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There's a low chance for thunderstorms later in the evening in our western counties on Saturday. Most of our area is under a Level 1 risk for severe storms.

Level 1 risk: âï¸ Saturday and Sunday are WRAL Weather Alert Days

I'm a neurologist Elizabeth Gardner. Boy, a lot of rain overnight last night in some places. Boy, a lot of it came over my house. But today is going to be dry. Now, it is a WREL weather alert day, but we're not likely to see storms in our area until much later tonight, maybe not even until midnight. So, Saturday night is when we'll have the best chance of seeing some storms, and then into the day on Sunday. Sunday, we're gonna see a couple of rounds, one in the morning, we may have a break midday, and then another Around when the cold front comes through. With that, we could see some damaging winds, some hail, and some localized flooding. Outdoor events could be affected on Sunday, but I really feel like whatever you have planned today is probably going to be fine. This is a look at our hour by hour rain chances. We did bump up those chances a little bit as early as 7 and 8 o'clock, but that's really just to cover the bases. It really looks like maybe closer to midnight before we have much of a chance. This is our severe weather threat, but again, it's just for late tonight, a level 2 risk just to our west, and that means a few more widespread storms that could produce some wind damage. We're going to see a lot of showers and thunderstorms approaching us, but just not quite making it here. Now we'll have a better chance on Sunday, especially for the first half of the day. Today is a great day to tune in on WRAL as we take a look at our newscast, we'll have the latest runs of the computer models and what will happen through the day.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Weekend storm threats for Saturday and Sunday

Pedestrian dies after being hit by truck at Smithfield Food Lion

Food Lion pedestrian crash

Crash knocks out power for hundreds in downtown Durham

Fans outside of Durham Bulls Athletic Park after a power outage on Friday, May 2

Former Smithfield police officer charged with shooting at girlfriend, Johnston Co. deputies say

Michael Jernigan

NC hospitals in state of standby, preparing as measles threat grows

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Man taken into custody at north Raleigh home following standoff

Barricade at north Raleigh home

Here's when the Carolina Hurricanes-Washington Capitals Eastern Conference Semifinal begins

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Christopher McCullough was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and larceny of a dog.


Raleigh man convicted of beating mom to death; will serve life in prison

Christopher McCullough

US stocks rose Friday as China signaled openness to trade talks and investors digested a better-than-expected jobs report.

S&P 500 on track for longest winning streak in 20 years as Trump and China show some willingness to bend on trade

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Many of the multiuse trails at Lake Crabtree County Park are set to close permanently on June 1, igniting anger among visitors who have flocked to the park for decades.


Trails at Lake Crabtree County Park to close to allow for development

Public hearing on proposed Lake Crabtree Park development  

A third person has been taken into custody in the case of a mother and her 1-year-old girl being kidnapped from their Wake County home. Eleodoro Estrada-Hernandez was arrested by the FBI in Knightdale on Friday morning. 

3rd person charged in kidnapping of girl and her mother from Garner home

Eleodoro "Leo" Estrada-Hernandez

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) â The Kentucky Derby is tough to win, with a huge field of stampeding horses and 150,000 screaming fans in the stands. Toss in a rainy forecast that could turn the Churchill Downs dirt strip into something resembling peanut butter and it gets trickier.

The 151st Kentucky Derby could be a mudder's delight with rain in the forecast

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Two people were killed and another six injured in a wreck Thursday night in Harnett County near Angier. Three cars were involved in the collision on NC Highway 210.

Two people killed, six injured in multi-car wreck in Harnett County

Crash on NC Highway 210 in Harnett County

WASHINGTON (AP) â The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Friday to clear the way for Elon Musk âs Department of Government Efficiency to access Social Security systems containing personal data on millions of Americans.

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to let DOGE access Social Security systems

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Francisco Cardenas, 32, a minimum-custody offender, escaped Friday from the center in Swanquarter.



Authorities search for escaped inmate from Hyde Correctional Center

Francisco Cardenas

The long-resilient jobs market continues to defy expectations -- even in the wake of swirling uncertainty.

The US economy added a stronger-than-expected 177,000 jobs in April

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Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has the details on new restaurants opening in the area, including the return of Red Hot & Blue to Raleigh.


Foodie News: BBQ restaurant gets closer to returning to Raleigh

Barbeque Pulled Pork Sandwich

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As measles cases surge across the nation, North Carolina hospitals are on high alert, preparing for potential outbreaks in areas with low vaccination rates.


It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned paddler or a novice eager to dip your paddle, kayaking offers a unique way to explore Raleigh.

Explore on the water: How, where to kayak in Raleigh

Kayaking Harris Lake in Wake County

It didn't begin a long time ago or in a galaxy far far away, but every May 4 it feels like images, memes and promotional deals involving âStar Warsâ have an inescapable gravity.

Here's why May the 4th is celebrated as Star Wars Day across the galaxy

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VATICAN CITY (AP) â âConclaveâ the film may have introduced moviegoers to the spectacular ritual and drama of a modern conclave, but the periodic voting to elect a new pope has been going on for centuries and created a whole genre of historical trivia.

10 fun facts about the secret voting to elect a pope

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Discover all you need to know about the 2025 graduation ceremonies for the universities in the Triangle area, including NC State, UNC, Duke and more.

2025 Triangle graduation guide: NC State, UNC, Duke and more announce commencement details

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Making the playoffs consistently is exciting for Carolina Hurricanes fans for many reasons, one of them being another chance to prove they're the NHL's most authentic - and creative - tailgating experience.

Canes' top-line tailgating environment shines during playoffs

Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate

Don't Miss It

Say hi to Tito! He's a loving dog who just wants to cuddle. He likes to play in the backyard and enjoys being around other small dogs - but would do great a solo pet. To learn more about adopting this pint-size pup, visit crisisdogsnc.org.

Pet of the Day for May 3, 2025

Former Smithfield police officer arrested, charged with assault

NC considering new immigration laws: How we got here

Visitors outraged over closure of some Lake Crabtree Park trails

Triangle hospitals prepare to ID, treat measles cases

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Tar Heel Traveler: Carolina Packers gear up for The Ham and Yam Festival 

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Two people arrested, charged in shots fired investigation in Chapel Hill

Local News

Cary P.E. teacher wins WCPSS' Teacher of the Year award, district says

Man dies from being hit by truck in Durham County

Father says toddler escaped from home, found later on busy road in Erwin

Moore County teen recovers after parking lot shooting; three arrests made

Russian drone attack wounds 47 in Ukraineâs second city of Kharkiv

Nation/World

VP Vance's global travels are a mix of diplomacy, dealmaking, soft power and family time

Play your cardinals right: Betting on next pope gains popularity ahead of the conclave

Tennessee police release video of Kilmar Abrego Garcia traffic stop in 2022

Beware springtime squirrels: woman faces $1,000 car repair after rodent nesting

North Carolina's craft breweries showcased their talent on the global stage, clinching 11 medals at the prestigious 2025 World Beer Cup. Held at the Indiana Convention Center during the Craft Brewers Conference, this celebrated event saw fierce competition with over 8,000 entries from 49 countries.


North Carolina breweries win big with 11 medals at 2025 World Beer Cup in Indianapolis

Beer tap

140+ events to check out in NC this May

May events list graphic

'Live After 5' summer concert series to return to downtown Raleigh

Live After 5 is a four-part summer music series held in City Plaza on the third Wednesday of each month, May through August.

Ava Gardner Museum loses federal grant for preservation efforts

The Ava Gardner Festival runs from Oct. 7-9 in Smithfield.

NC State Fair unveils 2025 theme

NC State Fair logo 2025

Gipson Play Plaza to open in June

Gipson Play Plaza

Out & About

Fact check: Is gas $1.98 a gallon in a few states, as Donald Trump said? 

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Fact check: Is male college attainment hitting record lows in the U.S.?

Fact check: Did Trump reject Helene relief for North Carolina?

Explainer: Why is the bond market so important for the economy?

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 1

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Here's how NC wants to limit DEI in state government

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NC bills progess to allow approved people to conceal carry in private schools

NC bills would allow concealed handguns for teachers, parents and others in private schools

Durham Public Schools names Middle College High School literary educator its teacher of the year

Education

New Catholic high school coming to Triangle in 2028, Cardinal Gibbons says

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Librarians hold town hall fighting for funding, opposing book bans

Durham DA employee pleads guilty to DWI in case where his behavior stunned officers

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'Feeling good': Frederik Andersen back on the ice

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Kentucky Derby: How to watch, the favorites and what to expect in the 151st running of the race

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No. 1 Hough readies for playoff push with win over Northwest Guilford

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NCHSAA recognizes Heart of a Champion award winners

No. 16 Pine Lake Prep wins 12th straight, claims third consecutive league title

Durham County District Attorney's Office employee Josiah Wilkerson pleaded guilty Thursday to DWI and driving without insurance.

Employee of Durham County DA's office pleads gulity to DWI

Members of the North Carolina House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to ban state agencies from engaging in pro-diversity efforts under the umbrella of diversity, equity and inclusion. It now goes to the Senate.

NC House passes ban on DEI in state agencies

North Carolina Legislative Building

Most of the cases related to the January 2024 crash that killed University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student Molly Rotunda have been resolved in court, including one as recently as Tuesday.

Cases resolved related to deadly crash involving UNC students

NC House passes ban on DEI policies in state agencies

Find out the apps to look for and tips to help keep your child safer online.


Keeping your child safe online: How to check their devices and what apps to look out for

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Senate Bill 599 would change how members of the North Carolina Dental Board, which oversees dentists in North Carolina, are selected.

State lawmakers seek more accountability for North Carolina Dental Board

WRAL Specialists

Restaurant Ratings: IHOP, Taste of China and Golden China

5 On Your Side gets repair coverage for drivers after fuel mixup

Recall: Ninja Foodi pressure cookers can cause burns

What to look for in your child's cellphone to make sure they are safe

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Man wrongfully convicted fighting to save Innocence Commission

'Somebody is going to get killed': College parties in Durham County field prompt neighbors' concerns

College parties in quiet fields: WRAL Investigates who's responsible when your neighborhood turns into a nightclub

Durham police charge 19 people for street take over, seek help identifying others

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When machines talk back: The rise of agentic AI in a world of physical devices

Mike Walden: Tariff discussions could turn economic outlook from concern to optimism

David Gardner: Is bureaucracy bad for business?

You decide: Who controls the Federal Reserve

WRAL TechWire

Wall Street extends its gains to a 9th straight day, reclaiming losses since tariff escalation

Voters to decide if the Texas home of Elon Musk's SpaceX should become an official city: Starbase

Microsoft hikes Xbox prices worldwide as gaming industry faces tariff uncertainty

US gives initial approval for $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi Arabia before Trump's planned visit

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

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Max follows Netflix: new $7.99 fee for sharing accounts with family outside your home

Family

Festival offers kids a chance to explore healthy eating, hands-on classes

Alzheimer's care: Showing up

Advice for graduates: Understand it's but a step toward your greater purpose

Ham and Yam Fest is set to bring family fun 

Walmart+ Week is LIVE: 50Â¢ off/gallon of fuel at select stations, 6 mo. of FREE Paramount+ with Showtime, 1 free Express Delivery, free Burger King sandwiches w/$1 purchase & more! 

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Amazon deals: Lee Men's Cargo Shorts only $15 (57% off), Armor All Multi Purpose Car Spray only $4 (61% off), No-Touch Digital Forehead Thermometer only $9.99 (50% off) 

Time to activate your Food Lion Shop & Earn offers for May

Top grocery deals valid April 30-May 6

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