Author: WeatherPreppers

Executive Order 323 allowed the NC DMV to suspend various late fees and ease certain requirements for residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some people are finding a surprise in their mailboxes: a check from the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles refunding certain late fees because of Helene. But some are questioning if these checks are real or fake: THE QUESTION: From Viewer Chuck M, “I received a check from…

We are encouraging folks in the mountains to stay weather aware Tuesday and Wednesday due to the impacts from wintry precipitation. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A damp and dreary pattern sets up this week across the Carolinas, beginning early Tuesday morning.  The Charlotte area will experience off-and-on cold rain Tuesday through Wednesday. The heaviest of this rainfall will begin Tuesday around 10 p.m. and last until midday Wednesday. This means the biggest impact on the Charlotte…

Volunteers built makeshift bridges from salvaged materials to connect isolated communities after Helene, but severe weather could jeopardize their progress. AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — With the threat of heavy rain in the mountains Thursday night into Friday, many residents in Avery County are concerned the upcoming rainfall could lead to setbacks for those still recovering from Hurricane Helene.  Temporary bridges have been built using salvaged materials, connecting isolated communities with nearby towns so folks can…

FEMA said more than 153,000 families in North Carolina are being help with financial assistance. Deadline for aid applications have been extended to March 8. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released an update on their ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. FEMA’s fact sheet said $361.6 million has been approved to help 153,557 households and individuals, which includes money to help people find temporary housing as they rebuild.  The agency also…

In North Carolina, 99% of wildfires are caused by some type of human activity. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As officials in California investigate the cause of the devastating Hughes Fire near Los Angeles, there are also concerns about wildfires in western North Carolina.  Crews in McDowell County have battled two wildfires in recent weeks, with hundreds of acres burning before firefighters were able to contain the flames.  There are three key components to igniting a wildfire:…

In North Carolina, 99% of wildfires are caused by some type of human activity. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As officials in California investigate the cause of the devastating Huges Fire near Los Angeles, there are also concerns about wildfires in western North Carolina.  Crews in McDowell County have battled two wildfires in recent weeks, with hundreds of acres burning before firefighters were able to contain the flames.  There are three key components to igniting a wildfire:…

Residents are concerned that a site the EPA is using to process hazardous debris from the Eaton Fire could leak chemicals into the air, soil and water. DUARTE, Calif. — Not far from where Ceci Carroll lives, a rock-mining company has polluted the air with dust across the San Gabriel Valley, she said. Now, as crews clean charred remains from the Los Angeles wildfires, she worries about a new potential source of contamination: a site…

No injuries or deaths have been reported as hundreds of acres have burned in the Old Fort area. OLD FORT, N.C. — A wildfire that burned an estimated 220 acres in McDowell County was likely sparked when high winds knocked down a power line near Old Fort, emergency officials said on Thursday. McDowell County Emergency Management said the Crooked Creek Fire, which started around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, burned approximately 220 acres. The fire was…

The live concert is bringing together some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including some directly affected by the fire, to raise money for recovery efforts. LOS ANGELES — Green Day kicked off the massive FireAid benefit concert Thursday night, a two-venue concert extravaganza that is raising money for Los Angeles-area wildfire relief efforts. They launched into “Last Night on Earth,” and were soon joined by Billie Eilish for the first surprise of the night….