Carolina Weather Group

On this week’s Carolina Weather Group (Episode 559 – October 1, 2025), James Brierton, Frank Strait, Sam Walker, and Joseph Naven unpack the federal government shutdown — and what it really means for the National Weather Service, NOAA, and hurricane operations across the Southeast.The team discusses:What services will continue during the shutdown (like life-saving forecasts and warnings)Why NOAA’s social media and hurricane hunter updates are temporarily pausedHow Hurricane Imelda’s unexpected right turn spared most of the CarolinasBreaking news from the Outer Banks, where at least seven homes have collapsed into the Atlantic near BuxtonHow the shutdown complicates cleanup efforts on Cape Hatteras National SeashoreA look back one year after Hurricane Helene, with updates from Asheville’s River Arts District and CSX rail repairs across western North CarolinaPlus: NASCAR’s Charlotte fall weekend forecast, and a look back ten years to the 2015 South Carolina floodsWhether you’re in the Carolinas or beyond, this

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is joined by the National Weather Service and state officials to discuss preparations for Tropical Depression Nine, the storm forecast to become Hurricane Imelda in the days ahead. Impacts to the Carolina coast are forecast to include heavy rain, gusty winds and rough surf.#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #ncwx #scwx #podcast

The National Hurricane Center has issued the first hurricane forecast cone for a storm system expected to become Imelda.Impacts from Imelda are forecast to include heavy rain, gusty winds and rough surf along the Carolinas.The storm is organizing itself just north of Cuba. Until it becomes better organized, the system is referred to as "Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine." It could become Tropical Depression Nine before assuming the Imelda name at the Tropical Storm or Hurricane stage.#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #ncwx #scwx #podcast

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeastern United States, bringing deadly storm surge, destructive winds, tornadoes, and record-breaking rainfall. Combined with a rare Predecessor Rainfall Event (PRE), the storm caused catastrophic flooding across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, leaving behind nearly $80 billion in damage.One year later, the Carolina Weather Group brings you this anniversary special report, filmed on location across the Carolinas, documenting the lasting damage, recovery efforts, and ongoing rebuilding.In this program, we visit:Asheville, NC, where the River Arts District became the epicenter of national flood coverage after the French Broad River engulfed buildings and crippled the city’s infrastructure.Black Mountain and East Asheville, where residents endured devastating flash flooding with little access to outside help.Fletcher, NC, where the French Broad River crested 10 feet higher than the infamous 1916 flood.South Carolina Upstate commun

Tropical Storm Humberto officially formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. It is one of two areas of tropical development being monitored by the WCNC Weather Impact Team.At 5 p.m., NOAA's National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that Tropical Storm Humberto had officially developed about 550 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands, moving northwest at 15 mph with sustained winds of 40 mph. Prior to 5 p.m., forecasters had been monitoring the area under the name Invest 93L, which denotes it as an area of potential tropical development.There’s also another system nearby, Invest 94L, which could interact with Humberto and add more uncertainty to the forecast. The National Hurricane Center notes that confidence in the track beyond Day 3 is lower than usual, giving the potential impacts of both the cold front and Invest 94L on Humberto.Invest 94L has an 80% of developing into an organized system. If it were to reach tropical storm status with winds of 39 mph, it would receive the name Imelda.#weather #northcaro

It’s been one year since Hurricane Helene devastated the Carolinas — from catastrophic flooding in Asheville and the French Broad River Valley to the ongoing recovery in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. In this special Carolina Weather Group podcast, James Brierton talks with WCNC's Brad Panovich and WFMY's Tim Buckley, as they reflect on the storm’s impacts, the lessons still being learned, and the striking parallels to past events like Hurricane Ivan (2004) and the 1916 flood.This special presentation originally aired as "Live Weather Impact," which streams weeknights at 6:30 p.m. on WCNC+ and WFMY+. Stream for free on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple and more.In this episode, we take you to Lake Lure where recovery continues, explore how back-to-back storms magnify impacts, and discuss why inland flooding remains the Carolinas’ most dangerous hurricane threat. Plus, we break down this week’s growing drought concerns, what it means for fall wildfire season, and why history matters when preparing for fu

With this Wednesday marking the average peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, the Carolina Weather Group is revisiting some of our most memorable hurricane interviews, including WCNC forecaster Larry Sprinkle, former WBTV chief meteorologist Eric Thomas, and then-National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham, who now oversees all of the National Weather Service. In 2019, Scotty Powell, Evan Fisher, and Chris Jackson visits the NOAA's Hurricane Awareness Tour at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. MERCH: https://carolinaweathergroup.qbstores.com/ LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.comThe Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atm

It's Labor Day week, and as summer comes to a close, it's an extended road trip edition of the Carolina Weather Group!Texas Republicans have recently proposed moving a space vehicle - potentially Space Shuttle Discovery - to Texas. Join James and Tim for a never-before-seen look at their July 2023 railfanning road trip, where they also stopped at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Chantilly, VA) to see Space Shuttle Discovery and explore what the museum offers todayThen stay tuned for our original road trip adventure, where James and Tim take you to the legendary Horseshoe Curve in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

When Hurricane Helene hit the Carolinas, it left a path of destruction caused by wind, rain and flooding.Clint Basinger was one of many who had the misfortune of having the storm drop a tree through his Asheville, North Carolina, home.Clint is a YouTuber known to millions as LGR. His videos cover retro tech, PC gaming and more. When the tree hit his home, it sent debris and rain not only into his home residence, but also through the vintage technology collection he uses to make his living.Over the past months, Clint has been documenting his recovery for his YouTube viewers. Today, he talks with the Carolina Weather Group podcast about the impact the storm has had on him, what it has taken to get back on his feet and when he thinks he might finally be able to return home.You can find LGR at https://www.youtube.com/@LGRTo view NOAA's post-Erin imagery from OBX: https://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/storms/erin/index.html#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #ncwx #scwx #podcast

Hurricane Erin has restrengthened to 110 mph winds and is bringing 2–4 feet of storm surge to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Mandatory evacuations are underway for Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands, and NC Highway 12 faces the threat of washouts and impassable conditions .In this special hurricane update, the Carolina Weather Group delivers the latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center and critical guidance from North Carolina Emergency Management. Governor Josh Stein and state officials outline evacuations, open shelters, storm preparations, and emergency response efforts across the state.⚠️ Key Impacts:110 mph winds as Erin restrengthens2–4 feet of storm surge on the NC Outer BanksLife-threatening rip currents along the East CoastEvacuations ordered for Ocracoke & Hatteras IslandsHighway 12 at risk of closure from overwash and flooding

With Tropical Storm Warnings, Storm Surge Warnings, and dangerous rip currents along the Carolina coastline, we break down what you need to know as Erin makes its closest pass offshore.

#erin #hurricane #weather Hurricane Erin has re-intensified into a powerful Category 4 hurricane with winds of 130 mph after completing an eyewall replacement cycle. Erin is now a very large hurricane and is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents along the entire U.S. East Coast, including North Carolina’s Outer Banks.As the storm grows in size and tracks northwest, residents of coastal North Carolina should closely monitor updates this week. Even if Erin stays offshore, the dangerous surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding risks are significant.To start your new work week, Meteorologist Frank Strait with the latest from the Carolina Weather Group.We break down:Erin’s latest track and strengthWhat it means for the Outer Banks and NC beachesTimeline for rough surf, rip currents, and possible outer rainbandsImpacts for Bermuda and Atlantic Canada later this weekStay tuned for continuous updates from the Carolina Weather Group.

In this episode of the Carolina Weather Group, Duke University Associate Professor Dr. Brian McAdoo joins us to share his first-hand experience witnessing a tsunami in Hawaii just weeks ago. With decades of research into earthquakes, tsunamis, and the disaster management cycle, Dr. McAdoo offers valuable insights into how communities respond, recover, and prepare for the next natural disaster.We discuss:What it was like to see a tsunami in person after years of studying them.Why the recent Pacific tsunami wasn’t worse—and what made the difference.How the Disaster Management Cycle applies to events like Hurricane Helene.Ways communities can strengthen resilience and prepare for the future.The importance of simulating future disasters.Plus, Frank Strait has the latest on Tropical Storm Erin and the rest of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The tropics are heating up and North Carolina is underwater.In this episode of the Carolina Weather Group:We begin with the latest on Tropical Storm Dexter, which is gaining strength in the North Atlantic and stirring up rough surf and dangerous rip currents along the Carolina coastline.Two more disturbances in the Atlantic are being closely monitored:One off the Southeast U.S. coast, with a small chance of tropical developmentAnother in the central tropical Atlantic, with a 60% chance of becoming the next named storm➡️ We forecast where both systems may go — and discuss how they could impact the Carolinas in the days ahead.Then we turn to the flash flooding emergency in North Carolina, where:Charlotte saw rising waters on Fourmile, McAlpine, and Little Sugar CreeksCary, Raleigh, and Wake County reported over 5 inches of rain, with roads impassableSpring Hope, Sanford, and Zebulon were inundated, triggering flood rescues and major travel issuesWe also look at official Local Storm Reports, flooding totals, and

A historic magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia triggers tsunami warnings across the Pacific — including for Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast. Earthquake geologist Dr. Wendy Bohon joins the Carolina Weather Group to break down the science behind the massive quake, tsunami generation, and what to expect in the days ahead.Plus: the Carolinas swelter under relentless heat, but is relief finally on the way? Meteorologist Frank Strait has the forecast — and what it could mean for tropical development in early August.

#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #ncwx #scwx #podcastJoin the Carolina Weather Group for a special on-location episode from the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, NC.This week’s show covers critical weather topics affecting the Carolinas:

North Carolina has been slammed by relentless storms and flooding—and it’s not over yet.In this episode of the Carolina Weather Group, we sit down with Brandon Jones, the Catawba Riverkeeper, to talk about protecting our rivers, why heavy rainfall leads to dangerous water pollution, and how you can help keep local waterways clean.We also check in with Tim Buckley, Chief Meteorologist at WFMY in Greensboro, to break down the recent North Carolina flooding, the impact of Tropical Storm Chantal, and why weather forecasting gets so tricky this time of year.Key topics in this episode:How rainfall triggers pollution and E. coli spikes in local lakes and riversThe history and mission of the Catawba Riverkeeper organizationFlooding aftermath from Tropical Storm ChantalUrban vs rural flash flooding across the CarolinasThe problem with slow-moving storms and why forecasting them is difficultHow you can volunteer for river cleanups and citizen science projectsUpcoming Carolina Weather Group events

In this emotional and informative episode of the Carolina Weather Group, we examine the devastating flash flooding disasters that unfolded in early July 2025 in both Texas and the Carolinas. With over 100 confirmed fatalities in Texas and more than 150 missing, meteorologists and scientists recount the harrowing moments and explain how a stalled storm system overwhelmed Kerrville and surrounding areas.We also discuss Tropical Storm Chantal’s impact on the Carolinas, where unprecedented rainfall led to a 1-in-1,000-year flooding event. This conversation unpacks the science behind the flooding, the role of climate change, and the urgent need for improved flood response systems.Our guests: Troy Kimmel, a meteorologist in Austin, Texas with experience in emergency response. He's also a panelist on the WeatherBrains podcast.Dr. Kristina Dahl, Climate Central’s Vice President for ScienceJordan McLeod, our former panelist, formerly of the Southeast Regional Climate Center

Tropical Storm Chantal brought excessive rain to the Carolinas on Sunday.At this hour on Sunday night, flash flooding is occurring or forecast to occur across multiple counties in North Carolina.By morning, the Haw River will be at, or near, record-breaking levels.James Brierton looks at the day's reported rainfall totals, and the ongoing flooding.

Tropical Storm Chantal is bringing rainbands and tropical-storm-force winds to the Carolinas as it approaches landfall near the South Carolina coast. As of 8:00 PM EDT, Chantal was located 80 miles east-southeast of Charleston, SC, moving north at 7 mph with sustained winds of 45 mph.A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from South Santee River, SC to Surf City, NC, and a Tropical Storm Watch remains in place from Edisto Beach to South Santee River. Chantal is expected to strengthen slightly before landfall overnight, followed by rapid weakening as it moves inland.Hazards include:Heavy Rainfall: 2–4 inches with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, increasing flash flood risk.Storm Surge: 1–2 feet possible from Edisto Beach to Surf City during high tide.Isolated Tornadoes: Possible tonight and Sunday across eastern SC and NC.Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents: Expected along the coast through the weekend.Stay alert to local National Weather Service updates for impacts specific to your area.