Carolina Weather Group

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.

How does a governor’s emergency message reach every corner of North Carolina—even the most remote areas?In this episode of the Carolina Weather Group, host James Brierton sits down with David Crabtree, CEO of PBS North Carolina, and Chris Pandich, the network’s Chief Engineer. Together, they pull back the curtain on how PBS NC powers statewide emergency communication, public safety alerts, and essential educational programming across the state.

#space #weather #meteorite #meteor #fireball #southcarolina #Northcarolina #georgia A meteor produced a fireball seen across the sky in the Southeast around 12:25 p.m. on Thursday.Carolina Weather Group co-host Meteorologist Frank Strait saw the fireball shoot across the sky in South Carolina. He discusses what he saw with James Brierton.Reports of the meteor came in from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. There are reports of possible roof damage to a home in Henry County, GA, which is located south of Atlanta.

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.