What is storm surge, and how serious is it? You’ve heard WRAL meteorologists discuss storm surge and the damage high water levels can cause, especially during major hurricanes. As it turns out, storm surge can be the most deadly part of a hurricane. What is storm surge? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines storm surge as the rise in seawater level caused solely by a storm. When combined with normal tides, storm surge…

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has a life-saving message: “Turn Around; Don’t Drown.” This slogan is especially important after a hurricane, when floodwaters linger long after the wind and waves subside. The deceptive calm that follows a storm often tempts residents to venture out and assess the damage. However, most hurricane deaths and injuries happen inland, when people attempt to drive through flooded roads. Even a shallow amount of water can be dangerous. Dirty…

Two Fayetteville homes were damaged in a fire early Wednesday morning. Around 3 a.m., the Fayetteville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at on Mary Street near Ramsey Street. When fire crews arrived, flames could be seen coming from a single-story home. The fire department said a second home was also affected by the fire. Crews are currently working to bring both fires under control. The fire department said the home that…

Two Fayetteville homes were damaged in a fire early Wednesday morning. Around 3 a.m., the Fayetteville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at on Mary Street near Ramsey Street. When fire crews arrived, flames could be seen coming from a single-story home. The fire department said a second home was also affected by the fire. Crews are currently working to bring both fires under control. The fire department said the home that…

DETROIT (AP) — Severe storms continued to barrel through the Midwest early Wednesday, unleashing a curtain of heavy rain, gusty winds and tornadoes that forecasters warned could spill out of the region. The tornadoes were first spotted after dark Tuesday in parts of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, while portions of Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri were also under a tornado watch, according to the National Weather Service. As the storms raged on in the pre-dawn hours…