Officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prepare for extreme weather ahead of hurricane season. New data shows flood and wind risk is changing in the state.

Inland homes at risk for high winds, flooding during hurricane season. Here's what you can do now.

Holly Springs shed damage

More than a dozen former employees say understaffing at Brynn Marr Hospital contributes to what they describe as a dangerous place for patients and employees. Hospital officials say allegations of violence, sexual assaults, overmedication and lack of mental health therapy are unfounded.

Former employees say short-staffed NC psych hospital rife with violence, abuse

Brynn Marr Hospital

If you are sick of climbing the stairs, it may be time to move your washer and dryer to the second floor. Consumer Reports has some advice on this new renovation trend.

Having an upstairs laundry area eliminates the work of carrying loads up and down the stairs. Consumer Reports looks at the latest renovation trend.

Gina LeDone recently renovated her home and one of the big changes was moving the laundry room upstairs.

&quot;I just couldn't believe what a great idea it was.  It makes perfect sense,&quot; LeDone said.

Moving your laundry room upstairs has real labor-saving benefits. But whether you're adding new space or adapting an existing room, Consumer Reports said there are some considerations.

&quot;One of the first things you need to do is check with an engineer to make sure your house can take the extra weight and vibrations of a washer and dryer,&quot;  said Celia Lehrman, of Consumer Reports.

Other things to consider when planning an upstairs laundry room, you will need a waterproof floor with a drain in case of leaks.

As for power,  an electrician should run dedicated electric lines for your washer and dryer.  Plus, the dryer needs a vent.

Plus, when it comes to choosing machines, some features matter more when the laundry room is upstairs.

&quot;Well, the closer the machines are to your living space, especially bedrooms, the quieter you'll want them to be,&quot; Lehrman said.

The end-of-cycle buzzer is something else to consider. Make sure you get machines that let you turn the buzzer off.

Consumer Reports said front-loading washers tend to be quieter than top-loaders.  However, some top-loaders can be stacked with a dryer, which saves space in an upstairs laundry room.

Latest Trend: Laundry Moving On Up

The latest forecast from the Space Weather Prediction Center indicates a strong possibility of witnessing another round of the magnificent Northern Lights Saturday night.

Northern lights alert! Possible Aurora Borealis display again Sunday morning as early as 2 am

Northern lights in Pittsboro

Pro-Palestinian activists rallied on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) campus on Saturday to raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

UNC graduates shine despite campus protest, vandalism

UNC holds Spring Commencement amid Pro-Palestinian protests on campus 

Brady Skjei scored a power play goal for the Carolina Hurricanes with minutes remaining in the third period. The Canes will play Game 5 in New York on Monday.

Hurricanes stay alive with a late power play goal, beat Rangers 4-3

Rangers_Hurricanes_Hockey_78209

Durham police were investigating in a Home Depot parking lot, where there appeared to be blood on the pavement, on Saturday morning.

Durham Police investigate 2 fatal shootings that are connected 

Police investigating in parking lot outside Home Depot in Durham

A State Highway Patrol trooper was involved in a shooting with a fleeing suspect Saturday morning. 

SHP Trooper involved in shooting with armed suspect during traffic stop

Police car

WRAL-TV News Broadcasts: Watch each newscast live or watch the most recent newscast on demand.

WRAL Late News 

WRAL Noon News

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

The next system Tuesday 

Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday Powerball drawings, as shown live on WRAL.

Powerball Drawing

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is holding its 2024 graduation ceremony Saturday evening. 

Celebrate the Class of 2024! 🎓 Watch UNC-Chapel Hill's commencement ceremony

Videos

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes turned their last stand into a season-extending victory. Incredibly, it was the struggling power play that got them there.

Skjei's late goal helps Hurricanes beat Rangers 4-3 to extend 2nd-round series

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DENVER (AP) — Elias Díaz had two hits including a tiebreaking single in a six-run seventh inning, Ryan McMahon tied a career high with four hits, and Colorado won its first series of the season with an 8-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night.

Elias Díaz has 2 hits including a tiebreaking single in a six-run 7th, Rockies beat Rangers 8-3

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The United States Golf Association has opened its new headquarters in Pinehurst, which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame.

USGA opens new headquarters in Pinehurst, showcasing historic golf artifacts

The United States Golf Association has opened its new headquarters in Pinehurst, which includes the World Golf Hall of Fame. Photo provided by USGA.

The Charlotte Hornets have named Charles Lee as their next head coach. The 39-year-old Lee joins the Hornets after serving as the Boston Celtics top assistant coach.