Storms Brought Record Rainfall and Tornadoes to Carolinas – 45k Still Without Power

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Yesterday the Carolinas experienced one of the worst winter storms we’ve seen in years, with record rainfall, strong winds, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.

One of the first reported tornadoes in our state landed just north of Charlotte and temporarily shut down traffic on I-40.

Yesterday, Charlotte recorded a total of 2.48 inches of rainfall, beating the previous Jan 9th record of 1.91 inches set back in 1921. The massive amount of rain falling in such a short timeframe resulted in flooding throughout our region.

Duke Energy has been working to restore power in the affected areas, but thousands remain without electricity.

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, there were still 42,577 customers in the Carolinas without power, according to Duke Energy.

Can I Get A Prenup In The UK?

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Whether you have just accepted a proposal or are about to pop the question to your partner, the last thing on your mind is going to be the end of your relationship.

Happy and healthy relationships are not usually concerned with the risk of ending, and this can continue even as you develop through life stages together. However, even though you may not be concerned with the ending of your partnership, it is something to consider for your own protection.

This may not necessarily be the most romantic or fun conversation to have at such a happy time, but it is important if you want to protect your interests.

What Is A Prenup?

A prenuptial agreement may not be considered a common occurrence in the UK, but it is an important step to take before you get married.

This legal contract is a way of preparing if the unfortunate thing happens and the marriage does not survive and sets out how assets will be split during divorce.

As this is a fairly sensitive subject, it is common for couples across the country to neglect even considering a prenup before marriage, but this is risky. While you may not want to think about the ending of your relationship or perhaps consider it impossible at this current stage, the future is not something we can determine but you can prepare for it.

Signing a prenup can make things easier down the line and allows both parties to protect their own interests if the unfortunate event of divorce does occur.

Can I Get A Prenup In The UK?

Signing a prenuptial agreement UK needs to be done at least 28 days before the day of your wedding.

This is a legally binding agreement that will be used during the divorce, if this ever occurs, to highlight which party is entitled to specific assets. This contract must be created and signed ahead of the marriage, and the more time between the signing and the day of the event, the better.

It is legally required for there to be at least 28 days between the signing of the contract and the wedding, as this reduces the risk of coercion and allows both parties to have their say in the document.

Without a prenuptial agreement, in the event of divorce, assets will be split based on the court’s discretion, and this may not be what either of you want. Signing this contract ahead of your wedding is simply a smart move that protects both you and your partner ahead of time.

This can also be a good opportunity for you to talk to your partner about your marriage, their goals, and your overall opinion of your relationship before you walk down the aisle.

Signing a prenup does not have to be the cause of an argument, nor does it have to be an upsetting time for you as a couple, as it is simply a smart move for both parties.

Governor Cooper Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Today’s Massive Winter Storm

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A massive storm system is moving through our state today, bringing with it potential flash flooding, damaging winds of up to 50 mph, and the chance for tornadoes.

In response, Governor Roy Cooper has declared a State of Emergency.

“This storm system has the potential to bring high winds and other dangerous storm conditions to North Carolina, and people should be aware and take precautions,” Governor Cooper said in a press release. “Be sure your emergency kits are up to date and pay attention to the weather in your area, especially any weather alerts such as flash flood warnings.”

A Wind Advisory is now in effect for the Charlotte region from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with southward winds of 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. Mountain areas may experience winds up to 60 mph, warranting a High Wind Warning. Peak winds in Charlotte are expected between noon and 4 p.m.

Heavy rain is forecasted to start in the morning, intensifying in the afternoon with the thunderstorms. Rainfall could range from 1-2 inches, but some predictions suggest up to 3-5 inches, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

The most severe weather is likely to occur east and southeast of Charlotte.

North Carolina Emergency Management officials remind all residents to: 

Buc-ee’s Receives Final Approval To Build The Largest Gas Station in North Carolina

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Buc-ee’s, the beloved Texas-based chain, has just been given final approval to build the largest gas station in North Carolina off I-85.

The plan includes constructing a massive 75,440-square-foot facility featuring up to 120 gas pumps, 8 diesel exhaust fluid pumps, 20 electric vehicle charging stations, multiple restaurants, retail spaces, and offices.

Following an extensive public comment period, the Mebane City Council in Alamance County voted early Tuesday morning to approve a rezoning request and special-use permit for the sprawling 32-acre facility.

This new Buc-ee’s will be situated at 1447 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road within the 1,200-acre NC Commerce Park.

Although the station will not accommodate tractor-trailer trucks, a traffic analysis indicates it could generate over 2,000 vehicle trips per hour during peak times on Saturdays.

Buc-ee’s has informed Alamance County officials of its intention to hire approximately 225 full-time employees for the new location.

Currently, there is one Buc-ee’s in South Carolina, opened in 2020 in Florence, SC, but the proposed North Carolina site is set to be significantly larger.

North Carolinians Worked 2 Billion More Unpaid Hours Last Year, Study Finds

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As 2024 begins, employees are finding that their bargaining power isn’t what it used to be. About a year ago, job opportunities and rising wages were abundant, but now, those trends are reversing, with fewer openings and slower wage growth. A recent comprehensive study by Project Management unveils a troubling trend – the amount of unpaid overtime labor that workers are contributing saw a staggering uptick last year. They surveyed 3,000 employees, with some astonishing observations.

The data reveals a collective surge of 46 billion unpaid overtime hours in 2023, dwarfing figures from the previous year. On average, workers contributed an additional 4.5 hours per week for no compensation, totaling an extra 233 hours annually.

Residents of New Hampshire bore the brunt of this trend, reporting nearly 10 extra hours of unpaid overtime each week. Conversely, Montanans experienced slight decrease in such hours.

When it comes to North Carolina workers, it was found that they worked an extra 6.1 hours per week of unpaid overtime last year, compared to 2022. This equates to 317 hours over the year per employee, and collectively as a state this amounts to a whopping 2,088,910,260 hours.

The top 5 states who worked more unpaid overtime in 2023:

1. New Hampshire (9.9 more hours)

2. Iowa (7.6 more hours)

3. Alaska (7.4 more hours)

4. Utah (6.3 more hours)

5. North Carolina (6.1 more hours)

‌The 5 states with the smallest increases in unpaid overtime:

50. Montana (0.6 hours less)

49. Hawaii (0.9 more hours)

48. Idaho (1.9 more hours)

47. Maryland (2.1 more hours)

46. Arizona (2.7 more hours)

Charlotte Knights Just Announced Plans To Sell Out For Potentially $100 Million

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The Charlotte Knights ownership have just announced plans to sell the team along with Uptown’s Truist Field in a deal that could fetch over $100 million.

Don Beaver currently owns 90% of the team, which he purchased in 1997 for just $10 million. Bill Allen,  the minority owner, has also agreed to sell his 10% stake.

“The Charlotte Knights have notified Major League Baseball that they will begin the process of exploring the potential sale of the team,” said Knights spokesperson Tommy Viola. “A few prospective interested parties have inquired about the team and the ballpark. We want to vet the interested groups to see if a sale makes sense for Don Beaver and his family. The Knights have been a tremendous asset to the Greater Charlotte Region and we are committed to continuing that legacy for years to come.”

According to the Charlotte Business Journal, the team could be worth as much as $100 million;

According to team officials, there has already been interest from several potential buyers in both the team and its ballpark.

What do you think about the sale?

Weather Alert: Heavy Rain and Wind Gusts Up to 45 mph Tonight and Tomorrow

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Another major storm system will be sweeping across the Charlotte region this week, bringing potential flooding and power outages with it.

The National Weather Service just issued the following alert:

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
  possible.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast Georgia, including the following
  areas, Franklin and Hart, North Carolina, including the following
  areas, Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell
  Mountains, Catawba, Cleveland, Eastern McDowell, Gaston, Greater
  Burke, Greater Caldwell, Haywood, Lincoln, McDowell Mountains,
  Mitchell, Northern Jackson and Yancey, and upstate South Carolina,
  including the following areas, Anderson, Cherokee, Southern
  Greenville and Southern Spartanburg.

* WHEN...From late tonight through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
  creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - A powerful low pressure system will spread heavy rain across
    the region beginning this evening and continuing into
    Tuesday.  Rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are expected
    across northeast Georgia, the northern Upstate north of
    Interstate 85, and the southern mountains of North Carolina.
    Some locations in the mountains could get 6 inches of rain.
    The threat of flash flooding has been increased given the
    recent rainfall in this area.

Today we’ll see overnight temperatures in the 20s and 30s, light winds, and patchy clouds.

The rain will start early on Tuesday, including a chance of an isolated tornado near Charlotte, as the center of the low-pressure system moves through. Wind gusts could reach 40-45 mph.

Heavy rain tapers off late Tuesday, with temperatures in the low 60s. Some snow showers may persist in western areas. Wednesday will be breezy and cool with sunshine and highs in the low 50s. Dry and cool conditions continue into Thursday, followed by showers on Friday and into the weekend.

VP Harris Coming To Charlotte This Week To Launch 2024 Campaign

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This week marks the beginning of the 2024 campaign season, with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visiting the Carolinas. Vice President Harris is scheduled to be in Charlotte on Thursday, coinciding with President Biden’s campaign speech in Charleston.

In Charlotte, Vice President Harris will focus on the Biden Administration’s initiatives to curb gun violence. She will be meeting with educators, counselors, parents, gun safety advocates, and local and state officials. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is also set to attend.

During her visit, Harris will announce funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aimed at enhancing mental health resources in schools.

Vice President Harris has made nine visits to North Carolina during her tenure, including a trip to Greensboro last September and a visit to Charlotte in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision being overturned.

Panthers End Abysmal 2-15 Season with Second Shutout Since 2002

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The Carolina Panthers just ended their 2-15 season with their second consecutive shutout (their last shutout before last week was in 2002), losing 9-0 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who secured their third NFC South title in a row.

In their final game, the Panthers’ offense struggled, totaling only 199 yards and failing to score, a first in franchise history for back-to-back games. Key moments included a negated 43-yard touchdown due to a fumble and penalties that overturned potential scores.

Despite the team’s overall challenges, running back Chuba Hubbard and defensive tackle Derrick Brown stood out. Brown broke the league record for most tackles by a defensive lineman in a season, while Hubbard remained a consistent force.

Quarterback Bryce Young was sacked three times, tying the franchise record for most sacks in a single season.

The Panthers now face an offseason focused on rebuilding players, coaches, and as of this morning, finding a new general manager.

NWS Issues Winter Weather Advisory For Charlotte Region

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The National Weather Service has just issued the following winter weather advisory for the greater Charlotte area, effective tonight through tomorrow morning:

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of
up to one inch, mainly over the mountains, and ice accumulations
of up to two tenths of an inch.

* WHERE...Portions of the northwest Piedmont, the mountains of
North Carolina, and the South Carolina mountains.

* WHEN...From 1 AM to 1 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation will spread northeast across
the region after midnight through the pre-dawn hours. Across the
mountains, it will begin as a period of sleet and possibly light
snow, before changing to freezing rain and rain. Over the
northwest Piedmont, after a brief wintry mix, rain and freezing
rain can be expected. The precipitation should change to all
rain by late morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while
driving.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of
weather information for the latest updates. Additional details
can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp. The latest state road
conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Clearer skies are expected on Sunday, but this respite from stormy conditions is predicted to be short-lived, lasting only until Monday.

A stronger storm system is forecasted for Tuesday, bringing gusty winds and heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding one inch. This could lead to minor flooding in some areas.

North Carolina Emergency Management officials remind all residents to: