Charlotte North Carolina News

A Chester County organization is working to prevent catastrophes by reducing the impacts of future wildfires. RICHBURG, S.C. — As wildfires ravage Southern California communities, a South Carolina research facility is working to prevent future catastrophes through advanced testing and firefighter education. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Chester County operates a unique facility capable of recreating extreme weather conditions, including wildfire ember storms. “We have a capability that doesn’t exist…

The situation prompted the Los Angeles Fire Department to take the rare step of putting out a plea for off-duty firefighters to help. LOS ANGELES — Massive wildfires roaring through the Los Angeles area left neighborhoods in ruins Wednesday, killing at least five people and threatening landmarks made famous by Hollywood as desperate residents escaped through flames that spread out of control with help from hurricane-force winds. Three major blazes that erupted just a day…

As officials provided an update on the fires, a new blaze broke out in the Hollywood Hills, and evacuation orders were also extended to Santa Monica. LOS ANGELES — A fast-moving fire in the Hollywood Hills erupted Wednesday night as more evacuations were ordered for Los Angeles residents and fire crews battled three other major blazes that killed at least five people. The Sunset Fire was burning near the Hollywood Bowl and other iconic landmarks…

Wind gusts of up to 70 mph have purred the fire’s rapid growth, and winds could reach 100 mph or more Wednesday as firefighters try to limit the damage. LOS ANGELES — California firefighters battled wind-whipped wildfires that tore across the Los Angeles area, destroying homes, clogging roadways as tens of thousands fled and straining resources as the fires burned uncontained early Wednesday. The flames from a fire that broke out Tuesday evening near a…

People living in flood-prone areas of Mecklenburg County can take advantage of federal funding to mitigate future damage from natural disasters. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Residents in Mecklenburg County whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene can now apply for disaster relief. For those living with the county’s floodplain or with a history of flood damage, the funding provided through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) could be a critical resource.  The program allows eligible property…

Before the storm, Watauga County was already short 500 childcare spots. A provider says that may now be up to 700. BOONE, N.C. — Amidst an already large childcare deficit, existing childcare providers in Western North Carolina are struggling to make ends meet. Halee Hartley is the owner and director of Kid Cove, which operates multiple childcare facilities in the area. WCNC Charlotte first met her in October, right after Helene. While her facilities were able…

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene now have until Feb. 6, 2025, to apply for federal disaster assistance, the NC Department of Public Safety announced. The extension covers 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Eligible residents must have uninsured losses from the storm. FEMA has encouraged those with insurance to file claims first before applying for FEMA aid. But, you don’t need to wait for an insurance settlement…

NWS stopped in Clinton, South Carolina, Union, South Carolina, Clover, South Carolina, Gastonia/Belmont, North Carolina, before ending in Cornelius and Mooresville. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Weather Service went out to survey the areas most impacted by the severe weather on Sunday. It was moving so fast, that the worst of the weather only lasted for a few minutes, but that is all that it took to cause dozens of damage reports across the area. The National…

NWS stopped in Clinton, South Carolina, Union, South Carolina, Clover, South Carolina, Gastonia/Belmont, North Carolina, before ending in Cornelius and Mooresville. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Weather Service went out to survey the areas most impacted by the severe weather on Sunday. It was moving so fast, that the worst of the weather only lasted for a few minutes, but that is all that it took to cause dozens of damage reports across the area. The National…

A strong line of thunderstorms moved through on Dec. 29. This line was a textbook example of a well known weather phenomena: a QLCS. CLOVER, S.C. — On Dec. 29, 2024 a strong line of thunderstorms raced across the area. It was moving so fast, that the worst of the weather only lasted for a few minutes, but that is all that it took to cause dozens of damage reports across the area.  The storm was…

It was a day to stay weather aware due to strong-to-severe storms pushing through the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This Evening & Overnight After an active day, make sure to exercise caution on the roads from leftover storm debris, such as downed trees and power lines. Watch for areas of dense fog overnight through Monday morning with lingering showers in the mountains. This Week Monday is the pick of the week in Charlotte with highs…

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of flights at Charlotte Douglas International Airport have been delayed or canceled Sunday as severe weather impacts the Southeast, including risks of heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes in the Charlotte area.  Sunday is a Weather Aware day for the Charlotte region. Multiple tornado warnings were issued across the Charlotte metro area as the first line of storms quickly moved through the Carolinas. Thousands of power outages were reported with…

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of flights at Charlotte Douglas International Airport have been delayed or canceled Sunday as severe weather impacts the Southeast, including risks of heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes in the Charlotte area.  Sunday is a Weather Aware day for the Charlotte region. Multiple tornado warnings were issued across the Charlotte metro area as the first line of storms quickly moved through the Carolinas. Thousands of power outages were reported with…

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of flights at Charlotte Douglas International Airport have been delayed or canceled Sunday as severe weather impacts the Southeast, including risks of heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes in the Charlotte area.  Sunday is a Weather Aware day for the Charlotte region. Multiple tornado warnings were issued across the Charlotte metro area as the first line of storms quickly moved through the Carolinas. Thousands of power outages were reported with…

Multiple tornado warnings are in effect across the Charlotte area as strong storms move across the Carolinas. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tornado warnings are in effect for Cabarrus, Iredell, Montgomery and Stanly counties as strong thunderstorms push across North Carolina and South Carolina.  Multiple tornado warnings have been issued Sunday morning across the region with heavy rain and gusty winds impacting the Charlotte region.  The Charlotte area will need to be Weather Aware due to the…