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North Carolina is first stop for nor’easter tracking up East Coast. See expected impacts

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North Carolina is first stop for nor’easter tracking up East Coast. See expected impacts


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  • A powerful nor’easter is expected to impact the East Coast this weekend, starting with the Carolinas.
  • The storm is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds, coastal flooding and dangerous surf conditions.
  • Impacts could stretch from the Carolinas up to Massachusetts as the storm tracks north through early next week.
  • Nor’easters are coastal storms fueled by the contrast between cold land air and warm ocean waters.

A powerful nor’easter may wreak havoc on the East Coast this weekend, slamming the Carolinas on its path to the Northeast.

Marking the first nor’easter of the season, the coastal storm is known for strong and dangerous waves, high winds and heavy rainfall. In previous nor’easter events, the Outer Banks has experienced severe beach erosion, coastal flooding and dangerous surf conditions — sometimes literally knocking down homes and washing away sections of roadway.

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As the storm tracks north, forecasters warn it could bring similar hazards to coastal communities from Virginia to Massachusetts, including power outages, travel disruptions and marine dangers with seas topping 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service office.

The exact track will determine which regions see the heaviest impacts, but residents along the East Coast should prepare for worsening conditions through early next week. A dry high-pressure system is expected to move in, bringing calmer weather and milder temperatures to North Carolina on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 13–14.

“A coastal low will lift north along the Carolina coast through the weekend,” the National Weather Service office wrote in an area forecast discussion early Saturday, Oct. 11. “This system may bring rain to the North Carolina Piedmont and eastern Upstate late Saturday through Sunday as it passes by to our east. The low will continue to slowly track northeast along the Mid-Atlantic Coast early next week, with dry high pressure and above normal temperatures returning to the region.”

What is a nor’easter?

A nor’easter is a storm along the East Coast of North America that typically blow over coastal areas. These storms can occur at any time of year but are most frequent and most intense between September and April, according to the National Weather Service.

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Nor’easters usually develop between Georgia and New Jersey, within about 100 miles of the coast, and generally move northeastward, reaching maximum intensity near New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces. They often bring heavy precipitation — rain or snow — along with gale-force winds, rough seas and sometimes coastal flooding.

Potential impacts of the nor’easter in North Carolina

  • Heavy rain: Several inches of rain could fall, reducing visibility and creating localized flooding in coastal and low-lying areas.
  • Strong winds: Northeasterly gusts could reach 60 mph, especially near the coast, posing risks for power outages and downed trees.
  • Marine hazards: Seas of 6 to 8 feet are expected along exposed waters east of Cape Fear and Winyah Bay. A Gale Warning is in effect, and small craft operators are advised to remain in port.
  • Coastal flooding: Minor flooding is possible along beaches and low-lying areas — including downtown Wilmington and the lower Cape Fear River — as high tides combine with residual effects from last week’s full moon.
  • Rip currents: A high risk is in effect along New Hanover County beaches through the weekend.
  • Reduced visibility: Heavy rain and strong winds may create hazardous driving and boating conditions.

How much rain is expected? Rain forecast totals across the East Coast

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts several inches of rain in eastern North Carolina.

These are the estimated rainfall amounts for regions affected by the nor’easter on the East Coast through Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Eastern North Carolina to Southern Virginia:

  • 2.5 to 5 inches
  • Core areas near the coast show even 5 to 7 inches

Mid-Atlantic Coast

  • 3 to 5 inches, especially near the coast
  • Some isolated coastal pockets appear to approach 6+ inches

New York (Downstate and Long Island)

  • 2 to 4 inches, heavier near the coast

Southern New England (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts)

  • 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts possible near the southeast-facing coast

Eastern Pennsylvania & Upstate New York (east side)

  • 1 to 2.5 inches, tapering westward

Coastal Southeast (South Carolina and Georgia):

  • 1 to 3 inches, heaviest near the northern part of the South Carolina coast

Why is it called nor’easter?

It’s called a nor’easter because of the direction of the prevailing winds during the storm. In these systems, the winds along the coast usually blow from the northeast.

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How do nor’easters develop?

The U.S. East Coast provides an ideal environment for nor’easters. In winter, the polar jet stream pushes cold Arctic air south across Canada and the U.S., then east toward the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Weather Service. At the same time, warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic moves northward. The contrast between the cold land air and relatively warm coastal waters — kept mild by the Gulf Stream — fuels these storms, creating the strong winds and precipitation that define a Nor’easter.

Do Nor’easters always have snow?

No. Whether a nor’easter brings snow, rain, or a mix depends on the storm’s track and temperatures:

  • Snow: Most common in the northern Mid-Atlantic and New England when Arctic air dominates.
  • Rain: More likely in the Southeast and southern Mid-Atlantic, where temperatures are warmer.
  • Mixed precipitation: Possible in areas near the transition zone, with sleet or freezing rain.

Even without snow, Nor’easters can still produce strong winds, heavy rain, rough seas and coastal flooding, making them dangerous storms regardless of the type of precipitation.

How do they differ from tropical systems? Nor’easters vs. hurricanes and tropical storms

Nor’easters are typically associated with colder seasons and form from a temperature contrast between cold Arctic air and relatively warm Atlantic waters.

Tropical storms and hurricanes form over warm tropical or subtropical waters, and predominantly develop in warmer months.

Nor’easters also have a larger wind field, while tropical storms have a well-defined eye with the strongest winds near the center.

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North Carolina weather radar

North Carolina weather watches and warnings

Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network.



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North Carolina Democrats, Republicans share takes on deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis

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North Carolina Democrats, Republicans share takes on deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis


RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina political leaders disagree heavily on what happened during a deadly-ICE involved shooting in Minnesota and what should happen next.

Several videos immediately circulated depicting the moment when Renee Good was shot in her vehicle by an ICE agent. Democrats and Republicans dispute what the video actually shows.

“I’m horrified and I’m disgusted,” Democratic state Sen. Sophia Chitlik said.

Chitlik represents Durham where immigration enforcement agents had a large presence a few weeks ago. She stated the video shows why she and some of her constituents don’t want the agents back.

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“Get out,” she said. “We do not want ICE and CBP in our community. Not only do citizens and constituents not want them here, law enforcement doesn’t want them here. Our sheriff’s office, our police department, is very focused on keeping people safe, which is why crime is down. We manage public safety here.”

Matt Mercer, the communications director for the North Carolina Republican Party, stated the video shows the ICE agent acting in self-defense.

“I think what you see is the video speaks for itself,” Mercer said. “You had a federal agent acting in self-defense after potentially being rammed by someone in a vehicle, which is unfortunate. You just hate to see what happened.”

Chitlik disputes the notion that the ICE agent acted in self-defense, saying, “It’s not true. The video shows that it’s not true. [Good] was trying to back up, not move forward, trying to leave the situation. They aggressively pursued her.”

Republicans continue to back the federal agents in Minnesota and across the country, arguing it’s what millions of Americans voted for.

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“It’s already shown a lot of progress,” Mercer said. “You’ve had over two million illegals deported or self-deported from our country, which is exactly what President [Donald] Trump campaigned on.”

Some Democrats say immigration enforcement agents don’t make communities safer and instead incite violence fear.

“ICE is not here to keep us safe,” Chitlik said. “ICE is here to police us. ICE is here as an agent of fascism in our cities. They are not welcome here.”

Republicans say the immigration agents aren’t the ones raising tensions.

“Anytime you see people using an iPhone app and saying there’s ICE [in the area], it’s intentionally provoking and stoking tensions,” Mercer said. “You’d like to see people using their right to protest in a way that’s not obstructing the mission these hardworking officers are doing every day.”

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CBS 17 has not heard of any plans for the immigration agents to return to North Carolina.



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Current State of North Carolina’s Quarterback Room

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Current State of North Carolina’s Quarterback Room


This offseason has been a complete quarterback carousel for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Following the debacle of last season, it was obvious that North Carolina needed to make significant changes at quarterback.

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In Bill Belichick’s first year as the head coach, the Tar Heels compiled a 4-8 record and failed to qualify for bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018. There were several factors that led to the lackluster season, but the production and effectiveness from the quarterback position may take the cake, in terms of who should be blamed the most for North Carolina’s failure of a season.

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In 11 games, Gio Lopez threw for only 1,747 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions while attempting 6.7 yards per pass. If you don’t possess a quarterback who can operate at a competent level, it is virtually impossible to compete with that player leading the offense.

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) is hit after a pass by Duke Blue Devils defensive back Caleb Weaver (3) during the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images
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As mentioned, it was apparent that the front office had to venture out in the transfer portal to potentially find their next quarterback. The Tar Heels did land 2026 four-star quarterback recruit Travis Burgess, but it was not yet known that both Max Johnson and Bryce Baker would enter the transfer portal this offseason.

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Not to mention, after recently announcing that he will return to Chapel Hill in 2026, Lopez became the latest quarterback to leave the program, making his intentions of entering the portal known on Monday. On Wednesday, Lopez officially signed with Wake Forest.

Here is what general manager Michael Lombardi and North Carolina’s front office orchestrated to add depth to the quarterback room, and how those moves affect that position.

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Assessing the Tar Heels’ Quarterback Situation

Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

With three total quarterbacks leaving the program, North Carolina needed to orchestrate multiple moves to improve the depth at the position. While the Tar Heels landed Billy Edwards Jr. and Miles O’Neill, those two additions do not instill a ton of confidence in a room lacking experience and proven production.

In four years, Edwards Jr. has one year of starting, while O’Neill has eight appearances over the last two seasons. The Texas A&M transfer possesses more potential than Edwards Jr., as he still has three years of eligibility remaining. There is more room to grow for O’Neill. We already know what Edwards Jr is: a backup quarterback who could play here and there as a starter.

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Nov 22, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Miles O’Neill (16) hands the ball off Texas A&M Aggies running back AJ DiNota (41) before a game against the Samford Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images | Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Au’Tori Newkirk played sparingly during his freshman season in 2025, and Burgess will be a true freshman in 2026. None of these quarterbacks provide both high potential and experience. They possess one or the other, which could become problematic if no one establishes themselves as the clear-cut starter.

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NC health officials urge vaccines amid measles and respiratory illness surge

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NC health officials urge vaccines amid measles and respiratory illness surge


The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is responding to the most recent measles cases and a spike in respiratory illnesses in North Carolina.

In a meeting hosted by NCDHHS, health officials stressed the importance of staying up to date on vaccines.

Those officials were also asked about the vaccination status of the three kids who tested positive for measles in Buncombe County.

“The three cases in Buncombe County, all three of them, had at least one dose of MMR vaccine,” said Dr. Erica Wilson with NCDHHS.

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News 13 reported on Tuesday that the three siblings contracted measles after visiting Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where there’s currently a large measles outbreak.

3 BUNCOMBE COUNTY CHILDREN CONTRACT MEASLES AFTER SOUTH CAROLINA VISIT, NCDHHS REPORTS

The Mission Hospital Emergency Department waiting room in Asheville was listed as a possible measles exposure location on Sunday, Jan. 4, between 2 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Mission Health sent News 13 a statement, saying in part, “Our hospitals work with state and federal health officials on proactive preparedness, and we are following guidance provided by the CDC.”

The hospital provided state health officials with a list of 26 people who may have been exposed to measles on Jan. 4, according to Mission Health.

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It’s not just Buncombe County that has reported measles in North Carolina recently.

JAN. 6, 2026 – A flyer in Buncombe County warning of illness symptoms amid three confirmed measles cases in the county. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

“One in Polk County and three in Buncombe County. Additionally, there was a measles exposure alert we released in Gaston County. All are connected to an ongoing measles outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple with NCDHHS. “About 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed will become infected.”

POLK COUNTY CHILD CONTRACTS MEASLES AFTER SOUTH CAROLINA VISIT, NCDHHS REPORTS

In the meeting, health officials also addressed the increase in respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza.

“Whether it’s the childhood immunizations for things like measles, mumps, and rubella, or even the seasonal immunizations for things like RSV, COVID, and flu, vaccines are a critical and important part of remaining healthy and having healthy communities,” said NCDHHS secretary Dr. Devdutta Sangvai.

Additionally, as News 13 previously reported, there was a chickenpox outbreak in Buncombe County, with four cases confirmed at Fairview Elementary as of Jan. 6.

Health officials are reminding people that it’s not too late to get their seasonal vaccines. There are also additional preventative actions to protect oneself against respiratory viruses.

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FLU CASES SURGE IN NC, STRAINING HOSPITALS AND INCREASING DEATH TOLL

“This includes regularly washing your hands with soap and water,” said Kimple.

Kimple suggests avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. She also said to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces that may be contaminated.

“Cover those coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly. Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading infection to others in your home,” said Kimple.

NCDHHS also has helpful resources on its website, like a measles immunity checker, information about vaccines, and a program that helps eligible families get free vaccines.

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