26 NC counties are under alert, including Cumberland, Chatham, Sampson, and Hoke counties.

We’re also tracking how long severe weather risks last, a live look at the roads in the WRAL Storm Tracker and why dozens of child care centers plan to close Thursday. Watch WRAL-TV at 7 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 7: New images of school bus crash with children on board. What we’re learning about the crash

The first store will open Thursday in Kill Devil Hills, with additional outlets planned for Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Wilson and Goldsboro by the end of 2024.

Wawa in NC: 10 stores by end of 2024; 🥨 90 stores in 10 years

Wawa

As the number of juvenile offenders climbs, the state is looking at alternatives crowded detention centers to make sure young people already convicted of crimes can turn their lives around. 

Education, skills and rehab focus easing burden on NC juvenile justice system

Inside the juvenile justice system

A fallen tree branch near Hillsborough Street and St. Mary's Street in Raleigh.

Hurricane Arthur