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

Elon University has hired Jodean Schmiederer as its new assistant dean of students. 

<b>ELON, N.C.</b> — Elon University has hired Jodean Schmiederer as its new assistant dean of students. She will be responsible for the Moseley Campus Center, Greek Life, Student Judicial Affairs, Student Activities, Summer Conferences and Family Weekend.<br />

Schmiederer worked most recently at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Elon hires new dean of students

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

Northern lights in Pittsboro

Temperatures will drop down to the 50s tonight, making for a comfortable sleep.


WRAL Weather Alert Day ends for Friday: Quiet night ahead expected

Weekend planner

A Lee County teacher is facing several charges, including indecent liberties with a minor.

Lee County teacher arrested for alleged indecent liberties with minor

Lee County teacher charged with indecent liberties with a minor

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 

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

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

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Severe risk for Friday 

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

Bulls fall To Nashville, 7-1

Durham Bulls Logo

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.

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

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