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Asheville Citizen-Times

Two years later, Helene scars linger across WNC public lands

Two years later, Helene scars linger across WNC public lands

Two years after Tropical Storm Helene, damaged trails, missing bridges and closed stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain across public lands.

Asheville Citizen-Times

Helene exposed weaknesses and rewired WNC’s disaster response playbook

Helene exposed weaknesses and rewired WNC’s disaster response playbook

Two years after widespread failures, agencies and private networks are strengthening weak points exposed by the storm.

Governor Josh Stein Celebrates North Carolina's First Electric Air Taxi Flights, Highlighting Aviation Innovation

Governor Josh Stein Celebrates North Carolina's First Electric Air Taxi Flights, Highlighting Aviation Innovation

Governor Josh Stein recently participated in North Carolina's inaugural electric air taxi flights at the NCDOT eLIFT-NC Showcase. This event marked a significant milestone for the state's aviation sector, showcasing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The eLIFT-NC initiative, spearheaded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), aims to establish a network of air taxis to improve healthcare access in rural areas and enhance disaster response capabilities. Governor Stein, who became the first governor to fly in an electric aircraft, emphasized North Carolina's historical and future role in aviation. The showcase included tours of aircraft, flight simulators, and demonstrations by manufacturing partners Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies. These initial flights, conducted between the Triangle and the Outer Banks, represent the first phase of the eLIFT-NC program, which will focus on est...

North Carolina Officials Seek Federal Review of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Navigation Requirements

North Carolina Officials Seek Federal Review of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Navigation Requirements

Local elected officials in Wilmington, New Hanover County, and Leland, North Carolina, are collectively urging federal assistance to reassess the navigation requirements for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. The Wilmington City Council and New Hanover County Commissioners have sent letters to Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, and Congressman David Rouzer, requesting an updated assessment of the current and future navigational needs of the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers. This push comes after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard determined in May 2025 that a replacement bridge would require at least 135 feet of vertical clearance, leading the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to remove a 100-foot alternative from consideration. Local officials argue that this 135-foot requirement is based on a 30-year-old federal analysis that may no longer reflect the actual river traffic or economic activity in the region. They highlight that the current vessel...

Coastal Storm Brings Wind, Rain to North Carolina

Coastal Storm Brings Wind, Rain to North Carolina

A strong coastal storm is developing offshore and is expected to impact North Carolina from Wednesday through Friday. Gusty northeast winds, reaching speeds of 20-30 mph, will keep temperatures cooler, with highs capped in the mid-70s °F (around 24 °C). Heavy cloud cover and patchy light rain are likely throughout Wednesday. Rain chances will decrease to 30% by Thursday, with most areas drying out by Friday as sunshine returns for the weekend. The storm is also causing dangerous rip currents along the Outer Banks, with high risks from Cape Hatteras northward and moderate risks from Cape Lookout southward.

Asheville Citizen-Times

For some Helene survivors, home is still out of reach two years later

For some Helene survivors, home is still out of reach two years later

Some WNC renters and homeowners still lack a permanent place to return as Helene recovery enters its next phase.

Nor'easter to Bring Coastal Flooding to Outer Banks

Nor'easter to Bring Coastal Flooding to Outer Banks

A developing nor'easter is set to impact North Carolina's Outer Banks starting Wednesday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions. Wind gusts are expected to reach 40–50 mph, with offshore wave heights of 15–18 feet. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch for the region, warning of moderate flooding, severe beach erosion, and ocean overwash, particularly along N.C. Highway 12. These conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, with high-tide cycles exacerbating the flooding risk. The storm is part of a broader system affecting the East Coast, with High Surf Advisories and Coastal Flood Warnings issued as far north as New Jersey.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Your ultimate guide to seeing Smoky Mountains fall colors, week by week

Your ultimate guide to seeing Smoky Mountains fall colors, week by week

The timing of fall colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can vary. Here’s when to head to the Smokies to see the leaves at their best.

Nor'easter to Bring Flooding and Strong Winds to East Coast

Nor'easter to Bring Flooding and Strong Winds to East Coast

The first Nor'easter of the season is expected to form late Wednesday into Thursday off the coast of North Carolina, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding to the East Coast. This low-pressure system, typical of the fall and winter months, could intensify as it moves northward. Forecasters predict winds of 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h) along the Atlantic coast, with the potential for coastal erosion and flooding, especially in areas like Virginia Beach and Long Island. High tides, influenced by a full moon, may exacerbate flooding risks.

Nor'easter Brings Rising Flood Risk to East Coast

Nor'easter Brings Rising Flood Risk to East Coast

The first nor’easter of fall is developing off the East Coast, bringing increasing coastal flooding, strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous surf. Coastal flood risks will rise from North Carolina to New England through the week, with some roads potentially becoming impassable. The storm is expected to strengthen offshore Thursday or Friday before moving toward New England this weekend. Coastal areas could see 40–50 mph gusts, while some locations may face winds above 60 mph and waves reaching 15–18 feet.

Nor’easter Brings Coastal Flooding, High Winds to East Coast

Nor’easter Brings Coastal Flooding, High Winds to East Coast

A powerful nor’easter is developing along the East Coast, bringing days of high surf, strong winds, and coastal flooding. According to the FOX Forecast Center, the storm will intensify as it moves northward, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and offshore waves climbing to 15–18 feet. Coastal areas from North Carolina to New England are expected to experience significant impacts, including severe beach erosion and storm surge. The Outer Banks in North Carolina are forecast to see major coastal flooding, heavy rain, and extreme surf. The storm is expected to persist through the weekend, with multiple high-tide cycles exacerbating flooding risks in vulnerable areas such as back bays and low-lying roadways. The system is being driven by a sharp fall cold front and strong high pressure to the north, creating persistent onshore winds and dangerous conditions along the coastline.

Potential Nor'easter Could Bring Rain, Wind, and Flooding to East Coast

Potential Nor'easter Could Bring Rain, Wind, and Flooding to East Coast

A coastal storm is expected to develop into a nor'easter this week, bringing gusty winds, rain, and potential flooding along the East Coast of the United States. Forecasters have indicated that the system may transition into a tropical storm south of New England by the weekend. Strong onshore winds, combined with high tides due to the full moon, could lead to coastal flooding and beach erosion. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast across the central and eastern United States, with precipitation likely to impact eastern North Carolina on 24 September before moving to New England on 25 and 26 September. Cooler-than-usual temperatures are expected in the Mid-Atlantic region.