37 NC counties are under alert, including Cumberland, Johnston, Wayne, Harnett, and Moore counties.

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 

Cheerleaders from the North Raleigh Christian Academy are celebrating a recent victory at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleading National Championships.

<b>RALEIGH, N.C.</b> — Cheerleaders from the North Raleigh Christian Academy are celebrating a recent victory at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleading National Championships.<br />

The squad captured first place in the Large Unlimited Varsity All Music division. They also won awards for Best Choreography, Best Jumps and Tumbling, Best Stunts and Best Showmanship. <br />

The Jan. 1-3 competition was the first test of the season for the team.

NRCA cheer squad wins national title

Cheerleaders from the North Raleigh Christian Academy

Friday is a WRAL Weather Alert Day, with an upgraded risk for severe storms in our southern counties.



WRAL Weather Alert Day: Severe thunderstorm watch in effect, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes possible

Severe risk for Friday 

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 

North Carolina's budget surplus is now expected to be approximately $1 billion, down from previous reports that have anticipated $1.4 billion.

NC's budget surplus will be $430 million less than expected, officials say

NC Sales Tax

William Hulme and Matthew Johnson were a couple who shared their love for each other and their community for about five years. However, in April, their roommate Christian Webster allegedly shot them to death.

Father of Franklinton homicide victim wants death penalty for the suspect, more mental health oversight

William Hulme and Matthew Johnson

Sky 5 flew over the scene on I-40 West near U.S. 70 in Garner. Traffic began to flow on I-40 West around 4:45 p.m. Friday.

At least 10 cars involved in I-40 West crash near Garner

The crash closed all lanes of traffic on I-40 West near U.S. 70 in Garner.

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

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

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawings are held at 3 p.m. daily. They can be seen as live or on-demand video.

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour talks about facing a 3-0 series deficit against the New York Rangers and looks ahead to Game 4 on Saturday.

Brind'Amour: It's a new day and a new challenge

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour

Videos

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

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 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

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

Wilson breaks ground on new Mudcats baseball stadium

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.