37 NC counties are under alert, including Cumberland, Johnston, Wayne, Harnett, and Moore counties.

We’re also following a community demanding change after eight people were shot in three days in Durham. We are also tracking how long storm threats last/ Plus, find out when and how you can watch the Northern Lights in North Carolina. Watch WRAL-TV at 7 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com. 

On WRAL at 7: Trees down, hail from strong storms ⛈️ We’ll show you new live images of storm damage

Officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prepare for extreme weather ahead of hurricane season. New data shows flood and wind risk is changing in the state.

Inland homes at risk for high winds, flooding during hurricane season. Here's what you can do now.

Holly Springs shed damage

More than a dozen former employees say understaffing at Brynn Marr Hospital contributes to what they describe as a dangerous place for patients and employees. Hospital officials say allegations of violence, sexual assaults, overmedication and lack of mental health therapy are unfounded.

Former employees say short-staffed NC psych hospital rife with violence, abuse

Brynn Marr Hospital

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — The News & Observer of Raleigh is merging the news staffs of The Chapel Hill News and the N&O's Chapel Hill newsroom.

The merger was confirmed Monday. It reportedly was done in an effort to improve both publications and allow them to keep up with growing coverage demands. The combined staff will provide expanded coverage into northern Chatham County, Orange County and Hillsborough.

Each newsroom has four news reporters. Reportedly no positions will be eliminated, and the Chapel Hill News will continue as a twice-weekly publication.

CHN Managing Editor Sharon Campbell confirmed Monday that the staffs will be combined.

Campbell and Charles Jeffries, the N&O's Orange County bureau chief, will lead the day-to-day operation of the combined newsroom.

N&O To Merge Chapel Hill News, N&O's Chapel Hill Newsroom

Friday is a WRAL Weather Alert Day, with showers and isolated thunderstorms moving by in the evening hours.



WRAL Weather Alert Day: Severe thunderstorm watch in effect, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes possible

Severe risk for Friday 

A couple's breakup ended in a terrifying moment caught on a Ring doorbell camera.

On cam: Man says ex-girlfriend shot at him, tried to run him over in Fayetteville

On cam: Ring doorbell video captures violent interaction 

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to create dazzling auroras that may be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California but also disrupt communications on Earth tonight and over the weekend.

Solar storms could create rare aurora displays, be visible in North Carolina this weekend

Aurora forecast for May 10-11

North Carolina's budget surplus is now expected to be approximately $1 billion, down from previous reports that have anticipated $1.4 billion.

NC's budget surplus will be $430 million less than expected, officials say

NC Sales Tax

William Hulme and Matthew Johnson were a couple who shared their love for each other and their community for about five years. However, in April, their roommate Christian Webster allegedly shot them to death.

Father of Franklinton homicide victim wants death penalty for the suspect, more mental health oversight

William Hulme and Matthew Johnson

WRAL-TV News Broadcasts: Watch each newscast live or watch the most recent newscast on demand.

WRAL Late News 

WRAL Noon News

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Interstate 40 West is closed Friday after a crash along the interstate near Garner.

Sky 5 flies over I-40 West crash near Garner

Sky 5 flies over I-40 West closure after crash near Garner

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour talks about facing a 3-0 series deficit against the New York Rangers and looks ahead to Game 4 on Saturday.

Brind'Amour: It's a new day and a new challenge

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour

Videos

The Carolina Hurricanes hope to keep their season alive in Game 4 of the second-round playoff series against the New York Rangers on Saturday night at PNC Arena.

With backs against the wall, Canes' resolve faces ultimate challenge

Rangers_Hurricanes_Hockey_78209

The United States Golf Association has opened its new headquarters in Pinehurst, which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame.

USGA opens new headquarters in Pinehurst, showcasing historic golf artifacts

The United States Golf Association has opened its new headquarters in Pinehurst, which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame. Photo provided by USGA.

Wake County and Raleigh approved a financing plan to pay for upgrades at PNC Arena. The renovation project won't begin until next summer.

What's next for PNC Arena upgrade after city, county approve financing plan

Tip off as the Pack take on the Heels

Dozens of people showed up on Douglas Street in Wilson on Thursday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Carolina Mudcats' new Wilson stadium.

Wilson breaks ground on new Mudcats baseball stadium

The Charlotte Hornets have named Charles Lee as their next head coach. The 39-year-old Lee joins the Hornets after serving as the Boston Celtics top assistant coach.