A developing tropical wave, Invest 94L, is strengthening near Hispaniola and may impact the Carolinas early next week with heavy rain, gusty winds, and severe weather, with potential landfall between Georgia and the Outer Banks, according to recent model guidance.
The Carolinas are among the top states in the U.S. for STD rates, with North Carolina and South Carolina ranking 7th and 8th respectively, and Mecklenburg County identified as a significant hotspot, highlighting ongoing public health challenges in the region.
A large meteor during the Bootids shower was seen over the Carolinas, disintegrated above Georgia causing damage to a home, and more fireballs may be expected as the shower continues.
Strong-to-severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the Carolinas on Friday, with the main threats being gusty winds, lightning, and the possibility of a quick spin-up tornado. The storm timeline indicates that a steady rain will move in around 11 a.m., with more powerful storms expected between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Conditions are forecasted to settle down by 9 p.m., with highs around 60 degrees. Clearer conditions are expected for the weekend.
Duke Energy is preparing for severe weather in the Carolinas that could cause widespread power outages, urging customers to have a plan in place for extended outages and providing safety tips. The company encourages customers to stay informed, charge electronic devices, and report outages through various channels. Duke Energy also advises residents living near lakes and rivers to monitor weather forecasts and rising water levels, and provides real-time lake level information for their reference.
Duke Energy sent out texts and emails to customers in the Carolinas on Thursday night, advising them to conserve energy on Friday morning. This message was part of an educational initiative to encourage energy saving during times of extreme temperatures, not due to any concerns about energy reliability. The company aims to help customers save energy and money when temperatures are significantly low or high.
Dean Smith, the new head coach of Charlotte FC, has a deep connection to the Carolinas beyond his name. His son, Jamie Smith, has immersed himself in both North and South Carolina through his soccer career, playing for Limestone University and NC State before joining Greenville Triumph SC. The Smith family frequently visits the Carolinas and even invested in a vacation home in Myrtle Beach. Now, Dean Smith is leading the MLS franchise in the region, marking a new chapter for both the club and his coaching career.
In the second week of high school football playoffs in the Carolinas, there were several notable scores and highlights. Some of the standout games included Clinton defeating Broome 38-7, BHP defeating Pendleton 44-28, and Chester defeating Chapman 58-24. Other scores from around South Carolina included White Knoll defeating Fort Dorchester 50-7, Summerville defeating Berkeley 34-14, and Irmo defeating Myrtle Beach 55-24.
Week 10 of high school football in the Carolinas saw several games played on Thursday due to inclement weather. Notable scores include Gaffney defeating Dorman 29-14, Daniel beating Pendleton 56-28, and Greer dominating Wade Hampton with a score of 65-7.
An annular solar eclipse will be visible in parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia next week. The path of totality will begin in Oregon and end in Texas, with a partial eclipse visible across the rest of the U.S. In the Upstate region, the eclipse will result in about 45% obstruction of the sun, starting at 11:47 a.m. and reaching its maximum at 1:14 p.m. Remember to wear solar eclipse glasses or protective eyewear when viewing the eclipse. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will occur on April 8, 2024.
In the latest week of high school football in the Carolinas, several games took place with notable scores and highlights. However, the game between Landrum High School and Chesnee High School was postponed before it could begin.
In the sixth week of high school football in the Carolinas, there were both close games and blowouts. Some notable scores include Hillcrest defeating Wren 56-12, Daniel beating Riverside 56-14, and Spartanburg shutting out Mauldin 57-0. Other highlights include Chapman's 57-14 victory over Union Co., Wade Hampton's 49-0 win against Mann, and Woodruff's 55-14 triumph over Broome.
Week 3 of high school football in the Carolinas featured several exciting games and notable scores. Highlights included Chapman defeating Boiling Springs, Greenville defeating Byrnes, and Dorman defeating Greenwood. Other notable scores included Wade Hampton's victory over Easley, and Palmetto's close win against Travelers Rest.
Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm, causing significant damage before moving on to Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore covered the storm in Cedar Key, Florida, attracting attention on social media. The storm's size was comparable to Hurricane Michael, Andrew, Florence, and Irma. Idalia caused damage in various areas, including the Big Bend, Gulf Coast, Sarasota, and Cross City in Florida, as well as Savannah and Augusta in Georgia. It also resulted in flooding in Wilmington, North Carolina. Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway in the affected states.
Tropical Storm Idalia drenched the Carolinas with heavy rains, posing a threat of flash flooding, while Florida's Gulf Coast began recovery efforts after the storm hit as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm produced heavy downpours along the coastline, with potential for life-threatening flash flooding. Coastal communities in Florida sustained major damage, but the storm was less destructive than Hurricane Ian. Florida has requested a major disaster declaration, and authorities will assess the extent of the damage. Idalia highlighted the trend of rapidly intensifying cyclonic storms, attributed to climate change.