ABC11 Weather Team talks Tropical Storms, Hurricane Hunters and Cone of Uncertainty Changes

NORTH CAROLINA (WTVD) -- The ABC11 First Alert Weather Team is unpacking everything you need to know about hurricanes, including an update on the impacts of Tropical Storm Chantal and a behind-the-scenes look at the Hurricane Hunters who fly into danger to gather important information to keep you and your family safe during these powerful storms.

Chief Meteorologist Don "Big Weather" Schwenneker, Kweilyn Murphy, Steve Stewart and Cruz Medina breaking down everything you need to know.

SEE ALSO | NOAA expects below-average hurricane season in 2026, forecast details, preparedness tips

Download the ABC11 App to get real-time Weather Alerts

The 2026 ABC11 Hurricane Special

Recapping Tropical Storm Chantal

A rainy summer evening quickly turned into a harrowing escape for a Chapel Hill couple and many others as Tropical Depression Chantal flooded many parts of central NC.

Protecting Your Home

Think rain, groundwater and wind. The combination of heavy tropical rainfall and a clogged backyard storm drain created a perfect storm.



How AI speed and human insight make hurricane forecasts more accurate
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how meteorologists track storms, with recent data from the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season solidifying a massive leap forward in forecasting technology.

Hurricane Hunters

Meet the men and women who fly into danger to collect important information that helps save lives.

The New Cone of Uncertainty

This year, there's something new -- an experimental cone. Instead of circles, it uses ellipses and expands to roughly a 90% confidence range

Lake Lure welcomes visitors back nearly 2 years after Helene

Lake Lure is welcoming visitors and tourist back for the summer season. Town leaders say the recovery effort has become a story of resilience and rebuilding.



Download the ABC11 News app for breaking news alerts