National Weather Service News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

See where flooding happens: Central NC gets expanded water prediction tools

Central North Carolina residents now have access to expanded experimental Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) services from the National Weather Service. The maps provide real-time and forecasted flood data to help people better understand and respond to flood risks.

Fact check: Did the Trump administration defund the National Weather Service ahead of flooding?

"The reason the Texans had no idea that a giant flash-flood that killed 20 plus people was going to be coming to them was because the Trump regime has defunded not only the National Weather Service but also what's known as NOAA ... both of those things are how we predict weather events like these," a July 6 TikTok post said.

Louis Jacobson, Ella Moore and Amy Sherman, PolitiFact reporters

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Uncle Sam thrown in the deep end

Wednesday, July 9, 2025-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

NC flooding: What alerts were sent? Was the National Weather Service prepared?

WRAL goes In Depth about how weekend flooding in Texas compared to flooding in North Carolina. WRAL anchor/reporter Ashley Rowe and WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth discuss several questions, including: Did the DOGE cuts to the National Weather Service play a role in the flooding events in Texas and North Carolina?

Ask the Meteorologist: Just how rare is a heat index of 112°?

The peak heat index could reach as high as 112° Tuesday afternoon.

WRAL Meteorologist, Chris Michaels

National NWS delays caused by 'degraded network speeds'

A national outage impacted how the National Weather Service (NWS) issues its emergency alerts during severe storms Friday around the Triangle.

National Weather Service outage causes alert delays during severe storms in the Triangle

The National Weather Service is in charge of declaring watches or warnings for thunderstorms, tornadoes and other weather emergencies. For our team of meteorologists, they expected them on Friday, but were puzzled why they weren't there.

Ask the Meteorologist: Will the reduction of weather balloon launches affect the forecast?

Some National Weather Service offices are reducing and even suspending balloon launches due to staffing issues.

Chris Michaels, WRAL meteorologist

Cuts to NOAA and NWS could impact local forecasts

The agencies responsible for tracking severe storms may soon have fewer resources to do so.

Ask the Meteorologist: How do weather balloons help forecast winter weather?

The data sampled by weather balloons gets fed into forecast models, making the forecast clearer days ahead of a storm.

Chris Michaels, WRAL meteorologist

Ask the Meteorologist: Why are wind chill alerts being changed to 'extreme cold' alerts this winter?

Extreme cold can happen without wind, so the National Weather Service is revising how they warn for dangerous winter conditions.

Chris Michaels, WRAL meteorologist

National Weather Service confirms two EF-1 tornadoes and one EF-0 tornado hit Franklin County

The National Weather Service confirmed one of the tornadoes that touched down yesterday in Franklin County was an EF 1. It had max winds around 100 miles per hour and hit near Louisburg.

Tropical storm Debby forms in the Gulf of Mexico Saturday

Meteorologist Anthony Baglione provides the latest update on the path of Tropical Storm Debby and its potential impact on North Carolina.

Category 1-5: An interactive look at hurricane damage

How much damage can wind do? Video and graphics provided by the National Hurricane Center, nhc.noaa.gov.

2024 hurricane season conditions 'concerning,' hurricane expert says

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has not released its official forecast for hurricane season. but Dr. Michael Brennan with the NHC said the combination of rising sea surface temperatures and a developing La Nina pattern make this year's forecast "concerning."

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist, and Kat Campbell, WRAL meteorologist

Warmer weather stunts local food supply

The El Niño climate pattern has caused above normal temperatures throughout the 2023-2024 winter season.

Derrah Getter, 2024 CBC-UNC Diversity Fellow

Winter wonderland: Discovering the best snowy retreats in North Carolina

Explore the enchanting winter landscape of North Carolina, a state renowned for its sandy beaches and vibrant cities, which transforms into a magical wonderland when winter arrives. This article takes you on a journey through some of the best winter destinations.

Kaila Curry, Audience Engagement Producer

Winter preparedness in the Triangle: Bracing for snow and embracing the magic

Explore how the Triangle region in North Carolina is gearing up for potential snowfall, winter preparation tips and the excitement among residents for a snowy season.

Kaila Curry, WRAL audience engagement producer

What is the difference between a storm watch and warning?

From flood watches to tornado warnings, it is important to understand what the advisories mean so you can be better prepared for severe storms in your area.

Arri Woodhouse, WRAL contributor

What's in the future for weather forecasting?

My name is Harry Enten, and I'm addicted to weather forecasting.

By Harry Enten, CNN

National Weather Service surveying Durham storm damage

A large tree fell in Durham's Northgate Park neighborhood.

The National Weather Service begins a new impact-based severe thunderstorm warning program

The National Weather Service has devised a better way to convey the destructive potential of severe storms since all storms are not the same.

Mike Maze, WRAL meteorologist

How accurate are weather forecasts?

Statistics show local meteorologists are far more accurate than you may think.

Zach Maloch, WRAL meteorologist

Portuguese Man o' war, jellyfish-like organism, spotted on Wrightsville beach

The Portuguese Man o' War was spotted on North Myrtle Beach and Wrighstville Beach.

Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer

Arthur's outer rain bands could begin hitting NC overnight

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the NC coast from Surf City to Duck, NC, including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. Rain could begin in NC overnight Sunday, into Monday morning.