Friday is now a WRAL Weather Alert Day. Parts of Hoke, Cumberland and Sampson counties are under a level 2 risk for storms Friday afternoon and evening. The biggest threat will be damaging winds and heavy rain, but an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out in our southern counties. The storms are expected to impact these areas from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

🚨WRAL Weather Alert Day🚨 Risk upgraded to Level 2 for southern counties, damaging winds & isolated tornadoes possible Friday

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

According to a recent Edmunds used vehicle report, demand for used cars is dropping and so are their values as the new-car market rebounds from pandemic-induced shortages. T 

Edmunds: Trade or sell your car? What's best might surprise you

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<b>HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.</b> — A man accused of a violent home invasion will spend at least the next 15 years in jail.

Michael Blackwell pleaded guilty Tuesday to kidnapping, armed robbery and assault charges.

Orange County prosecutors said Blackwell broke into a home in 2002, attacked and severely beat a woman, then tied her up.

Blackwell then stole the victim's sport utility vehicle and led officers on a chase through Orange and Durham counties.

Suspect In 2002 Home Invasion To Spend At Least 15 Years In Jail

Friday is now a WRAL Weather Alert Day, with an upgraded risk for severe storms in our southern counties.


WRAL Weather Alert Day: Risk upgraded to Level 2 for southern counties, damaging winds & isolated tornadoes possible

Severe risk for Friday 

Around 5 a.m., WRAL's Kelsey Coffey heard police say, "Come out and put your hands up." Coffey heard about 10 popping sounds. 

Man hurt in shooting at north Raleigh apartment complex, police heard telling someone to come out with hands up

One man hurt in north Raleigh shooting, police remain on scene

Durham police said the shooting happened at The Village at Auburn Apartments on Woodcroft Parkway.

Woman, man shot at Durham apartment complex

The Carolina Hurricanes try to turn the tides against the New York Rangers in Game 3 at PNC Arena. The Canes are down 2-0 to the Rangers.

Hurricanes fall in overtime to the Rangers, trail 3-0 in the series

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The state has a budget surplus of more than $1 billion for the fiscal year that begins on July 1.

Top North Carolina lawmaker considering sending money back to taxpayers

NC Senate leader Phil Berger weighs in on inflation's role in budget proposal

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

Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

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 players and Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour talk about Game 3 on Thursday night against the New York Rangers. 

Canes players, coach talk about Game 3 against New York Rangers

Videos

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

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The New York Rangers erased an early deficit to take momentum, only to squander their own lead late with a huge postseason road victory only minutes away.

Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

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JT International -- which makes and sells Winston, Camel and other cigarette brands -- plans to move its U.S. offices from New Jersey, bringing more than 100 jobs to Raleigh's North Hills area. 


Cigarette-maker moving U.S. headquarters to Raleigh 

One North Hills Tower 

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.