Hurricanes Coverage

NC State forecasts active Atlantic hurricane season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will see 15 to 20 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin, according to researchers at North Carolina State University.

NC State researchers predict active Atlantic hurricane season with 15-20 named storms

North Carolina State University researchers predict that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will have 15 to 20 named storms, which is higher than the long-term average.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

NOAA gives early hurricane season predictions

With hurricane season fast approaching, WRAL News spoke with the director of the National Hurricane Center to learn what changing conditions in the Atlantic Ocean could mean for the 2024 hurricane season, and the tools they're using to track storms.

2024 hurricane season conditions 'concerning,' hurricane expert says

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has not released its official forecast for hurricane season. but Dr. Michael Brennan with the NHC said the combination of rising sea surface temperatures and a developing La Nina pattern make this year's forecast "concerning."

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist, and Kat Campbell, WRAL meteorologist

La Niña watch: North Carolina could see active hurricane season in 2024

A La Niña often means an active Atlantic hurricane season. 2020 was the most active season on record and it was a La Niña year. Also, 2021 was the third-most active season on record and also a La Niña year.

Aimee Wilmoth, WRAL meteorologist

In Depth with Dan: Do we need a category 6 for hurricanes?

The possibility of more powerful tropical storms due to climate change has led to the proposal of a sixth category of major hurricanes, according to a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Should we fear Category 6? Meteorologists weigh in on proposed hurricane scale expansion

The possibility of more powerful tropical storms due to climate change has led to the proposal of a sixth category of major hurricanes, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Dan Haggerty, WRAL anchor/reporter

Unforgiving nature: Countdown to the 20 worst natural disasters in the Triangle

The Triangle's tumultuous past: A countdown of 20 worst natural disasters that shaped Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, from hurricanes to tornadoes and more.

Kaila Curry, Audience Engagement Producer

2023 Atlantic Hurricane season ending: Above-average season fueled by strong El Niño, record-warm ocean temps

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends Thursday. The season was above average, with 19 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

2023 Atlantic hurricane season ends Thursday

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. There were 20 storms overall and 19 named storms in 2023, which is the fourth-highest total since 1950.

Weekend plans? Here's what is canceled due to NC Tropical Storm Ophelia

Benson Mule Days will be held rain or shine, but several other outdoor events are delayed or canceled this weekend.

WRAL staff

Ophelia will impact weekend plans at NC coast

Tropical Storm Ophelia, making its way toward the coast, may force some changes to your end-of-summer trip to the beach.

Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wrightsville Beach 5 years ago today

Hurricane Florence made landfall on Sept. 14, 2018, in Wrightsville Beach as a Category 1 hurricane.

Hurricane Florence made landfall in NC five years ago

Hurricane Florence made landfall on Sept. 14, 2018, in Wrightsville Beach as a Category 1 hurricane.

Amanda Lamb, WRAL reporter

Warming oceans contribute to rapidly strengthening hurricanes

Record hot ocean temperatures are fueling the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Climate scientists: North Carolina expected to face stronger hurricanes

Hurricane Lee set a record as the fastest system to intensify from a tropical storm to a Category Five hurricane in the Atlantic's history. Climate scientists say greenhouse gases are causing storms to get stronger and faster, with more potential threats to North Carolina's coast.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

How to best prepare for natural disasters

Mother Nature has wreaked havoc throughout the summer, causing devastating financial losses. As Hurricane Lee intensifies in the Atlantic, it is a good time to ask: Are your finances prepared for a natural disaster?

Rapid Intensification: A Strengthening Hurricane Lee

We are expected to see a process called "rapid intensification" taking place over the coming days that will allow Lee to become a beast of a storm. This term then begs the question - what exactly is "rapid intensification", and what factors can aid in this strengthening?

Columbus County business owners work to reopen after flooding from Idalia

South Madison Street in downtown Whiteville has reopened, but many businesses are still cleaning up from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Idalia.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter

Rip current warning at NC Coast after Idalia passed through

As we move into the Labor Day weekend, Idalia is creating more issues along the North Carolina coast. State officials advise against swimming in coastal waters anywhere from Kitty Hawk all the way south to the South Carolina line.

Sky 5 flies over some of the worst flooding in southern NC

Some of the most severe flooding from Idalia occurred in the southern portion of North Carolina in downtown Whiteville, where buildings were underwater.

Whiteville declares state of emergency after severe flooding from Idalia

The city of Whiteville declared a state of emergency after experiencing flooding from Idalia, where water levels were as high as 20 inches in one building.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Idalia downgraded to post-tropical cyclone, three tornadoes hit NC on Wednesday

The NWS has confirmed three tornadoes on Wednesday in North Carolina due to severe weather conditions from Idalia.

WRAL staff

Roof blows off home near Myrtle Beach

WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth is live in Cherry Grove, South Carolina, where winds from Idalia blew a roof off a home and into the canal.

Tropical Storm Idalia: Path, impact and rain

Graphics from the WRAL Severe Weather Center show the current path and impact of Idalia, which will impact central and eastern North Carolina Wednesday and Thursday.