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

Spirit Airlines is launching non-stop service between New Orleans and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

<b>NEW ORLEANS, LA</b> — Spirit Airlines is launching non-stop service between New Orleans and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The new year-around flights between Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) begin April 13, 2018.

Flights will leave New Orleans on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

This is Spirit's latest route out of the New Orleans market. The ultra low-cost carrier recently started service from the Crescent City to Boston, Newark, Tampa, and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Seasonal service to Columbus, Ohio, begins March 22, 2018.

Spirit operates 19 daily flights from New Orleans to 17 destinations across the country.

Spirit Airlines adds non-stop flight from New Orleans to Atlantic City

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

Durham police were investigating in a Home Depot parking lot, where there appeared to be blood on the pavement, on Saturday morning.

Durham police investigating in parking lot outside Home Depot by 15-501

Police investigating in parking lot outside Home Depot in Durham

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

A busy travel day at Raleigh-Durham International Airport got off to a rocky start on Saturday morning.

Security mishap causes delays for morning travelers at RDU

Delays at RDU security lines on busy travel weekend

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

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 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

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.