Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

Hundreds of wildfires erupted across the Carolinas over the weekend, including a 481-acre fire sparked by a downed power line in Polk County that prompted evacuations. View a list of specific areas under evacuation orders or recommendations here.

Four other fires burned more than 600 acres in North Carolina’s National Forests, with the largest covering 300 acres in the Montgomery County section of the Uwharrie National Forest and another burning at least 30 acres in the Moore County section.

Other wildfires included a 114-acre fire in the Croatan National Forest in Carteret County, a 50-acre fire in Pisgah National Forest in Haywood County, and a 20-acre fire in Nantahala National Forest in Cherokee County.

You can view a map of all active North Carolina wildfires and their containment status here.

Tornadoes, Severe Storms Possible Wednesday

A storm brewing along the Mississippi River is expected to bring a Level 2 risk of severe weather to central and eastern North Carolina Wednesday.

Primary threats include damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph, hail, and isolated tornadoes as multiple lines of showers and thunderstorms move across the state between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The storm will arrive along and ahead of an unstable cold front. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are possible outside of severe storm areas.

Temperatures will reach the mid-60s Wednesday, then drop into the lower 50s Thursday as skies clear.

NC Launches Missing Child Repository

The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons launched the Missing Child Repository Monday to centralize the collection of missing children’s names and photos throughout the state. Children won’t have to qualify for an Amber Alert to be listed in the repository.

The database was built in-house by staff and allows families to search for missing loved ones’ names, photos, and even physical characteristics such as hair and eye color.

“They don’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops or look through different databases,” said Center for Missing Persons Director Morrissa Moyer.

The launch comes after a year of work and a week during which two high-profile Amber Alert cases occurred. You can access the database here.

Do you have any friends or family who would like to receive Flyover North Carolina? Feel free to refer us to them!

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: Democratic legislators are pushing for a return to nonpartisan judicial elections, which would remove the “R” or “D” after candidates’ names on ballots. (More)

➤ Currituck County: The U.S. Coast Guard and Currituck County SWAT team rescued a couple and their dog on a 30-foot sailing vessel after it blew onto a North River shoal in Camden County. (More)

➤ Kernersville: Health officials are looking for a stolen radioactive camera used to image underground utilities, like natural gas lines. The camera’s radioactive material can cause physical harm if handled improperly. (More)

➤ Outer Banks: Episodes one through five of The Outer Edge docuseries featuring Outer Banks commercial fishing, creators, musicians, photographers, and boat builders are now available on YouTube. (More)

➤ Raleigh: NC State has been recognized as having one of the highest numbers of faculty selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Programs, with eight selected during the 2024-25 academic year. (More)

➤ Warrenton: The Warren County Sheriff is allowing jail inmates awaiting trial to use computer tablets issued by IC Solutions as part of its “humane treatment” for detainees. (More)

➤ Carolina Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho nailed his fifth game-winning overtime goal of the season on Sunday, tying the NHL record for the most in a single season. (Watch Video)

➤ UNC baseball moved up to No. 4 in this week’s Division I baseball rankings, while Wake Forest fell to No. 15 and Duke dropped from the rankings completely. (See Rankings)

➤ The Carolina Panthers are reportedly looking to extend star cornerback Jaycee Horn as soon as possible due to other star cornerbacks around the league also nearing contract extensions, potentially driving contract prices up. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | Soccer 

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ ​Introducing Wearables’ Sugar-Free Vitamin Infusion Patches, a convenient and effective way to boost your health. Harnessing the power of pure nutrient extracts like white willow bark and ginger root, these patches deliver essential vitamins directly through your skin, supporting overall wellness without the need for pills or sugary supplements. (Shop Now)

➤ Carolina Hurricanes players and Lenovo representatives presented 10 Wake County small businesses with $5,000 worth of new technology, tickets to a Hurricanes game, and on-ice recognition. One company will receive a $50,000 advertising package with the team. (More)

➤ Duke University’s Board of Trustees approved a 5.93% increase in undergraduate tuition last week, bringing it to an unprecedented $92,042. The increase is in line with other Ivy+ schools based on a comparison of tuition costs over the past 22 years. (More)

➤ A third security checkpoint will open at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in time for spring break. Once completed, the airport will have Checkpoints 1, 2, and 3 with more total lanes and more efficient screening equipment. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Keep your personal data safe with Wallet Defender, the ultimate RFID-blocking card. This sleek, battery-free protector prevents hackers from scanning your credit cards, passports, and IDs. Simply slip it into your wallet for instant protection against digital theft. Stay secure and worry-free wherever you go! 

Flying together with our sponsor

The “digital oil” boom

$42 billion. That’s how much one social media company makes off American users’ data annually. And that’s just one. Almost all of today’s tech giants make money from their users’ data – no wonder data has been called the new oil. But Mode Mobile turned the data boom on its head, creating an opportunity for investors.

Mode’s software turns smartphones into passive income generators, paying users for their data. And by helping users earn and save $325M+, Mode has earned $60M+ in revenue. Their 32,481% revenue growth made them Deloitte’s #1-ranked software company on its 2023 fastest-growing companies list. And Mode’s not stopping there, having recently been granted their stock ticker $MODE by the Nasdaq.

Don’t miss your chance to tap into the data boom. Become a pre-IPO Mode shareholder and earn up to 100% bonus shares today.

➤ Charlotte-based American Airlines is testing free in-flight Wi-Fi on flights from Charlotte to Raleigh and Jacksonville, as well as return flights. It will also be available on flights between Miami International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. (More)

➤ A Triangle veterinarian works to pair military veterans with rescue dogs through Vets to Vets United, a nonprofit she created that has already served 182 veterans, saved 92 dogs, and graduated 38 veteran/dog teams. (More)

➤ Apex Police rescued a bald eagle with an injured wing on Saturday after receiving a call from a witness who saw the eagle in distress. It was taken to a local bird sanctuary for further evaluation. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience unparalleled warmth with the VolteX Heated Vest. Featuring eight strategically placed heating zones and three adjustable temperature settings, this lightweight, water- and wind-resistant vest ensures optimal comfort in any weather. Its quick-heat technology provides instant warmth, making it ideal for outdoor activities or daily commutes. (Shop Now)

Should judges be elected in partisan or nonpartisan elections?

1. Partisan
2. Nonpartisan
3. I’m indifferent

Yesterday’s Results:

How is your typical experience at the DMV?

1. Never good: 29%
2. Usually OK: 19%
3. Downright awful: 19%
4. Tolerable: 17%
5. I avoid going at all costs: 16%

What is North Carolina’s longest coastal county?

Show me the answer