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

It's that time of year when your child will be taking end-of-grade tests or EOGs. What are EOGs and how can you help them be better prepared?

End-of-grade tests: Everything you need to know about these annual exams

Student testing 

<b>FORT BRAGG, N.C.</b> — By 8 p.m. Friday roughly 100 soldiers from Fort Bragg will head to Iraq.

The troops are with the 18th Airborne Corps Aviation Brigade, which fly Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters.

The soldiers were able to spend Thanksgiving here, but they are expected to miss Christmas.

Another 500 soldiers from Fort Bragg have orders to deploy Sunday.

Nearly 600 Fort Bragg Soldiers Shipping Out For Iraq By Sunday

Some locals lost sleep overnight Friday, staying awake to take in the rare sight of the Northern Lights filling the North Carolina sky - a sight very rarely visible this far south.

'Once in a lifetime:' Northern Lights fill NC skies with spectacular green and purple auroras

Northern lights in Pittsboro

WRAL viewers from all around North Carolina are sending dazzling photos of the Northern Lights, visible at locations around the Triangle like Falls Lake, Lake Jordan and local parks and neighborhoods.

Photo gallery: Northern Lights put on rare, dazzling show across the Triangle

Northern Lights in Siler City

Saturday will be a beautiful day with sunshine and mild temperatures around 74.


Sunny and pleasant: Cooler temps, low humidity for lovely Mother's Day weekend🌺

Weekend planner

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

At least one person was injured after a motorcycle crash on US-64 early Saturday morning.

Person injured in motorcycle crash on US-64

Motorcycle crash on US-64 leaves person injured

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 for Friday 

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions Drawing.

Mega Millions Drawing

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

Videos

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.

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

What's next for PNC Arena upgrade after city, county approve financing plan

Tip off as the Pack take on the Heels

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

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