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.

Chapel Hill couple recounts terrifying escape as Tropical Depression Chantal floods homes, forces evacuations, and leaves behind devastating damage.

Protecting Your Home

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

The combination of heavy tropical rainfall and a clogged backyard storm drain created a perfect storm. Water forged a direct path toward the house, with a significant amount easily rushing inside.

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.

A look at how Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how meteorologists track storms for more accuracy.

Hurricane Hunters

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

"Heroes. Honestly. They go toward the storm so we can get people away from the storm. It's just as simple as that."

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

This year, there's something new with the 'cone of uncertainty.' An experimental cone will debut this hurricane season and 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.

In 2024, the town suffered catastrophic damage after more than 22 inches of rain triggered devastating flooding and mudslides.

Download the ABC11 News app for breaking news alerts