North Carolina News

“I’m proud of the close bipartisan teamwork of our Congressional delegation, Governor Stein, and local leaders. Despite this decision, we’ll continue to fight for every dollar and resource available to help Western Carolina recover in the months and years ahead,” Senator Thom Tillis said in a statement.  FEMA denied an appeal from Governor Josh Stein’s office to keep matching money for costs related to Hurricane Helene clean-up efforts.  Senator Tillis wrote a letter asking for…

“You need to know the zoo no longer looks like the zoo that we know and love,” mom Ashleigh Schroeder said. ST. LOUIS — What was meant to be a joyful end-of-school-year tradition turned into a harrowing encounter with a tornado for a Godfrey mother and four children visiting the Saint Louis Zoo on Friday afternoon. Ashleigh Schroeder had taken her two kids and two of their friends—ages 9 to 12—for a celebratory day at their…

NOAA predicts up to 19 named storms in the Atlantic. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We’re just days away from the start of hurricane season –and forecasters are sounding the alarm. Forecasters say this hurricane season could be a busy one. NOAA is predicting up to 19 named storms in the Atlantic. Of those, up to 10 could become hurricanes—and up to five could be major. The forecast doesn’t say if, or where, they’ll hit. But experts…

Sam Bennett sparked Florida’s dominant win over Carolina, scoring twice in a crucial 5-0 victory. RALEIGH, N.C. — Sam Bennett scored one of his two goals in Florida’s three-goal first period, Sergei Bobrovsky made 17 saves and the Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-0 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference final. Gustav Forsling and Matthew Tkachuk also scored in another tone-setting opening 20 minutes for the reigning Stanley Cup…

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…