Coastal Residents Ordered To Evacuate
(Raleigh, NC) -- Residents of the Outer Banks and other barrier islands along the North Carolina coast are being ordered to evacuate. Governor Roy Cooper issued a mandatory evacuation set to take effect at eight this morning. President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for the state ahead of Hurricane Dorian. Officials say the declaration will speed federal aid to the state, including bringing more FEMA and military personnel and resources for preparation and relief efforts.
Judges Tell North Carolina To Redraw District Maps
(Raleigh, NC) -- North Carolina leaders are being told to redraw the district maps for the state legislature. A three-judge panel ruled yesterday that the current lines are unconstitutional due to political partisanship. The Republican-led legislature drew up the current district maps two years ago, after previous maps were also ruled unconstitutional. Republican Senate leader Phil Berger disagrees with the court's ruling, but says it's time to move on and respect the decision.
WNC Emergency Crews Ready To Respond To Coast
(Asheville, NC) -- Emergency crews from the mountains are ready to head east as Hurricane Dorian approaches. Duke Energy's district manager told WLOS-TV that 300 people from Western North Carolina are on hand to help with expected power outages along the coast. Wilmington is expected to start feeling the effects of the storm later tonight. The eastern third of the state is under either a tropical storm or hurricane watch.
Court Upholds Second-Degree Murder Conviction In Henderson County
(Henderson County, NC) -- A second-degree murder conviction in Henderson County is being upheld by the state's Supreme Court. Matthew Joseph Schmeider drove head-on into a truck driven by East Henderson High School senior Derek Miller in December 2016. Prosecutors say Schmeider's blood-alcohol level couldn't be determined, but he was driving on a suspended license at the time of the wreck. The Supreme Court just dismissed a request to review the case, after the Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction earlier this year.
Closed Section Of Nantahala River May Re-Open Soon
(Swain County, NC) -- A closed eight-mile section of the Nantahala River could re-open much sooner than expected. The U.S. Forest Service announced last week that the river in the Nantahala Gorge might be closed for up to two years due to debris from August landslides that blocked the river and compromised the banks. Several agencies have been working tirelessly since then, removing most of the blockages. An assessment team is expected to make a decision on the closure soon.
DOT Working To Improve Busy Asheville Intersection
(Asheville, NC) -- Work is underway to help ease traffic at one busy Asheville intersection. DOT crews started a one-point-five-million-dollar project this week that will add turn lanes at Patton Avenue and New Leicester Highway. They'll be out nightly through November. A DOT engineer says 30-thousand-cars travel through the intersection daily.
Charlotte Workers Ready To Help In Hurricane
(Charlotte, NC) -- Charlotte-area workers are ready to respond to areas affected by Hurricane Dorian. NBC Charlotte says 450 Duke Energy employees are heading to help out in Florence, South Carolina. Charlotte fire's swift-water rescue teams are expected to assist the North Carolina coast. Wilmington is expected to start feeling the effects of the storm later tonight. The eastern third of the state is under either a tropical storm or hurricane watch.
Foster Mother Charged In Death Of Child Left In Car
(Mecklenburg County, NC) -- A Charlotte foster mother is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a one-year-old child. The infant was left inside a car parked at the McMullen Creek Shopping Center in Pineville last Thursday. The CMPD says the foster mother realized after she worked a shift that the boy was in the car. He died at Atrium Pineville. Investigators said yesterday the woman is expected to turn herself in.
Human Remains Found In Fire Identified As Missing Man
(Charlotte, NC) -- Human remains found at the site of a Charlotte house fire are confirmed to be those of a missing man. An insurance adjuster made the discovery three days after a fire completely destroyed a home under renovation on Kenley Lane last month. The CMPD says the remains were those of 55-year-old Vernon Bubba Walker. He was reported missing in July. They're still trying to figure out the cause of the fire.
More Than 40 Arrested In Bust Near UNCC
(Charlotte, NC) -- More than 40 people are facing charges in connection to a large drug and alcohol bust near UNC Charlotte. Alcohol Law Enforcement officers targeted house parties last weekend, where 31 were arrested for alcohol violations like underage drinking. An ALE officer told WSOC-TV that there's been an increase in house parties lately.
Free Stays At Airbnb For Hurricane Evacuees
(Charlotte, NC) -- Airbnb is offering up free stays for those escaping Hurricane Dorian's path. More than one-thousand hosts across the southeast are taking part in Airbnb's emergency Open Homes program, volunteering their homes for free until September 16th. WBTV is reporting about 30 homes in Charlotte are listed on the Airbnb program. Relief workers and evacuees are eligible for a free stay.
Northgate Mall Sears Store Offers Shelter For People Forced Out By Hurricane Dorian
(Durham, NC) -- The old Sears store in Durham's Northgate Mall is offering shelter for people forced to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Dorian. Volunteers expect as many as 500 people to start moving into the shelter today when the Category 2 storm slams the state. The Red Cross will have supplies for evacuees as they sign in to use the shelter. The Red Cross says the old Sears store is in a prime spot near the interstate and major highways, making it easier for people to find shelter from the storm.
School Districts, Colleges Close Ahead Of Hurricane Dorian
(Undated) -- A number of school districts, colleges, and universities that could feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian are closing. Hoke County schools are canceling all after-school activities today, will have no classes Thursday, and operate on a three-hour delay Friday. Schools in Robeson, Sampson, and Wayne counties will be closed Thursday and Friday. Classes are suspended at Barton College, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Wesleyan College, and University of Mount Olive.
Triangle Could See Heavy Rain, Flooding From Hurricane Dorian
(Raleigh, NC) -- Hurricane Dorian could bring heavy rain, flooding, and power outages to the Triangle in the next few days. The National Weather Service says effects of the storm are likely to push into the region beginning Thursday and into Friday. Heavy rainfall could set off flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Forecasters say gusty winds have the potential to uproot trees and knock out power in isolated areas.
Piedmont Triad To Feel Effects From Dorian
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- The Piedmont Triad could start to feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian. The storm is expected to reach the Carolina coast within the next 24-to-48 hours. Forecasters say it will bring scattered showers and damaging winds to the Triad. Both flooding and power outages are a concern.
North Carolina Zoo To Offer Half-Price Admission For Dorian Evacuees
(Asheboro, NC) -- The North Carolina Zoo is offering half-price admission to folks who've been evacuated due to Hurricane Dorian. Anyone who evacuated from counties affected by the hurricane qualify for the offer. It's good through September 11th.
Suspect Charged With Murder In Food Lion Stabbing
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- A man is charged with murder in connection with the stabbing death of a man outside a Food Lion in Winston-Salem. Joseph Hannah was arrested yesterday afternoon after a brief foot chase. He's accused of stabbing Dorrell Brayboy in the Food Lion parking lot one week ago. The victim died at the hospital.