Carolina Weather Group

Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate joins us to outline urgent ways the federal government can improve disaster response—before the next hurricane or wildfire hits. In this exclusive interview, we break down his recent Tampa Bay Times column calling for smarter survivor assistance, faster public rebuilding, and stronger local preparedness.With hurricane season just weeks away, Fugate—who led FEMA under Presidents Obama and Bush—explains how the agency can move faster, deliver clearer help to families, and avoid rebuilding the same vulnerable communities over and over.Read Craig Fugate's column: https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2025/03/25/three-ways-president-trump-can-improve-femas-disaster-response-column/

This week, Raleigh-based NASA Ambassador Tony Rice catches us up with all things space!

In this extended interview from April 29, 2015, the Carolina Weather Group closes out Severe Weather Awareness Month with a true icon in meteorology: Gary England, the legendary Oklahoma broadcaster who revolutionized how America prepares for tornadoes.For decades, Gary was the face of Oklahoma City’s severe weather coverage, becoming a household name through his calm presence during some of the nation's most destructive tornado outbreaks. In this episode, he sits down with us to reflect on his storied career—from his time serving in the Navy, to earning his meteorology degree, to becoming the first on-air meteorologist to use commercial Doppler radar to issue life-saving tornado warnings.

Meteorologist and hurricane expert Michael Lowry joins us to break down NOAA's newly released 2025 hurricane forecast — and the growing crisis inside the National Weather Service.In this interview, we discuss:Why forecasters expect another active Atlantic hurricane seasonWhat cooling ocean temperatures really mean for storm activityHow El Niño, La Niña, and “La Nada” could influence the months aheadThe severe staffing shortages hitting coastal forecast officesWhat the loss of hurricane hunters and weather balloons could mean for your safetyWhat it means to “be ready for your one”Michael is the author of Eye on the Tropics, a science-focused newsletter breaking down hurricanes, climate, and ocean patterns in ways everyone can understand.

NOAA has officially released its forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season—and it's expected to be above-normal. The agency is predicting 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes and up to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).Forecasters say above-average ocean temperatures, weaker wind shear, and a more active West African Monsoon are all setting the stage for a busy season from June 1 through November 30.This video breaks down:NOAA’s full hurricane outlookWhy the Atlantic is primed for tropical activityNew tools and updates for forecasting and preparation in 2025Why inland communities should also prepare, not just coastal regions

This week, we look back at our first storm-chasing adventure in 2019. Join Scotty Powell, Evan Fisher and Chris Jackson as they take you on a multi-state trip to see severe weather as it happens.#northcarolina #southcarolina #weather #ncwx #scwx #podcast

There is a large power outage in western North Carolina around Asheville.The power outage comes amid gusty winds caused by the passage of a cold front.Over 26,000 Duke Energy customers are without power in many of the same locations hard hit by Hurricane Helene last night.The cause of the outage is known. Electricity is expected to return later Saturday night.

Days of persistent storms have produced tornadoes in both North Carolina and South Carolina. The latest on the damage they caused. Plus, we're tracking new severe storms across the Carolinas live.Plus, a lingering flood threat brought on by days of heavy. Boone, NC reported over five inches of rain since Sunday. Where the creeks, streams and rivers are overflowing their banks.Plus, whatever became of that EF-U tornado we told you about last week? Storm chaser Tommy Augustine returns to Jamesville to find, what he calls, previously undiscovered tornado damage. Could this be enough to give the tornado a property ranking on the Enhanced Fujita scale?

Breaking news: We're working to gather details about a reported earthquake shaking portions of NC, SC, GA and TN.

On Monday, storm chaser Tommy Augustine witnessed something that, as a storm spotter, got the National Weather Service to issue a verified tornado warning: a tornado was on the ground near Jamesville, North Carolina.His video quickly made it online and to television, where it was viewed and analyzed on the Weather Channel by Jim Cantore.However, after some analysis and investigation, the National Weather Service has concluded the tornado's strength was an EF-U, a rare classification on the enhanced Fujita scale.Without any sufficient wind damage, meteorologists could not accurately estimate the storm's strength, making it impossible to give it a more traditional EF ranking.This week on the Carolina Weather Group, we're talking with Tommy Augustine about his drone video and storm chase. We're also joined by WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich, who quickly shared Tommy's video in the minutes after it was first recorded.

When Hurricane Helene devastated Chimney Rock, NC, it left behind destruction—but also sparked a wave of resilience. In this episode, WCNC Charlotte’s Jesse Pierre joins us to share her powerful firsthand reporting from the ground. Hear the stories of loss, community strength, and the remarkable volunteers helping rebuild one nail at a time.We discuss:What Jesse witnessed while covering the recoveryStories of residents who lost everything but never gave upHow volunteers from hundreds of miles away stepped inThe long-term challenges ahead—and the hope that remains

This week on the Carolina Weather Group, we’re revisiting two unforgettable tornado outbreaks that impacted the Carolinas — and the brave meteorologists, storm chasers, and first responders who lived them firsthand.

Legendary WCNC Charlotte weatherman Larry Sprinkle is smashing that alarm clock and handing off his weather clicker after 40 years with the NBC affiliate in Charlotte.Sprinkle, who has been a longtime staple on the station's morning show, will still be with the station. While he hands off weekday morning responsibilities to meteorologist Chris Mulcahy, Sprinkle will continue to share community stories with viewers. He will often lend his smile to pet adoption segments and charity events.Ahead of his final morning show, the Carolina Weather Group's James Brierton talked with Sprinkle about his career, which has touched countless Charlotteans over the years.WCNC Charlotte is hosting a week of events to celebrate Sprinkle. After throwing out the first pitch at the Charlotte Knights game on Wednesday, Sprinkle can also be seen at:Coffee with SprinkleWhen: Friday, April 4, 8 to 10 a.m.Where: Amelie’s at Park Road Shopping Center, 524 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209What: Join Sprinkle for a morning of co

Wildfires are burning in both North Carolina and South Carolina. New evacuations issued on Wednesday as new fires ignite in new counties. James Brierton with the latest on the firefighting efforts to contain the biggest fires burning in the South.Plus, the somber six-month anniversary of Helene. Frank Strait and Evan Fisher are in Asheville with what scientists have learned about the historic storm and the impressive data it left behind in its wake.

Growing wildfires in both North Carolina and South Carolina have led to new residential evacuations on Tuesday.Table Rock Fire:Status: 2,293 acres with 0% containmentPickens County Evacuations: Asia Li Ln, Bird Song Trl, Blue Mountain Way, Bluff Ridge Rd, Bobcat Dr, Bridle Dr, Caesars Head Hwy, Cherry Blossom Ln, Cisson Ridge Rd, Cold Mountain View, Cougar Trl, Cripple Creek Rd, Curts Way, Dogwood Mountain Rd, Dry Lake Rd, Duckwood Ln, Elizabeth Dr, Fast Ln, Fish Hawk Rd, Green Acres Dr, Hardin Rd, Hardwood Ln, Hwy 11, Ledge Rd, Locust Rdg, Misty Mountain Way, Mulligan Ford Hill Rd, Pumpkin Ln, Pumpkin Mountain Rd, Raven Cliff Rd, Raven Ct, Ridge Springs Rd, River Bluff Rd, River Rd, Rockcrest Rd, Rockcrest Rdg, Rockview Ct, Rocky Rd, S Saluda Rd, Saluda Hill Rd, Saluda Shore Dr, Trinity Trl, Wayside Dr, Wild Brook Dr, Winding Trl, Wotawok TrlSee this fire live: https://youtube.com/live/swAex0oeFBM?feature=share

Thousands of acres of burning in North Carolina and South Carolina this weekend are due to extremely high fire danger.The largest fires are in Polk County, North Carolina, where firefighters are battling the Black Cobve, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. Combined over 3,000 acres have burned and nearby residents have been evacuated to a shelter in Columbus.Fires are burned Saturday in Table Rock, South Carolina and Burke County, North Carolina.A Norfolk Southern freight train started a small grass fire in Huntersville, North Carolina.The weather forecast remains dry and sunny. Combined with leftover storm debris from Helene and ongoing gusty winds, state officials in both North Carolina and South Carolina have issued statewide burn bans.James Brierton provides this update on the ongoing wildfires from the Carolina Weather Group studio in Charlotte.

#northcarolina #southcarolina #weather #ncwx #scwx #podcast In this video, we break down Governor Josh Stein’s historic signing of the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1, his first bill into law. Learn how the $524 million allocated for western North Carolina will provide critical support—from aiding farmers and repairing infrastructure to extending emergency declarations after Hurricane Helene. We also explore the additional $217 million earmarked for eastern NC, and what these steps mean for communities still recovering. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis on the ongoing recovery efforts and the push for $19 billion in federal support for even more resilient infrastructure and disaster readiness.Plus:1. Tornadoes, damaging winds, hail storms in North Carolina and South Carolina2. NASA SpaceX Crew-9 return home from space3. Windy weather combined with low humidity creates more fire danger (and even some snow and wintry weather at the highest elevations in western North Carolina.)

#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #ncwx #scwx #podcastAnother round of severe weather is forecast to bring damaging winds and tornadoes to the Carolinas this weekend. The latest forecast analysis on what you can expect.Plus, NASA and SpaceX postpone the launch of Crew-10 to the International Space Station. When will the "stranded astronauts" come home?Dirty rain fell in the Carolinas. Where did it come from and why did it happen?On this date in weather history, we look back at the 1993 super snow and the 1962 Ash Wednesday Storm.The latest on the DOGE cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service.