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

It's that time of year when your child will be taking end-of-grade tests or EOGs. What are EOGs and how can you help them be better prepared?

End-of-grade tests: Everything you need to know about these annual exams

Student testing 

Sanford could be hit hard by layoffs at two large companies that employ hundreds of people.

<b>SANFORD, N.C.</b> — Sanford could be hit hard by layoffs at two large companies that employ hundreds of people.

Caterpillar Inc., the world's largest maker of construction equipment, announced Monday it is cutting 20,000 jobs worldwide.That word came along with a report that fourth-quarter profits had fallen 32 percent.

The company has a work force of about 700 in Sanford, and it's unclear how many employees could be laid off from the plant.

Last month, Caterpillar laid off an undisclosed number of employees in what it called &quot;temporary layoffs&quot; that affected its Clayton plant.

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer also announced it is buying Wyeth Industries and cutting 8,000 jobs.

Company layoffs could me big blow to Sanford

Wyeth has operated in Sanford for 20 years. In November, it cut 124 jobs, a 10th of its work force.

Wyeth spokesman Doug Petkus said &quot;no specific decisions have yet been made regarding job reductions or facilities&quot; and that &quot;from Wyeth's perspective, Sanford is an important site.&quot;

The plant in Sanford makes the pediatric vaccine Prevnar.

Bryan Mims

Michael Joyner

Company layoffs could mean big blow to Sanford

Caterpillar lays off workers in Clayton, Sanford

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to create dazzling auroras that may be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California but also disrupt communications on Earth tonight and over the weekend.

Solar storms could create rare aurora displays, be visible in North Carolina this weekend

Northern lights in Pittsboro

WRAL viewers from all around North Carolina are sending dazzling photos of the Northern Lights, visible at locations around the Triangle like Falls Lake, Lake Jordan and local parks and neighborhoods.

Photo gallery: Northern Lights put on rare, dazzling show across the Triangle

Northern Lights in Siler City

Saturday will be a beautiful day with sunshine and mild temperatures around 74.


Sunshine & mild  temperatures: Perfect start to Mother's Day weekend🌺

Weekend planner

A Lee County teacher is facing several charges, including indecent liberties with a minor.

Lee County teacher arrested for alleged indecent liberties with minor

Lee County teacher charged with indecent liberties with a minor

A couple's breakup ended in a terrifying moment caught on a Ring doorbell camera.

On cam: Man says ex-girlfriend shot at him, tried to run him over in Fayetteville

On cam: Ring doorbell video captures violent interaction 

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

Severe risk for Friday 

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

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions Drawing.

Mega Millions Drawing

Interstate 40 West is closed Friday after a crash along the interstate near Garner.

Sky 5 flies over I-40 West crash near Garner

Sky 5 flies over I-40 West closure after crash near Garner

Videos

The Carolina Hurricanes hope to keep their season alive in Game 4 of the second-round playoff series against the New York Rangers on Saturday night at PNC Arena.

With backs against the wall, Canes' resolve faces ultimate challenge

Rangers_Hurricanes_Hockey_78209

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.

Wake County and Raleigh approved a financing plan to pay for upgrades at PNC Arena. The renovation project won't begin until next summer.

What's next for PNC Arena upgrade after city, county approve financing plan

Tip off as the Pack take on the Heels

Dozens of people showed up on Douglas Street in Wilson on Thursday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Carolina Mudcats' new Wilson stadium.