26 NC counties are under alert, including Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Sampson, and Lee counties.

We also hear how a man helped a driver escape before an Amtrak train collided with his car. We’re also tracking waves of storms bringing isolated tornadoes and hail threats. Watch WRAL-TV at 5 p.m., and search for these and other stories on WRAL.com.

On WRAL at 5: Graduation ceremony security changes at UNC 🎓 What students must bring and the items no longer allowed inside

Many traffic stops on Interstate 95 in North Carolina start with speeding, but a simple infraction can yield weapons, drugs, even a wanted criminal. On WRAL-TV at 6, WRAL Investigates rides with the I-95 interception team, one of the most dangerous jobs in law enforcement.


WRAL Investigates at 6: Drugs, money, speed. Ride along with law enforcement teams on one of the deadliest highways in America

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>HATTERAS VILLAGE, N.C.</b> — Hatteras Village is now connected to the rest of the Outer Banks.

The inlet that Hurricane Isabel cut is now filled with sand. The Department of Transportation says it could start rebuilding Highway 12 in that spot as early as next week.

Isabel wiped out the highway in three places, stranding people who live in Hatteras Village.

Crews have been relying on ferry service since September. The repair work will cost $6 million.

Kelcey Carlson

Kamal Wallace

Crews Connect Hatteras Village To Outer Banks

Wednesday is a WRAL Weather Alert Day, with a Level 2 risk for severe storms in the evening.



WRAL Weather Alert Day: Isolated tornadoes, damaging winds & hail possible Wednesday evening

WRAL Weather Alert Days Wednesday & Thursday

An Amtrak passenger train on Wednesday hit two unoccupied cars on the tracks near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Beryl Road in Raleigh.


Amtrak passenger train hits cars blocking tracks in Raleigh, no one injured

Train tracks blocked at Hillsborough Street in Raleigh after crash

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has announced a clear bag policy and other restrictions for its upcoming commencement ceremonies.


UNC enforces clear bag policy for graduation, will require graduates to show ID card

Old Well at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

State house lawmakers voted almost unanimously Wednesday afternoon on a bill that would add a broad definition of antisemitism to state law. It now goes to the state Senate for further debate and a potential vote there. 



NC House votes overwhelmingly to approve bill defining antisemitism

North Carolina Legislative Building 

The billboard industry wants to be able to cut down more trees along North Carolina roads, including some trees that are protected under state law. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a similar bill in 2019, but GOP lawmakers are pushing it again now.

NC billboard industry once again heads for political fight with tourism advocates, environmentalists

Judge Halts TikTok Ban in Montana

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

Severe risk Wednesday

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

Sky 5 flies over train accident in Raleigh at Hillsborough Street and Beryl Road.

Sky 5 flies over train accident in Raleigh

Sky 5 flies over O2 fitness on Chapel Hill Road, where a police presence was reported. 

Police officers respond to O2 Fitness in Morrisville 

Sky 5 flies over gas leak in Fayetteville that prompted evacuations

Videos

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rory McIlroy won’t be returning to the PGA Tour board, saying Wednesday that a plan to replace Webb Simpson was met with resistance from board members.

Rory McIlroy won't rejoin PGA Tour board, says others were 'uncomfortable' with his potential return

Zurich_Classic_Golf_29669

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Riley Ammenhauser has become a record-breaking, triple-jumping track athlete at Michigan and something of an entrepreneur.

In the NIL landscape, schools are turning to companies to train and manage in-house general managers

Compensating_Athletes_90985

CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Things are going well for Nelly Korda these days, that's for sure.

After appearing on red carpet at Met Gala, Nelly Korda goes for a sixth straight win on LPGA Tour

LPGA_Tour_Golf_46354

A North Carolina woman said she's managing a financial headache after she left her credit card at a restaurant.

