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Driving through the Hickory Nut Gorge, you may be shocked to hear the excitement in the voice of locals about just how far the area has come in the eight months since Helene.
“We finally have a bridge over to Chimney Rock Park. It was, I guess, it was just completed. It’s not open yet, but it’s looking pretty good,” said resident Ken Potter.
For people like Potter, who lives in Bat Cave, North Carolina, seeing the small steps of progress means the world.
His house was miraculously spared, but his neighbors nearby weren’t as fortunate.

Your Weather Planner

An isolated shower or storm will be possible Thursday, and they are expected to ramp up ahead of a cold front by late afternoon. Don’t be surprised if storms become strong to severe.

The severe weather threat looks more likely Friday with a line of storms moving west to east as the cold front moves in. The main threats include damaging wind gusts and isolated large hail.

In the front's wake, it’ll become less active this weekend, although a few showers will remain possible in the mountains and western Piedmont.

Get the full forecast of areas around the state:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains


Watch the latest local news and get your Weather on the 1s.

Around North Carolina

1. Leader of church group voices concerns about ICE activity near places of worship

The N.C. Council of Churches voices concerns about ICE activity at a Charlotte church last week. The council's executive director, Jennifer Copeland, said it happened during preschool pickup and ended in no detentions. Copeland said Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity on sacred grounds interferes with their mission.

2. Nonprofit to host 'Jeepin' to the Hollers' tour in Yancey County

Stephanie Johnson has worked as a realtor for 14 years in Yancey and Mitchell counties. After Helene, she saw how much help her neighbors needed. She founded "Rebuilding Hollers," a nonprofit that helps residents rebuild their community.

3. Tying it Together: North Carolina’s Innocence Inquiry Commission faces elimination, what it means

Since 2007, the Innocence Inquiry Commission has exonerated 16 people, many serving over 20 years in prison for crimes they did not commit. However, the state Senate wants to cut its funding. The commission’s leader, Laura Pierro, discusses why she thinks the state must continue funding it.

Around The Nation

1. Federal trade court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers law

2. Musk says he is 'disappointed' House passed Trump agenda bill

3. Netanyahu says Israel killed senior Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar

Editor's Pick - 'The world said ‘enough is enough': George Floyd's family reflects on his death 5 years later

George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020. He is a North Carolina native, born in Fayetteville in 1973. His family is keeping his legacy alive through avenues like the Floyd Family Center. George's words "I can't breathe" are engraved at the North Carolina Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh.