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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) â Fearful Florida residents streamed out of the Tampa Bay region Tuesday ahead of what could be a once-in-a-century direct hit from Hurricane Milton, as crews worked furiously to prevent furniture, appliances and other waterlogged wreckage from the last big storm from becoming deadly projectiles in this one.

Fearful residents flee Tampa Bay region as Hurricane Milton takes aim at Florida coast

<p>AREAS, RESIDENTS WILL DIE IF THEY DO NOT LISTEN AND LEAVE. &gt;&gt; AND WE'RE TAKING A VIDEO OF NORTHBOUND LANES OF I-95 LEADING STRAIGHT OUT OF FLORIDA. PRETTY MUCH TELLS THE STORY. THE ROAD IS PACKED WITH FLORIDIANS EVACUATING AHEAD OF HURRICANE MILTON WRAL'S GILBERT BAYS IS LIVE AT A REST STOP IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY. WE TALK WITH PEOPLE FROM FLORIDA FLEEING THAT STORM. GILBERT. &gt;&gt; YEAH, JEFF, YOU KNOW THE THE STORIES THAT WE'RE HEARING A PRETTY AMAZING IN THEIR HEARTFELT IN THE STORM HASN'T EVEN ARRIVED. BUT THAT IS POINT OF AN EVACUATION AHEAD OF THE STORM WITH THIS REST STOP RIGHT HERE. THIS ISN'T JUST BEFORE YOU GET THE EXIT. 49, THAT'S WHERE A LOT OF MOTELS AND HOTELS HERE IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY JUST OFF INTERSTATE 95. YOU CAN SEE THE CARS BEHIND ME HERE JUST ABOUT EVERY ONE OF THESE CARS BACK HERE AS A LICENSE PLATE FROM FLORIDA. NOW PHOTOJOURNALIST MIKE TRAVEL ALONG THE INTERSTATE. 95 HERE IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY FOUND THAT THE NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC WAS RELATIVELY LIGHT. AND THAT'S BECAUSE MANY OF THE PEOPLE WITH WHOM WE SPOKE SAID THEY LEFT FLORIDA ON SUNDAY TO AVOID THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC THAT WE'RE SEEING RIGHT NOW. WE MET ENTIRE FAMILIES WITH LITTLE ONES, PETS AND SUPPLIES HEADED NORTH. WE BUMPED INTO AND HE SHOWED US ON THE CELL PHONE THAT THE PATH OF HURRICANE MILTON WAS COMING RIGHT THROUGH HIS HOME. &gt;&gt; I'VE LIVED IN TEXAS. IT'S GOLF COACH, BUT THIS ONE LOOKS TO BE PROBABLY I DON'T. MY GUESS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS ONES US HAS SEEN 3 MILLION PEOPLE LIVE IN THAT AREA. &gt;&gt; SO THE EXODUS CONTINUES WITH MILLIONS OF PEOPLE HEADED NORTH TO STAY WITH RELATIVES OR IN HOTELS AND MOTELS UNTIL HURRICANE MILTON MAKES ITS WAY THROUGH FLORIDA. THE MAIN FOLKS WE TALKED WITH TODAY SAID THEY WERE PLAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO LANE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA. THEY SAY THAT THAT GAVE THEM EXTRA INCENTIVE TO GET OUT AHEAD OF AHEAD OF HURRICANE MILTON REPORTING LIVE HERE IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, GILBERT BAYS, WRAL, NEWS. &gt;&gt; GLAD TO SEE THOSE FOLKS MADE IT TO SAFETY WITH THE THREAT. A BACK-TO-BACK HURRICANES LOOMING IN PARTS OF FLORIDA. CREWS ARE SCRAMBLING TO HALLWAY. HURRICANE HELENE'S DEBRIS BEFORE MILTON MAKES LANDFALL. NBC'S JESSE KIRSCH ISN'T SARASOTA WHERE SOME OWNERS FEAR DEBRIS COULD BECOME FLYING PROJECTILES. LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO. YOU CAN SEE HURRICANE HELENE BROUGHT THE WATER LEVEL ON THIS HOME TO AROUND MY WAIST HEIGHT. BUT WITH THIS NEW STORM, MILTON FOR POTENTIALLY GOING TO SEE TWICE AS HIGH OF A STORM SURGE. &gt;&gt; AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS CONCERNING ON TOP OF ALL OF THIS DEBRIS FROM THE LAST STORM THAT IS STILL OUT IN COMMUNITIES ALL OVER FLORIDA'S GULF COAST. AND WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THIS DEBRIS COULD BE PICKED UP IN THE AIR BY THOSE POWERFUL WIND GUSTS. IT ALSO COULD BECOME ESSENTIALLY A BATTERING RAM IN STORM SURGE, WHICH AGAIN COULD BE TWICE AS HIGH IN AREAS LIKE WHERE I AM IN SARASOTA. SO ALL OF THAT DEBRIS PICKUP THAT WE'RE SEEING IS GOING ON. 24 7, THE GOVERNOR SAYS THE STATE SAYING THAT HUNDREDS OF TRUCKLOADS OF ALREADY BEEN PICKED UP. AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS CONTINUING. BUT EVEN WITH THE PICKUPS, YOU CAN SEE THERE'S STILL A GOOD AMOUNT OF DEBRIS OUT IN THESE COMMUNITIES. ANOTHER CHALLENGE ON TOP OF EVERYTHING THAT WE TYPICALLY SEE AHEAD OF A MAJOR HURRICANE WHICH IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW, CALLS FOR EVACUATIONS. PEOPLE STOCKING UP ON ITEMS LIKE FOOD, SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION, PEOPLE BOARDING UP HOMES AND BUSINESSES. ALL THIS AS THIS AREA IS BRACING FOR ANOTHER</p>

Florida residents head north to get away from Hurricane Milton

Floridians brace for Milton as many begin evacuating north

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Tracking Helene's impact: 11 dead in 1 Buncombe County family

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CDC will look into potential cancer cluster among Poe Hall workers at NC State

NC State University's Poe Hall

Helene recovery efforts continue in western NC as Milton moves toward Florida

Cove Creek resident Melissa Oravits and her kids take shelter from landslides under a rock during the heart of Hurricane Helene.

Helene aftermath: Social media spreads false information about storm's source

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ENC organizations step up to help in Helene recovery out west

Hurricane Helene airlift relief

Maid of honor in Asheville for bachelorette party survives flooding 

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The United Way's 211 call center has 27 people in Cary who help people in distress, stranded and in need of vital things like water, food and supplies.

United Way's 211 call center provides lifeline to stranded residents in Helene's aftermath

According to Highway Patrol, a vehicle traveling south on U.S. 421 ran off the road to the right and plunged into the creek below.

77-year-old woman dies in crash on U.S. 421 in Sampson County, vehicle found submerged in creek

A car being pulled out a creek in Sampson County 

Eleven days after Helene devastated western North Carolina, some residents are still waiting for help. That's 11 days without food, water or power for some. Those consequences have already proven to be deadly.

11 days later, some western NC residents still waiting for help after Helene

As Major Hurricane Approaches Florida, FEMA Faces Severe Staffing Shortage

WRAL News spoke to a few as they stopped at a rest stop near Exit 49 in Cumberland County. While traffic is dense in Florida as many more try to evacuate with Milton just over 24 hours away from landfall, traffic on the interstate in the Tar Heel State has been relatively light.

'We kind of give it some respect': Floridians evacuating Milton stopping in NC

Florida residents at a rest stop near Fayetteville

Helene shut down the Spruce Pine mines that produce ultra-pure quartz, and some fear that could cause shortages and higher prices on things we buy. 




If Helene causes a chip shortage, it'll be different than COVID

Spruce Pine ultra-pure quartz mine

Disaster relief sessions are a fairly common occurrence for North Carolina lawmakers. In October 2018, it was Hurricane Florence. In 2016, it was Hurricane Matthew and the western wildfires that autumn. But House Speaker Tim Moore said those disasters pale in comparison to what happened in western North Carolina. 

Lawmakers ready to okay a quarter-billion dollar relief bill for Helene 

North Carolina Legislative Building 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule requiring all U.S. cities, including those in North Carolina, to replace lead pipes within the next decade.

New EPA lead rule overlooks biggest source of contamination in schools

EPA sign in RTP, Environmental Protection Agency

Musicians with North Carolina connections will collaborate to celebrate the Tar Heel State and raise money for hurricane relief. The Concert for Carolina takes place Oct. 26 at Bank of America Stadium.


Concert for Carolina: NC artists Luke Combs, Eric Church, James Taylor to perform Oct. 26

Concert for Carolina Oct. 26, 2024

Tuesday will be a beautiful day with sunny skies, cooler temperatures, and low humidity.

A stretch of fall weather expected as Milton stays away from NC; tropical storm watch issued for coastal waters

Tropical storm watch for Thursday, Oct. 10

Doctors turned to an experimental device - a titanium artificial heart powered by magnets made by BiVACOR - that would replace Donavon Harbison's heart.

NC father embraces new life after becoming 2nd person to receive titanium heart at Duke Hospital

Man receives artificial heart

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The 2024 North Carolina State Fair is a beloved annual tradition, offering something for everyone. From thrilling rides and delicious food to educational exhibits and live entertainment, there's always something to enjoy.

Your ultimate guide to the 2024 North Carolina State Fair  

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Before hunting for deep discounts on Amazon Prime Day, 5 On Your Side is warning you about the pitfalls to watch out for while you shop and after.

How to guard against scammers this Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day Is Coming Up And Some Clothing And Shoes Are Already On Sale

Interactive hurricane tracker

Tracking the Tropics

The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event is LIVE NOW with excellent deals on the Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 2, MacBooks, Bissell Little Green Carpet Cleaner, Shark Vacuums,  Instant Pot, Hey Dude Shoes, Barbie Dreamhouse, men's jeans, Buy 2 Get 1 Free toys, books & music and much more! Read on for the list of top offers! 

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event is live now

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After a hurricane hits, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out everything you need to do. Here's a list of resources to help you.

How to get help after the storm

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Hurricane Helene ravaged mountain towns and cities in western North Carolina, leaving many people trapped after roads were destroyed and washed away. With no roads, no power and (seemingly) no way to reach these communities, the Mountain Mule Packers stepped up. 

Where humans can't, mules can: How mules are saving the day by reaching western NC's most inaccessible communities

Mountain Mule Packers 

Don't Miss It

As of Tuesday, there are still people in western North Carolina without running water, power and access to food.

Recovery efforts continue in western NC as Hurricane Milton moves toward Florida

'Fairwinds Aviation' flies supplies, from Wayne County to Ash County 

Temporary tents provide relief at western NC hospitals overwhelmed by Helene aftermath

CDC to investigate potential cancer cluster among Poe Hall workers at NC State

United Way 211 call center in Cary connecting people devastated in western NC with resources

Justice Department claims Durham Fire Department unintentionally discriminated against Black applicants

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Hurricane Helene leaves western North Carolina hospitals overwhelmed, federal relief arrives

Local News

Florida evacuation sends waves of passengers to RDU as Hurricane Milton nears

Beech Mountain Ski Resort announces opening date for 2024-25 ski season

Durham Fire Department's writing test unintentionally disqualified some Black applicants, DOJ claims

Campus Y says 'overwhelming' police presence expected at UNC this week, warns that students of color could be targeted

Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld will all close ahead of Milton

Nation/World

Woodward book reveals Trump's calls with Putin and Biden's private remarks on Obama and Netanyahu

Supreme Court seems open to upholding regulations on ghost guns, hard to trace weapons used in crime

States sue TikTok, claiming its platform is addictive and harms the mental health of children

Bill introduced to award 1980 'Miracle On Ice' US hockey team with Congressional Gold Medals

NC benefit concerts planned to aid in Hurricane Helene recovery

Mount Moriah At the Cat's Cradle

Closed for renovations: NC Museum of History working to retell the state's story

Bicentennial Plaza 

First Char-Grill is up for sale again

Generic photo of Char-Grill located on Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh. 

Sturgill Simpson announces benefit show for NC hurricane relief

Sturgill Simpson Leaves His Old Sound (and the Spotlight) in the Rear View

Adults Night: 'Magic and Monsters' planned at Raleigh museum

Out & About

Fact check: No, Democrats didn't withhold aid to right-leaning NC counties after Helene

Politifact

Fact check: No, FEMA and other Helene responders aren't 'confiscating' supplies

Fact-checking 5 misleading claims about Helene relief efforts

Fact-checking Vance and Walz claims from vice presidential debate

Fact-check: Does Laurie Buckhout support national abortion ban with 'no exceptions?'

North Carolina sports betting numbers bounce back with big September

NC Capitol

Health care staffing company plans to add high-paying 155 jobs in Raleigh's North Hills

Home insurers argue for a 42% average rate hike in North Carolina

State senate candidate reinstated to assistant principal job after monthlong suspension

State elections officials approve measures to help voters affected by Helene

Senate candidate suspended with pay from school job as district probes role in breaking up fight

Education

NC superintendent plans more than $100M request to lawmakers for Helene-affected schools

Wake schools looking into Athens Drive reading assignment

Wake schools adopts environmental sustainability policy

Wake County school leaders urge NC lawmakers to uphold HB10 veto for school vouchers

FEMA fact check

WRAL In Depth

Much of Tropical Storm Fred relief money remains untouched as western NC regroups after Helene

Community event at NC State aims to address, reduce cancer disparities

NC State's 'Zero-Waste Game' tackles stadium waste one bin at a time

'We had entire roads collapse:' Road closures make it harder for western NC towns to get supplies, aid

Former UNC QB, Patriots' top pick Drake Maye to start for New England

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ACC Tipoff: Key basketball storylines for NC State, Duke, UNC men and women

UNC defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie wears his motivation on his sleeve

SEC, Big Ten leaders mulling future of fast-changing college sports

Blowout loss to Bears another reminder of just badly the Panthers botched 2023 trade for Bryce Young

Football playoff projections for the 2024 postseason

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Which NCHSAA football conferences are having the best season? See our rankings

James Kenan topples rival Wallace-Rose Hill soccer on two second-half goals

NCHSAA announcement about Helene's impact on fall sports expected Wednesday

Statewide Football Rankings: Hough moves into top 5 after shifts in the top 10

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answers viewer questions related to the response to Hurricane Helene.

Answering viewer questions about Hurricane Helene aftermath

The North Carolina Board of Elections voted unanimously to give the hardest-hit counties more flexibility in how they conduct the elections.



NC leaders approve flexibility for voters in Helene counties

Before Helene there was Fred - $13 million was promised and few dollars were received by this town. WRAL Investigates North Carolina's long history of hurricane recovery and why funds to help communities rebuild take years to get to those in need.

NC town waiting for millions hit again 3 years later. WRAL Investigates why relief funds take years to help local communities

Many people sent WRAL News questions about the lack of internet and cell service after Hurricane Helene.

Answering viewer questions about lack of internet and cell service from Hurricane Helene

Only 0.7% of Buncombe County residents had flood insurance when Helene flooded their properties. 

5 On Your Side: Most of western NC didn't have flood insurance to pay for Helene damage. What's next?

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WRAL Specialists

Helene shuts down mines critical to semiconductor production

5 On Your Side: Prime Day scams to avoid

5 On Your Side: How to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene

Volunteer pilots deliver supplies, hope through Operation Airdrop

5 On Your Side

Hope Mills man charged with murdering 25-year-old man after turning himself in

How difficult is it for underage people to get vapes? WRAL goes undercover to find out

Man killed outside barbershop Saturday in Clinton

Police investigate abuse allegations at Mount Olive nursing home

Investigations

New AI phone conversation tool QuikTok is getting people talking

Health care staffing company plans to add high-paying 155 jobs in Raleigh

Tom Snyder: AI could be smarter than humans when it comes to health care

Mike Walden: NCSU Index shows no signs of imminent recession

WRAL TechWire

McDonald's sues top meat packers for allegedly colluding to inflate the price of beef

Small business disaster loan program said to be in danger of running out of funds by end of month

Helene flooded IV bag maker, causing nationwide supply issues

As affordable housing disappears, states scramble to shore up the losses

Business

Powerball

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Go Ask Dad: The magic of the mail

Family

Weekend best bets: Fall fun, movies and more

Shifting from parenting to coaching: How and when to make the switch

Volunteer pilots airdrop donations to isolated, rural communities in western NC

Weekend best bets: Selma Railroad Days, Triangle Oktoberfest

SmartShopper

Walmart Holiday Deals event is LIVE: See the long list of top buys

Target Circle Week Top Deals: 40% off shoes & Halloween lights on Oct. 8, Instant Pot 6qt Bundle only $59.99, Shark Steam Pocket Mop only $69.99

Top grocery deals valid Oct. 2-8 plus list of sales on donation items for hurricane victims

Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week?

20 inches of rain cut off Fred's Mercantile on top of Beech Mountain

On Beech Mountain, Fred's Mercantile stayed open to serve after hurricane hit

Helene's impact on livestock in NC

Unfathomable devastation: McDowell County faces historic loss in wake of flooding

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