RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – It’s been nine months since Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast, leaving behind deadly floods, unprecedented wind damage, and a recovery process still far from over. While originally classified as a rain event, experts now say Helene’s wind damage—especially in North Carolina’s mountains—was far worse than initially thought. New research using satellite imagery is shedding light on just how intense and unusual the storm’s impact truly was.
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MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Chantal has formed off the southeastern U.S. coast. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says tropical storm warnings have been issued for portions of the Carolinas. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the affected areas later Saturday. The NHC said the storm’s center was expected to move across the coast of South Carolina late Saturday or early Sunday. Some additional strengthening is expected before Chantal reaches the coast. Heavy rain will likely fall across portions of the coastal plain of the Carolinas through Monday. Storm total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with local amounts up to 6 inches, is expected. The rain could cause flash flooding.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – This Friday, the State Farmers Market in Raleigh is going all out for the Fourth of July with its annual Food Truck Rodeo from 4 to 9 p.m.—serving up a smorgasbord of sweet, savory, and spicy eats alongside music, line dancing, face painting and even a prize-filled scavenger hunt. With many farmers staying late and vendors offering tours, treats, and giveaways, it’s a hometown celebration that brings flavor, fun and family all to one place.
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The Festival for the Eno is back for its 46th year, kicking off Friday with a packed lineup of local music, handmade art, and cool river escapes. Hosted at West Point on the Eno, the celebration highlights homegrown talent like Shirlette Ammons and Dom Flemons, plus nearly two dozen local food vendors and artists from across the region. With shaded trails, misting tents, and kayaking available, it’s a Fourth of July tradition that offers a beat you can dance to and a breeze you can wade into.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Many years ago, my family and I were visiting relatives in Ohio in early April. On the way back home it snowed, although it did not stick to the roads. It stopped snowing as we were coming down Fancy Gap mountain on the Virginia-North Carolina border, just north of Mount Airy. I have vivid memories of a tree with white blooms that caught my eye. It was a Serviceberry (Amelanchier) which is in the rose family. It is also called Shadbush, Shadblow, Juneberry, and Sugarplum. Native to all three regions of North Carolina and I had never seen one, so I read up on it and asked my “WPTF Weekend Gardener” co-host Anne Clapp about this interesting tree.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis’ announcement over the weekend that he won’t seek reelection is heating up the campaign on both sides of the aisle. Tillis revealed his decision Sunday after clashing with President Donald Trump over his tax breaks and spending cuts bill. A Trump endorsement for the Republican nominee could heavily influence GOP primary. Potential GOP candidates include Lara Trump. Meanwhile, Democrats are urging former Gov. Roy Cooper to run. He’s been holding back for months on making a public decision. Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel launched his own Democratic nomination bid almost three months ago.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A Duke University spinout called Quadridox is developing cutting-edge X-ray technology that could revolutionize airport security by identifying what objects are made of—potentially allowing travelers to keep their liquids and speed through checkpoints. The startup, led by former Duke professor Joel Greenberg, is currently focused on improving TSA efficiency with smarter screening of checked baggage, but the tech also has promising applications in medical imaging, including better cancer detection.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – With the year already halfway over, CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger is urging Americans to use this short holiday week to give their finances a mid-year checkup. From reviewing spending habits to ditching unwanted subscriptions and checking for junk fees, Schlesinger says now is the time to focus on what you can control—before small leaks turn into bigger money problems. … Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A powerful hailstorm wreaked havoc at Atlanta’s main travel hub, damaging 100 planes and diverting 90 flights, just as a notorious cybercriminal group ramps up attacks on U.S. airlines. Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff says the storm caused significant disruptions due to necessary safety inspections, while hackers like ScatteredSpider are compounding chaos during one of the busiest travel seasons. With outdated systems and high-value data, the airline industry is facing both natural and digital threats that could ripple through airports across the country. … Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Carolina roads and airports are about to get busy—AAA says a record 2.3 million North Carolinians are expected to travel during a nine-day Fourth of July window, with most opting to hit the road. Motor club spokesperson Tiffany Wright says drivers should plan ahead, avoid peak travel times between noon and 5 p.m., and allow plenty of time to reach their destination as traffic is expected to surge across the state and beyond.… Continue Reading