🌩️ Hail, Hurricanes & Heat: The Southeast's Severe Weather Story (April 2025)

This week on the Carolina Weather Group, we’re tracking severe weather events sweeping the Carolinas — with a primary focus on large hail, but also expanding into drought concerns, wildfire threats, and a detailed hurricane season outlook for 2025.

🎥 Join our live panel from Charlotte, Columbia, Greensboro, and Myrtle Beach as we:

Break down recent hailstorms with viewer-submitted footage and damage reports

Explain how hail forms and why it’s so common in spring across the Southeast

Tips to protect your car, home, and safety

Share insights from the National Weather Service and local storm spotters

Discuss current drought levels in the Carolinas and the increased wildfire risk

Look ahead to the 2025 hurricane season with forecasts from the National Hurricane Center

Your questions answered live during our Q&A

Whether you’re a weather enthusiast or prepping for storm season, this is your one-stop video for everything severe weather in the Carolinas.

✅ Subscribe for weekly weather breakdowns, emergency tips, and live viewer Q&A.

#HailStorm #CarolinaWeatherGroup #HurricaneSeason #Drought2025 #Wildfires #SevereWeather #StormSpotters #WeatherNews #Meteorology #SouthCarolina #NorthCarolina #NationalWeatherService

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The Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

This week on the Carolina Weather Group, we’re revisiting two unforgettable tornado outbreaks that impacted the Carolinas — and the brave meteorologists, storm chasers, and first responders who lived them firsthand.🎙️ First, we replay our April 2024 conversation with storm chaser Chris Jackson as he recounts the harrowing Easter tornado outbreak of April 13, 2020. This outbreak unleashed 5 EF-3 tornadoes across South Carolina, with devastating impacts in Williston, Neeses, Livingston, Estill, Nixville, and Walterboro. Chris shares his experience chasing storms, spotting tornado damage as a SKYWARN spotter, and even rescuing victims trapped in storm-ravaged homes.📖 See the official National Weather Service report:https://www.weather.gov/cae/04132020_tornadoOutbreak.html🎙️ Then, we revisit our April 2020 episode on the April 16, 2011 tornado outbreak in North Carolina.This historic day claimed 24 lives and injured over 300 people. Hear from National Weather Service forecasters, television meteorologists, and storm chasers who issued life-saving warnings and relayed critical information to the public as violent tornadoes swept across the state.👥 Guests: Gannon Medwick, Tim Buckley, Mike Maze, Dan Whittaker, Jeremy Gilchrist, Jeff Orrock, Steven Pfaff🌀 Whether you lived through these storms or are learning about them for the first time, these encore episodes serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of weather preparedness and the dedication of those who work to keep us safe.👉 Subscribe for more weather stories and insights from the Carolinas and beyond!00:00 Intro 00:00:05 Chris Jackson on April 13, 2020 Outbreak 00:00:09 Tornado Impact Across South Carolina 00:09:04 Calling 911 and Rescuing Storm Victims 00:30:34 Remembering the April 16, 2011 Tornado Outbreak 00:47:10 NWS Issues Tornado Emergency 01:00:16 Meet the Meteorologists and Storm Chasers 🧢 MERCH: https://rstrm.io/e/YDmSpk💸 LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather🔔 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup💻 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.comThe Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.#CarolinaWeatherGroup #TornadoOutbreak #StormChasing #SevereWeather #WeatherPodcast #StormStories

Join us for a live edition of the Carolina Weather Group, where we're diving into the wild weather week that rocked the southern United States. From heat waves to intense tornadoes, James Brierton (Charlotte, NC), Frank Strait (Columbia, SC), and returning guest Kit Thomas (ABC 24 Memphis) break down what happened, where it hit hardest, and how forecasters kept up with the chaos.🌪️ Top Story: Kit Thomas, meteorologist at ABC 24 Memphis and former panelist, returns to share his on-the-ground experience covering the recent tornado outbreak. With more than two dozen fatalities, multiple EF-rated tornadoes, and a historic Day 7 high-risk forecast from the Storm Prediction Center, this was one of the most dangerous severe weather setups in recent memory.🌩️ Other Major Topics Covered:A severe thunderstorm in Greenville, NC that dropped 1.75" hailWildfires across North and South Carolina nearly containedThe end of National Weather Service’s AI-powered Spanish translations due to NOAA budget cuts — what it means for accessibility and alertsThe first Norfolk Southern train returning to Asheville since the damage caused by Hurricane Helenethis episode combines storytelling, science, and discussion to help make sense of a whirlwind week in southeastern weather.📅 Broadcast Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025🎙️ Featuring: Kit Thomas, James Brierton, Frank Strait📡 Streamed live📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more weather insight every week!🌪️ #TornadoOutbreak #WildfireWeather #CarolinaWeatherGroup #GreenvilleStorm #NOAABudgetCuts #KitThomasReturns #WeatherLive #SPCForecast #TrainNews #SevereWeatherRecap📹 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhGiYbMDccQcdSjpf87nGg/join🧢 MERCH: https://rstrm.io/e/YDmSpk💸 LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather🔔 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup💻 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.comThe Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

Legendary WCNC Charlotte weatherman Larry Sprinkle is smashing that alarm clock and handing off his weather clicker after 40 years with the NBC affiliate in Charlotte.

Sprinkle, who has been a longtime staple on the station's morning show, will still be with the station. While he hands off weekday morning responsibilities to meteorologist Chris Mulcahy, Sprinkle will continue to share community stories with viewers. He will often lend his smile to pet adoption segments and charity events.

Ahead of his final morning show, the Carolina Weather Group's James Brierton talked with Sprinkle about his career, which has touched countless Charlotteans over the years.

WCNC Charlotte is hosting a week of events to celebrate Sprinkle. After throwing out the first pitch at the Charlotte Knights game on Wednesday, Sprinkle can also be seen at:

Coffee with Sprinkle

When: Friday, April 4, 8 to 10 a.m.

Where: Amelie’s at Park Road Shopping Center, 524 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209

What: Join Sprinkle for a morning of coffee, conversation, and memories.

The Schiele Museum Event

When: Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Schiele Museum, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054

What: Celebrate Sprinkle's milestone with a special event at the museum. Tickets are available for purchase.

Donate: Sprinkle loves animals! Support a cause close to his heart when you bring a can or bag of pet food and exchange it for a raffle ticket and the chance to win a gift basket. One ticket equals every can or pound of food. Drawing will happen at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at The Schiele Museum. Cat and dog food will be donated to The Carlee Cause, a Gaston County organization committed to helping unwanted pets find love and security in new homes.

Charlotte AutoFair

When: The AutoFair runs Thursday, April 3 - Saturday, April 5 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Larry Sprinkle will help with the closing ceremonies and awards on Saturday, April 5 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027

What: Larry will help award the “Best of Show” car. Tickets are available for purchase

A remarkable career

Sprinkle's broadcasting journey began at just 14 years old as a DJ at WBBO radio in Forest City, North Carolina.

This early start led to a successful career in radio that took him across the Carolinas and Tennessee. With a passion for weather, Larry pursued his college education wherever his radio career took him, attending East Carolina University, the University of Memphis, and UNC Charlotte.

In 1985, Larry's career shifted when he joined the weather team at WCNC Charlotte, where he has remained for almost four decades. For 27 of those years, Larry has been delivering weather reports as part of the morning news. Throughout his career, he has covered a wide range of weather events, from severe storms and hurricanes to everyday forecasts, providing viewers with vital information to help them stay safe and prepared.

Beyond his weather reports, Larry has devoted himself to various charities, including Make-A-Wish, JDRF, the Salvation Army, and Boys and Girls Clubs. His dedication to these causes has made a significant impact on the community. He has helped nonprofits raise an astounding $27 million throughout his career.

#northcarolina #southcarolina #weather #ncwx #scwx #podcast

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Wildfires are burning in both North Carolina and South Carolina. New evacuations issued on Wednesday as new fires ignite in new counties. James Brierton with the latest on the firefighting efforts to contain the biggest fires burning in the South.Plus, the somber six-month anniversary of Helene. Frank Strait and Evan Fisher are in Asheville with what scientists have learned about the historic storm and the impressive data it left behind in its wake.📹 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhGiYbMDccQcdSjpf87nGg/join🧢 MERCH: https://rstrm.io/e/YDmSpk💸 LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather🔔 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup💻 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.comThe Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

Growing wildfires in both North Carolina and South Carolina have led to new residential evacuations on Tuesday.Table Rock Fire:Status: 2,293 acres with 0% containmentPickens County Evacuations: Asia Li Ln, Bird Song Trl, Blue Mountain Way, Bluff Ridge Rd, Bobcat Dr, Bridle Dr, Caesars Head Hwy, Cherry Blossom Ln, Cisson Ridge Rd, Cold Mountain View, Cougar Trl, Cripple Creek Rd, Curts Way, Dogwood Mountain Rd, Dry Lake Rd, Duckwood Ln, Elizabeth Dr, Fast Ln, Fish Hawk Rd, Green Acres Dr, Hardin Rd, Hardwood Ln, Hwy 11, Ledge Rd, Locust Rdg, Misty Mountain Way, Mulligan Ford Hill Rd, Pumpkin Ln, Pumpkin Mountain Rd, Raven Cliff Rd, Raven Ct, Ridge Springs Rd, River Bluff Rd, River Rd, Rockcrest Rd, Rockcrest Rdg, Rockview Ct, Rocky Rd, S Saluda Rd, Saluda Hill Rd, Saluda Shore Dr, Trinity Trl, Wayside Dr, Wild Brook Dr, Winding Trl, Wotawok TrlSee this fire live: https://youtube.com/live/swAex0oeFBM?feature=share Persimmon Fire near Caesars Head:Status: 996 acres with 0% containmentGreenville County Evacuations: Greenville Evacuations: Table Rock Rd, Matthews Creek Ln, River Rock Ct, Ragsdale Rd, Pipe Line Ln, Gintomo Rd, Hagood Rd, Haygood Rd, Lakemont Rd, Caesars Head Hwy, Sky Ranche Rd, Asbury Dr, Laurel Dr, Saluda Hill Church Rd, Geer Hwy, Burgess Rd, Grey Logs Trl, Caesars Point, River Rock Ct, Spring Park Dr, North Lake Dr, Trails End, Boy Scout Rd, Sevenbark Ln, Larkspur Ln, Table Rock Rd extension, Mountain Laurel Dr, Birchbend, Sourwood Ln, Conifer Falls Rd, Hemlock Trl, Cliff Ridge Dr, Rhododendron, Trillium Way, Chestnut Blf, Echo Dr, Echo Dr extension, Jack Ray Dr, Southside Dr, Sunrise Dr, Upper Oil Camp, Woodvine, Columbine Way, Old Springfield Rd, Rosemond Rd, Burgess Rd, Lookoff Dr, Club Terrace Dr, Wildcat Rd, Punctatum Pl, Point Of View Ln, Happy Acres RdPolk and Henderson counties:Black Cove Fire: Status: 3,046 acres with 0% containmentDeep Woods Fire: Status: 2,923 acres with 0% containmentHenderson County Evacuations: Henderson County Emergency Management and the North Carolina Forest Service are issuing an evacuation order for the "Summer Haven" community in Henderson County. This includes Macedonia Road EAST of Interstate 26, Skyland Acres Road, Knight Road, Summer Haven Lane and S. Fine Way. An emergency shelter has been set up at the Henderson County Parks & Recreation Athletics and Activities Center at 708 South Grove Street, Hendersonville NC 29792Polk County Evacuations: Big Hungry Rd, Deer Trl, English Heifer Cove Rd, Scarlets Mountain Rd, Spurgeon Cove Ln, 5079 - 7265 Holbert Cove Rd (North Side), Fox Paw Ln, 1091 - 1528 Green River Cove Rd, Lady Slipper Trl, Charity Branch Dr, Deep Woods Ln, Gamelands Trl, Moonshine Trc, Oakview Ln, Piney Gate Rd, Piney Overlook Ln, Wesley Ln, Windsong Ln, Volley WaySee an interactive evacuation map for Polk and Henderson counties in North Carolina: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1usnYrYs6pofyEWfoza7jmsfVU3OZWGs&ll=35.2756821678172%2C-82.30611714038086&z=13&fbclid=IwY2xjawJPvFpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVqS0O_5RzOp9ps5aaaNvMV9BDt2OXKN18-EGBh9NM6qtpvX2EirbaOXUA_aem_bqKjlNcQ77dswzo0uRUILQSee a dashboard status of all the fires: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=df8bcc10430f48878b01c96e907a1fc3📹 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhGiYbMDccQcdSjpf87nGg/join🧢 MERCH: https://rstrm.io/e/YDmSpk💸 LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather🔔 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup💻 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.com

Thousands of acres of burning in North Carolina and South Carolina this weekend are due to extremely high fire danger.The largest fires are in Polk County, North Carolina, where firefighters are battling the Black Cobve, Deep Woods and Fish Hook fires. Combined over 3,000 acres have burned and nearby residents have been evacuated to a shelter in Columbus.Fires are burned Saturday in Table Rock, South Carolina and Burke County, North Carolina.A Norfolk Southern freight train started a small grass fire in Huntersville, North Carolina.The weather forecast remains dry and sunny. Combined with leftover storm debris from Helene and ongoing gusty winds, state officials in both North Carolina and South Carolina have issued statewide burn bans.James Brierton provides this update on the ongoing wildfires from the Carolina Weather Group studio in Charlotte.📹 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhGiYbMDccQcdSjpf87nGg/join🧢 MERCH: https://rstrm.io/e/YDmSpk💸 LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather🔔 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup💻 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.comThe Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

#northcarolina #southcarolina #weather #ncwx #scwx #podcast

In this video, we break down Governor Josh Stein’s historic signing of the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1, his first bill into law. Learn how the $524 million allocated for western North Carolina will provide critical support—from aiding farmers and repairing infrastructure to extending emergency declarations after Hurricane Helene. We also explore the additional $217 million earmarked for eastern NC, and what these steps mean for communities still recovering. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis on the ongoing recovery efforts and the push for $19 billion in federal support for even more resilient infrastructure and disaster readiness.

Plus:

1. Tornadoes, damaging winds, hail storms in North Carolina and South Carolina

2. NASA SpaceX Crew-9 return home from space

3. Windy weather combined with low humidity creates more fire danger (and even some snow and wintry weather at the highest elevations in western North Carolina.)

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The Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #ncwx #scwx #podcastAnother round of severe weather is forecast to bring damaging winds and tornadoes to the Carolinas this weekend. The latest forecast analysis on what you can expect.Plus, NASA and SpaceX postpone the launch of Crew-10 to the International Space Station. When will the "stranded astronauts" come home?Dirty rain fell in the Carolinas. Where did it come from and why did it happen?On this date in weather history, we look back at the 1993 super snow and the 1962 Ash Wednesday Storm.The latest on the DOGE cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service.📹 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhGiYbMDccQcdSjpf87nGg/join🧢 MERCH: https://rstrm.io/e/YDmSpk💸 LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather🔔 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup💻 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.comThe Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

At least one tornado has been confirmed and a dozen confirmed reports of wind damage across the Carolinas today. A line of severe storms moved across both North Carolina and South Carolina today, Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

The Carolina Weather Group's James Brierton tours the damage of EF-1 tornado damage in Union County, North Carolina. The damage seen near Porter Ridge schools as the tornado moved from Indian Trail into Unionville.

Plus we talk about the federal cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service. Where does that leave the agency's life-saving weather operations? We discuss.

The latest on the Carolina Forest Fire near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Scotty Powell is there in Horry County with the latest.

Intuitive Machines and NASA are set to land the second privately owned spacecraft on the moon this week.

And a special shoutout to our friends at @WeatherBrains , who are getting ready to celebrate their 1,000th episode!

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The Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.