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Severe Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages in Western North Carolina

Severe Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages in Western North Carolina

Severe thunderstorms swept through western North Carolina, causing significant power outages across the region. According to Duke Energy's outage map, over 17,000 people were affected, with the majority of outages concentrated in Asheville and surrounding areas. The storms prompted tornado warnings, although no major damage or injuries were reported. The outages persisted into the following morning, leaving several thousand residents without power. Local officials are conducting damage assessments, and efforts to restore power are ongoing.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Was it a tornado? Severe storm hits Western NC

Was it a tornado? Severe storm hits Western NC

Officials are investigating if a tornado hit Western North Carolina after a severe storm caused widespread outages.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Straight-line winds, not tornado, caused WNC storm damage, meteorologists say

Straight-line winds, not tornado, caused WNC storm damage, meteorologists say

The National Weather Service confirmed that straight-line winds, not a tornado, caused damage in Western North Carolina.
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Severe Storms Cause Power Outages and Damage Across Asheville Area

Severe Storms Cause Power Outages and Damage Across Asheville Area

A powerful line of storms swept through Buncombe County, North Carolina, causing significant disruptions and damage. Residents in areas such as Biltmore Lake, Haw Creek, and South Asheville reported experiencing some of the strongest winds in years, with the storm arriving unexpectedly after calm conditions. The storm brought intense wind, heavy rain, and frequent lightning, leading to widespread power outages and downed trees. Duke Energy reported 309 active outages affecting 2,643 customers in Buncombe County. Crews are working to restore power and assess damage, urging residents to avoid downed power lines. The National Weather Service indicated that the cold front responsible for the storms has moved south, bringing cooler and drier air to the region.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
US News & World report ranks all 50 states and NC isn't far from top 10

US News & World report ranks all 50 states and NC isn't far from top 10

U.S. News & World Reports rankings were based on 8 categories. Here's how North Carolina ranked in the 2026 report.
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Tornado Warning Issued for Areas Near Burlington, North Carolina

Tornado Warning Issued for Areas Near Burlington, North Carolina

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning on July 28, 2026, at 6:57 PM EDT, effective until 7:15 PM EDT, for areas near Burlington, North Carolina. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was detected near Elon, moving southeast at 25 mph. The radar indicated rotation, suggesting the potential for a tornado. The warning highlights the danger of flying debris, which poses a significant threat to those without shelter. Potential damage includes harm to roofs, windows, vehicles, and mobile homes, as well as likely tree damage. The warning affects locations such as Lake Cammack Park & Marina and Glen Raven.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Trump continues to poll low in latest U.S., NC approval ratings

Trump continues to poll low in latest U.S., NC approval ratings

A recent CNN report found a disapproval rating of 66% for President Donald Trump. Here's how he is fairing in other polls.
1Weather 1Weather
EF-0 Tornado Confirmed in Madison County, North Carolina

EF-0 Tornado Confirmed in Madison County, North Carolina

The National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg SC has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Madison County, North Carolina, during severe storms on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The tornado began near Franklin Cemetery off Rock Branch Road at 5:51 p.m. EDT and dissipated two minutes later near Cutshall Town Road, approximately 1.1 miles east-southeast of its starting point. With peak winds of 80 mph (129 km/h) and a maximum path width of 75 yards (68.6 meters), the tornado caused tree damage, including broken branches and uprooted trees, particularly along Shelton Laurel Creek and Cutshall Town Road. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The NWS is continuing to evaluate the event, including inaccessible areas, using satellite imagery.
1Weather 1Weather
Severe storms cause flooding and power outages in western North Carolina

Severe storms cause flooding and power outages in western North Carolina

Severe storms swept through Asheville and western North Carolina on Tuesday evening, triggering tornado warnings and causing widespread flooding. Thousands of residents experienced power outages, and businesses along Weaverville Road in Woodfin reported significant disruptions due to recurring flooding. Heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, making roads impassable and forcing closures. Business owners have expressed frustration over the lack of long-term solutions to the flooding issue, which has been a recurring problem since at least 2018. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Town of Woodfin are reviewing the drainage system and exploring grant opportunities for improvements, but no funding has been secured yet. Source time: Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:25:31 GMT.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Severe storms expected in Western NC today, July 27. Latest forecast

Severe storms expected in Western NC today, July 27. Latest forecast

Main concerns are damaging winds and isolated large hail in the region, the National Weather Service says. Here's the latest forecast.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Funnel cloud seen in Western NC. Difference between tornado watch vs. warning

Funnel cloud seen in Western NC. Difference between tornado watch vs. warning

Communities in the western part of North Carolina were hit with severe weather on July 28. What you need to know about it.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
USA TODAY named Bars of the Year. This Asheville lounge made the list

USA TODAY named Bars of the Year. This Asheville lounge made the list

USA TODAY Network food journalists around the country named 38 of the best bars in the U.S., including this one in Asheville, North Carolina.