…

The tropical storm formed roughly 50 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical storm warnings have been issued for portions of the South Carolina and North Carolina coasts after Tropical storm Colin forms near the South Carolina coast early Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The tropical storm formed roughly 50 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of…

Yellowstone National Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary as it faces its biggest challenge in decades. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Created in 1872 as the United States was recovering from the Civil War, Yellowstone was the first of the national parks that came to be referred to as America’s best idea. Now, the home to gushing geysers, thundering waterfalls and some of the country’s most plentiful and diverse wildlife is facing its biggest challenge…

The last four years had the most Atlantic named storms on record. Now, a hurricane expert will lead the National Weather Service. WASHINGTON — A meteorologist who oversaw warnings and forecasts during one of the busiest spurts of Atlantic hurricane activity on record will take over as the new director of the National Weather Service, as scientists expect extreme and dangerous storms and heatwaves to worsen with climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on…

The last four years had the most Atlantic named storms on record. Now, a hurricane expert will lead the National Weather Service. WASHINGTON — A meteorologist who oversaw warnings and forecasts during one of the busiest spurts of Atlantic hurricane activity on record will take over as the new director of the National Weather Service, as scientists expect extreme and dangerous storms and heatwaves to worsen with climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on…

Several Miami streets were flooded and authorities were towing abandoned vehicles. MIAMI — Tropical Storm Alex, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, was headed toward Bermuda on Sunday after dumping rain on parts of Florida, flooding some roads. Alex reached tropical storm force after strengthening off Florida’s east coast early Sunday. National Hurricane Center forecasters said at 8 a.m. that Alex had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was centered about…

Several Miami streets were flooded and authorities were towing abandoned vehicles. MIAMI — Tropical Storm Alex, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, formed Sunday morning in the Gulf of Mexico on a track to come ashore in southern Florida with heavy rains and gusty wind. National Hurricane Center forecasters said in a 5 a.m. advisory that Alex had sustained winds of 50 mph and was located about 270 miles northeast of Fort…

Several Miami streets were flooded and authorities were towing abandoned vehicles. MIAMI — Parts of South Florida were experiencing road flooding from heavy rain and wind Saturday as a storm system that battered Mexico moved across the state. Officials in Miami warned drivers about road conditions as many cars were stuck on flooded streets. “This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Traveling during these conditions is not recommended. It’s better to wait. Turn around, don’t…

Alex is the first name up on the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Name list. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane season has officially begun and already there are likely chances for storm development. This season is starting late compared to the last seven years that had the first name of the season start before the designated season beginning June 1.  Tracking The First Disturbance: Hurricane Agatha was the first named storm of the 2022 Pacific Hurricane Season. It…

Hurricane season is here. We’re verifying a claim about how storms are named. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — THE QUESTION If a hurricane or tropical storm crosses regions, does it get a new name? THE SOURCES THE ANSWER No, as long as a hurricane or tropical storm doesn’t fall apart before it crosses regions, it does not get a new name. [embedded content] WHAT WE FOUND The WMO classifies 10 different regions. They are: Caribbean Sea, Gulf…

Alex is the first name up on the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Name list. This storm could form heading into the weekend making landfall in Florida to start the season. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane season has officially began and already there are likely chances for storm development. This season is starting late compared to the last seven years that had the first name of the season start before the designated season beginning June 1.  Tracking Our…

Alex is the first name up on the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Name list. This storm could form heading into the weekend making landfall in Florida to start the season. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane season has officially began and already there are likely chances for storm development. This season is starting late compared to the last seven years that had the first name of the season start before the designated season beginning June 1.  Tracking Our…