A blaze tore through an auto shop in the 2700 block of Hillsborough Road on July 22; crews found flames in multiple bays and the cause remains under investigation.

A flood watch covers parts of southeast North Carolina through Friday as forecasters warn repetitive heavy downpours could trigger flash flooding.

NCDEQ has pushed Helene recovery funding past $1 billion; Burnsville will get state grants and loans to rebuild its drinking-water intake and sewer lines.

Federal investigators have opened a Title VI inquiry into East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, joining a broader federal review of med‑school admissions. The probe will examine whether admissions used unlawful racial criteria.

Recent rain nudged Falls Lake up about 1%, but the reservoir is still roughly 66% full and Raleigh remains under Stage 1 watering restrictions. Enforcement of irrigation rules has intensified.

A mosquito batch trapped in Ajax tested positive for West Nile virus — the first in Durham Region this season. Officials urge repellent, long sleeves and removing standing water.

A severe thunderstorm warning swept through Edgecombe and Wilson counties on Monday, bringing quarter‑size hail and 60 mph gusts. Officials urged shelter and warned motorists along NC‑264.

A federal review step advanced plans for passenger rail between Fayetteville and Raleigh, moving the 62‑mile corridor into formal planning while funding and safety questions remain.

Highs near 94°F and heat index near 103°F Tuesday; storms likely Wednesday night with localized heavy rain possible.

NWS issued an alert for strong thunderstorms in Harnett and Cumberland counties, warning gusts up to 40 mph and frequent lightning that could affect Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and I‑95.

Nighttime "glowing" over Surf City power poles has locals spooked. Experts say salt‑laden spray builds up on insulators and produces visible electrical arcing.

NWS warned of urban and small‑stream flooding across parts of the Piedmont Sunday evening; low‑lying roads may be impassable. Heed barricades and local alerts.

A fire at The Timbers in northwest Raleigh damaged eight apartments and displaced at least 16 residents, officials say. No injuries were reported and investigators are probing the cause.