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WEATHER: T-storms then a record cold run

Submitted by Colin Hackman, First Alert Meteorologist, Reporter
Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 7:47am

Strong wet down bursts are expected as we move throughout the day today as a cold front approaches from the west. 

This front, while not as dangerous as it once was over the southern plains, still will have the ability to produce heavy rain and some gusty conditions.   

Look for a high temperature in the low 80s with some breaks of sun throughout the day.  But, keep the umbrella nearby as a shower could pop up at just about any time.

Friday, the cooler air moving the front will bring breezy conditions to the area.  High temperatures will still touch 80, but lows will free fall to near record levels into the upper 40s on Saturday morning.

Gradually warming weather is expected next week.

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EOG test results not available until October

Submitted by WECT Web Staff
Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 7:39am
EOG testing began for most students this week, but parents and students will have to wait for their test scores until October.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WECT) – EOG testing began for most students this week, but parents and students will have to wait for their test scores until October.

Scores must go through a validity and reliability study, which will happen over the summer. Once the state board approves the scores, the New Hanover County Department of Testing will mail them to parents.

Schools will use results from other student information to decide placements for the new school year.

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Rebuilding the beach on Pleasure Island

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 5:36pm
Don't be alarmed if you see big bulldozers and exposed pipes in the sand at Carolina Beach -- the current project to essentially rebuild the beach from erosion should move quickly, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) - Don't be alarmed if you see big bulldozers and exposed pipes in the sand at Carolina Beach -- the current project to essentially rebuild the beach from erosion should move quickly, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Contractors will add 900,000 cubic yards of sand to the stretch of beach from the pier to the boardwalk area. They're moving at an estimated pace of 1,000 feet down the sand, according to Project Manager Bob Keistler.

He said the 24/7 work schedule should keep beachgoers from being discouraged, because crews won't be in one area too long.

"Once they finish placing the beach in one area, folks are able to swim, surf, and do whatever but they're will be a big pipe there," said Keistler.

The project needed special permits because of its late start, as it is currently turtle season.

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WEATHER: Thursday cold front

Submitted by Colin Hackman, First Alert Meteorologist, Reporter
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 7:46am

Some of the showers we had for the predawn hour may return to coastal locations as we head into the late morning and early afternoon hours. 

For the most part, however, will continue to dry things out today and tomorrow with partly to mostly sunny skies through midday Thursday afternoon. 

It's Thursday afternoon that we will have the increasing chance of showers and Thunderstorms over eastern north Carolina as much cooler air ahead of a cold front moves in aloft. 

The front itself is poised to move through during the first half of the day on Friday, bringing showers and thunderstorms. 

The bonus however, is this feature will set us up for some cooler and drier conditions for the Memorial Day weekend.

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Donations for Oklahoma: Where does your money actually go?

Submitted by Ben Powell on Wednesday, May 22nd, 7:40 am

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Many people want to donate money or goods when tragedy strikes like the tornado disaster in Oklahoma. 

Vicki Labelle from the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross say they've received dozens of phone calls from people who want to donate to the cause.

"There has been a great loss of life," said Labelle.  "There is a great need to support those affected in Oklahoma."

Right now, personal items such as food, clothing, and shoes are not being accepted.

"It takes time, resources, and money to sort and match those items with folks in need," said Labelle.  "The best thing to do is to make a financial contribution."

But there's no way to be certain that your money is going to the right place.

The American Red Cross only gives 91% of every dollar collected to victims.  They keep the other 9 percent for administration fees.

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WEATHER: More scattered showers

Submitted by Colin Hackman, First Alert Meteorologist, Reporter
Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 7:52am

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will pop up on the First Alert Digital Doppler throughout the day today as moist air streams in from the south. 

While we won't see quite the same coverage of showers and thunderstorms as we did yesterday the potential for a few locations to pick up on come soaking rains remains in place.  Highs will near the low 80s.

Conditions calm for Wednesday with come more stable air moving aloft.  Highs each the mid 80s though the end of the week. 

Shower chances increase ahead of a cold front on Friday bringing temps back to the 70s this weekend.

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'Click it or Ticket' campaign celebrates 20 years

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter
Monday, May 20th, 2013, 11:04am
'Click it or Ticket' campaign celebrates 20 years

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Monday, May 20th marks the 20th anniversary of North Carolina DOT “Click or Ticket” campaign.

According to the press release, North Carolina was the first state to launch this safety program in 1993.

The release also states, The Click it or Ticket campaign runs through Memorial Day weekend and ends on June 2nd.  During this time officers will cite driver’s state wide who do not buckle up.  

To learn more information about this campaign visit this link or visit  their website at, http://www.ncdot.gov/.

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