Good morning, North Carolina! Here's what you need to know today.

The Big Story

Hospitalizations at highest levels in N.C. since start of pandemic

Coronavirus-related hospitalizations in North Carolina ballooned to a record number Wednesday, surpassing 4,000.

The surge is being fueled by the more-contagious omicron variant, combined with holiday season gatherings and colder temperatures, sending more people indoors.

Health experts also cite pandemic fatigue and relaxation of safety measures as contributing factors. 

Your Weather Planner

While we are still focused on winter weather risks for the weekend, our weather is looking pretty good for the next 24 hours.

Clouds will be on the increase through Thursday with southerly flow increasing, meaning milder numbers for us. Overnight lows will trend more in line with our seasonal averages, in the mid to upper 20s and low 30s for most.

A cloudy but milder Thursday is on tap as well, with temperatures above average for the middle of January. Most of us will see low to mid-50s for the afternoon, with cooler temperatures in the mountains. There is a small threat for some rain and even some snowflakes in the higher elevations, but this should be a no-impact event.

However, it's looking increasingly more likely that a high-impact event could be on the way for the state this weekend, with bitter cold and wind Saturday and winter precipitation Sunday. Follow your local Weather on the Ones forecast for the very latest.

Get your full forecast:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains

 

Around North Carolina

1. Winter storm possible for North Carolina this weekend

While details of the type and amounts of precipitation remain uncertain for any specific area, most of us in North Carolina will want to spend a lot of time at home this weekend, especially Sunday. Stay tuned to Spectrum News 1 for updates.

2. Challenge to Cawthorn's eligibility likely first of many linked to Jan. 6 Capitol riot

This week, 11 North Carolina voters, including two former state Supreme Court judges, filed a candidacy challenge with the State Board of Elections. They argue that Rep. Madison Cawthorn's candidacy violates the 14th Amendment, which was ratified after the Civil War and prohibits people engaged in insurrection from serving in Congress.

3. Greensboro follows in Kannapolis' footsteps to create social district, allowing public drinking

The N.C. General Assembly passed a law last spring that allows public drinking in designated areas called social districts. Greensboro is set to launch its downtown social district March 1. 

Around The Nation

1. Soaring COVID-19 cases renew U.S. debate over mask mandates

2. Ronnie Spector, lead singer of the Ronettes, dies at 78

3. Jan. 6 panel requests interview from GOP leader Kevin McCarthy

Editor's Pick - Asheville's tourism rebounded in 2021, along with growth of new residents

Business owners and the president of Explore Asheville said they are confident the tourism industry rebounded strongly in 2021, and said at times it exceeded pre-pandemic levels
.