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  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Tropical Storm Jerry forms in the Atlantic

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    Tropical Storm Jerry has formed in the central Atlantic. It’s the tenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Storm Jerry formed in the central Atlantic

    • It’s expected to strengthen into a hurricane

    • Jerry likely won’t impact the U.S.


    Tropical Storm Jerry has maximum winds of 45 mph and is quickly moving westward at 24 mph. It’s expected to slow down and eventually turn northward during the next couple of days.

    Jerry is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves through a favorable environment. Its core will pass near the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday into Friday, bringing the potential for gusty winds and heavy rainfall later this week.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations. Read more about what the cone will display.

    Most models show Jerry curving northward into the open Atlantic, potentially heading toward Bermuda. 


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • October’s Harvest Moon rises tonight

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    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late tonight.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • October’s Harvest Moon rises

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    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late Monday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Tropical development happens closer to the U.S. in October

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    The peak of the 2025 hurricane season was nearly three weeks ago, and the tropics have responded, with three hurricanes — Gabrielle, Humberto and Imelda in just that time period. Two of those hurricanes even achieved Category 5 status, with winds of 155+ mph.

    With two more months left in the typical hurricane season, how does the month of October play out with storms? 

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical activity slightly decreases in October

    • The development regions shift to the Caribbean and eastern U.S. coastlines

    • Track patterns change, and most systems track toward the northeast


    While activity decreases slightly in October, the month sees most of the storm formations closer to the U.S., particularly in the Gulf, Southeast Coast and Caribbean. These are locations where water temperatures remain well above the 79° threshold. 

    Most systems track toward the northeast, with it likely that many stay off the eastern coastlines. However, there have been landfalling systems in past October months.

    Milton

    Milton was one for the record books, even before ever making landfall. While it formed in the Bay of Campeche on Oct. 5, it quickly intensified into a hurricane. It underwent rapid intensification in the Gulf, going from a Category 3 hurricane to a Category 5 hurricane with maximum winds of 180 mph in less than 24 hours. It ties Hurricane Rita for the most intense Atlantic hurricane ever.

    It made landfall near Siesta Key, Fla., as a Category 3 hurricane, with winds of 120 mph. Prior to landfall on Oct. 7, the outer rainbands spawned tornadoes in central and southern Florida. 126 tornado warnings were issued in Florida, the second most tornado warnings ever issued in one day, and the most ever in Florida or from a tropical system. 

    Parts of Hillsborough County saw flooding from hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton last year. Hillsborough County is hosting several meetings to gather information from residents and businesses about the flood impact of those storms. (Spectrum News)

    As Milton moved inland, heavy rain created a flash flood emergency north of the center of circulation, including the cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. St. Petersburg – Albert Whitted Airport reported 18.54 inches of rain from Milton. 

    Michael

    Michael first became a tropical storm on Oct. 7 and quickly intensified into a hurricane a day later. It then became a major hurricane on Oct. 9 as it moved through the warm waters of the Gulf.

    Michael made landfall near Panama City, Fla. on Oct. 10 as a Category 5 hurricane, making it the third-strongest landfalling hurricane in the U.S. on record and the strongest storm to strike the Florida Panhandle. 

    (Spectrum News)

    It destroyed many houses in the Florida Panhandle, and storm surge flooded the coast. Farms suffered, leading to a loss in cattle and crops, and Michael caused $4.7 billion in damage to the Tyndall Air Force Base. As Michael weakened, it moved further into the southeast, bringing wind damage and flooding to Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.

    It total, we saw $25 billion in damage from Michael, and around 60 deaths.

    Matthew

    Hurricane Matthew in 2016 was one of the deadliest storms ever to strike the Atlantic, causing a humanitarian crisis in Haiti. It intensified into a hurricane on Sept. 29 before exploding into a Category 5 storm 24 hours later., the first Category 5 hurricane since Hurricane Felix in 2007.

    Matthew made landfall in Haiti as a strong Category 4 storm on Oct. 4 and then in Cuba on Oct. 5.

    Propane tanks sit in floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

    Forecasts took it close to the Florida and Georgia coastlines as a Category 3, but the center of the storm did not make landfall. The western side and the inner eyewall remained just offshore. Matthew weakened to a Category 2 hurricane late on Oct. 7 and then to a Category 1 hurricane by Oct. 8.

    It made landfall near McClellanville, S.C., making it the first hurricane to make landfall north of Florida in October since Hurricane Hazel in 1954.

    Sandy

    Developing in the Caribbean Sea on Oct. 22, Sandy made two landfalls before heading toward the U.S., one in Jamaica and one in eastern Cuba.

    It continued through the Atlantic, parallel to the East Coast, and made a northwest turn, slamming into the Northeast. Even though winds were only at 80 mph at landfall in New Jersey, Sandy was a large storm that brought intense flooding.

    Many cities in New Jersey flooded, and authorities had to evacuate towns. Sandy also flooded seven subway tunnels in NYC, the biggest disaster to happen to the subway system since it was built in the early 1900s.

    In West Virginia, rain turned to 3 feet of snow for some areas, leading to downed trees and hundreds of thousands of power outages.

    FILE – In this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 file photo, an ambulance is stuck in over a foot of snow off of Highway 33 West near Belington, W.Va. Superstorm Sandy was the first time the National Hurricane Center ever listed snow or blizzard in its warnings. Three feet of snow fell in West Virginia. (AP Photo/Robert Ray)

    Overall, Sandy became one of the deadliest cyclones to hit the Northeast, killing 160 people, and the fifth costliest storm in recorded history with $65 billion in damage.

    Wilma

    2005 had numerous notable storms, and one of those storms was Hurricane Wilma. Wilma developed on Oct. 17 in the Caribbean Sea, and intensified quickly into a Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 4 before its first landfall on Cozumel, Mexico.

    Wilma had the lowest pressure ever recorded in a hurricane in the Western Hemisphere, going from 982 millibars to 882 millibars in just 24 hours. It then moved northeast, making its second landfall as a Category 3 hurricane at Cape Romano in southwestern Florida.

    Over 3 million people lost power, including 98% of Miami’s metro area, and Wilma destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of homes and cars in southern Florida. Water from the storm surge submerged 60% of Key West, leaving many homes uninhabitable.

    Homeowners cover their roofs in blue tarps to cover damage cause by Hurricane Wilma in Broward County, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005. Frustration mounted on the third day of recovery from Hurricane Wilma, with the scramble for gas, ice, food and water causing long lines and traffic snarls, which prompted renewed criticism of storm planning and response. Miami-Dade County’s mayor called the relief effort “flawed.” (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

    Wilma caused $19 billion in damage and killed 30 people.  

    After Wilma, a major hurricane didn’t strike the U.S. until Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and a hurricane did not strike Florida until Hurricane Hermine in 2016.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • South Carolina Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty in Murder Case After Biden Reduced Sentence to Life

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    COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A local prosecutor in South Carolina said Tuesday he will seek the death penalty against a man whose federal death sentence for killing two bank employees in a robbery was commuted to life in prison by President Joe Biden at the end of his term.

    Brandon Council, 40, did not appear in state court in Horry County as prosecutors formally let the court know that if he is convicted of murder they will ask a jury to sentence him to death.

    State murder, armed robbery and other state charges against Council were dropped in 2019 after a federal jury found him guilty of similar charges and sentenced him to death.

    But in December, Biden reduced the death sentences of 37 federal inmates, including Council, to life in prison, saying he felt the federal use of the death penalty had to stop and he did not want the next administration to resume executions he had halted.

    That led Solicitor Jimmy Richardson to obtain new indictments against Council in Horry County in August which open the door to a state death penalty trial.


    A deadly bank robbery leads to a death sentence

    Council walked into the CresCom Bank in Conway in August 2017, waiting for a minute before shooting Donna Major as the stunned teller held papers in front of her face trying to protect herself. He then followed manager Katie Skeen into her office and shot her in the forehead as she hid under her desk, authorities said.

    Council left the bank with $15,000. He was arrested in North Carolina several days later after buying a Mercedes with the stolen money, according to his confession read in court.

    Families and law enforcement angry at Biden’s decision urged local officials to review cases. In Louisiana, prosecutors in Catahoula Parish were able to get a first-degree murder charge refiled against Thomas Steven Sanders in the 2010 death of a 12-year-old girl. That would allow the state to seek the death penalty against him.

    Richardson said prosecutors had dropped the state charges in case anything ever happened to change the outcome of the federal case, including commuting his sentence.

    “If there was a bump, we could always come in and try our case. And that’s why we dismissed them. So our powder could be dry,” Richardson told reporters after the hearing.


    Families and Bondi angry about the commu

    The other inmates who had their sentences reduced are being moved to Supermax prisons “where they will spend the rest of their lives in conditions that match their egregious crimes,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media last week.

    Bondi called the commutations a betrayal of the families of victims and a stain on the justice system, comments that Richardson echoed when Biden’s decision was announced.

    The bank teller’s daughter, Heather Turner, said the victims of the crimes weren’t considered.

    “The pain and trauma we have endured over the last 7 years has been indescribable,” Turner wrote on Facebook, describing weeks spent in court in search of justice as “now just a waste of time.”

    “Our judicial system is broken. Our government is a joke,” she said. “Joe Biden’s decision is a clear gross abuse of power. He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.”


    Council’s lawyers said he was remorseful

    Attorneys for Council argued at his federal trial his life should be spared because of a troubled childhood, especially after the grandmother who raised him died. They said he showed remorse and cooperated with investigators.

    After his arrest, Council asked investigators if the women at the bank were still alive and cried when he found out they were dead, investigators said.

    “I’m a doofus. I’m an idiot,” Council told police. “I don’t deserve to live.”

    Horry County had a second inmate have a federal death sentence commuted. Chadrick Fulks was convicted of kidnapping a woman from the parking lot of a Conway Walmart and killing her during a series of crimes across several states. His state charges were dismissed and court records indicate they have not been reinstated.

    Biden did leave three men on federal death row.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Sept. 2025

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    Associated Press

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  • Hurricane Humberto is quickly weakening

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    Hurricane Humberto continues to weaken quickly . It’s going to become post-tropical soon.

    Humberto formed on Wednesday, Sept. 24. It’s the eighth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Humberto is becoming disorganized as it battles strong wind shear

    • No direct impacts to the U.S. are expected

    • It’s bringing gusty winds and heavy rain to Bermuda


    Humberto is a Category 1 hurricane with maximum winds of 80 mph. It’s moving north-northwest at 18 mph across the western Atlantic. 

    It’s turning northeastward as it combats strong westerly wind shear, becoming more disorganized. It should weaken and turn post-tropical by Wednesday or Thursday.

    It’s not a threat to the U.S. other than rough surf and dangerous rip currents along the east coast. 


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Can two tropical systems collide? The Fujiwhara Effect explained

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    Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto are churning in the western Atlantic. As of Tuesday morning, they are located a little over 400 miles from one another.

    Initially, it could appear that the two storms will merge to generate a mega-hurricane, but this is not the case, due to the Fujiwhara Effect. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Fujiwhara effect is when two storms orbit around a common point

    • It’s an unusual circumstance, especially among tropical systems

    • It usually takes place in the spacious Pacific Ocean, but can occur in any ocean


    So why does this happen? In short, the two low pressure systems rotate around a common center point. 

    What is the Fujiwhara Effect?

    Named for Sakuhei Fujiwhara, a Japanese meteorologist who first noticed storms’ interactions in the 1920s. He theorized that two storms could rotate around a common point and influence tracks of the storms. Fujiwhara was proven correct.

    In some instances these storms look like they are “dancing” with one another. 

    Bay News 9’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay says we should not be concerned about these storms colliding and forming a mega-hurricane. “In the Atlantic, if two tropical systems are close enough, they can ruin the environment for both, just like we are seeing right now with Humberto and Imelda. There just isn’t enough ocean space.”

    The smaller or weaker storm will usually circle around the bigger one, as the larger storm will eventually dominate or potentially even fully absorb the smaller system.

    Imelda, in this case, is the larger storm and is expected to fully absorb Humberto over the next day or so. Wind shear, or the change in wind speed and direction with height, is usually created from the interaction, killing one or both storms.

    2023 Atlantic Ocean Fujiwhara Effect

    Clay says this effect is rare and commonly occurs in the Pacific Ocean because it is the larger ocean, but it can happen in any ocean. 

    Nearly two years ago, a similar occurrence was taking place in the Atlantic Ocean, albeit with weaker storms. Tropical Storms Philippe and Tropical Storm Rina were both located east of the Leeward Islands. 

    They began to do the “dance” of the Fujiwhara Effect and eventually, the stronger storm – Philippe weakened Rina. 

    On Sept. 28, 2023, Tropical Storms Philippe and Rina east of the Leeward Islands, began the Fujiwhara Effect “dance.” (NOAA)

    For interests in the tropics, here is what we are currently tracking. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • US House Members Hear Pleas for Tougher Justice Policies After Stabbing Death of Refugee

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — U.S. House members visited North Carolina’s largest city on Monday to hear from family members of violent-crime victims who pleaded for tougher criminal justice policies in the wake of last month’s stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train.

    A judiciary subcommittee meeting convened in Charlotte to listen to many speakers who described local court systems in North Carolina and South Carolina that they say have failed to protect the public and keep defendants in jail while awaiting trials.

    The meeting was prompted by the Aug. 22 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail car and the resulting apprehension of a suspect who had been previously arrested more than a dozen times.

    “The same system that failed Mary failed Iryna. Our hearts are broken for her family and her friends and we grieve with them,” Mia Alderman, the grandmother of 2020 murder victim Mary Santina Collins in Charlotte, told panelists. Alderman said defendants in her granddaughter’s case still haven’t been tried: “We need accountability. We need reform. We need to ensure that those accused of heinous crimes are swiftly prosecuted.”

    A magistrate had allowed the commuter train defendant, Decarlos Brown Jr., to be released on a misdemeanor charge in January on a written promise to appear, without any bond. Now Brown is charged with both first-degree murder in state court and a federal count in connection with Zarutska’s death. Both crimes can be punishable by the death penalty.

    Public outrage intensified with the release of security video showing the attack, leading to accusations from Republicans all the way to President Donald Trump that policies by Democratic leaders in Charlotte and statewide are more focused on helping criminals than victims. Democratic committee members argued that Republicans are the ones who have reduced crime-control funds or failed to provide funding for more district attorneys and mental health services.

    “The hearing for me is not really about public safety,” Democratic Rep. Alma Adams, who represents most of Charlotte. “It’s about my colleagues trying to paint Democrats as soft on crime — and we’re not — and engaging in political theater, probably to score some headlines.”

    Dena King, a former U.S. attorney for western North Carolina during Joe Biden’s administration, testified that Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, needs dozens of additional prosecutors to cover a county of 1.2 million people. And a crime statistician said that rates of murder and violent crime are falling nationwide and in Charlotte after increases early in the 2020s.

    Republicans, in turn, blasted Democratic members, saying additional funding wouldn’t have prevented the deaths of Zarutska or the other homicide victims highlighted Monday. And they attempted to question the crime figures as misleading.

    “This is not time for politics. This is not time for any race. It’s not time of any party. It’s about a time of justice,” said GOP Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, representing in part Charlotte’s suburbs. He spoke while holding a poster of a screenshot of the video showing Zarutska and her attacker. Adams protested Norman’s use of the placard.

    In response to Zarutska’s death, the Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature last week approved a criminal justice package that would bar cashless bail in many circumstances, limit the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions and seek to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations. The bill now sits on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk for his consideration.

    Committee Republicans also cited the need for more restrictive bail policies for magistrates and aggressive prosecutors not willing to drop charges for violent crimes.

    Another speaker, Steve Federico, from suburban Charlotte, demanded justice for his 22-year-old daughter, Logan, who was shot to death in May at a home in Columbia, South Carolina, while visiting friends. The suspect charged in her killing had faced nearly 40 charges within the last decade, WIS-TV reported.

    “I’’m not going to be quiet until somebody helps. Logan deserves to be heard,” Steve Federico told the representatives. “Everyone on this panel deserves to be heard. And we will — trust me.”

    Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Sept. 2025

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  • Maps show Tropical Storm Imelda forecast to threaten Southeast this week

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    Tropical Storm Imelda formed Sunday in the western Atlantic and is forecast to strengthen over the next few days, bringing the threat of torrential rainfall to portions of the southeastern U.S. early this week, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

    Imelda, the ninth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, is forecast to become a hurricane by late Monday or Tuesday.

    Tropical Storm Imelda forecast maps

    As of 2 p.m. EDT Sunday afternoon, Imelda was located about 95 miles west-northwest of the Central Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

    CBS News Miami


    Imelda’s center was expected to cross over the central and northwestern Bahamas Sunday before making its approach to the U.S. coastline. The Bahamas and Cuba are already receiving heavy rains from the system. 

    “Steady strengthening is forecast during the next several days,” the hurricane center said.

    imelda-wind-map.jpg

    NOAA/National Hurricane Center


    Imelda is forecast to bring up to 8 inches of rain to Cuba and the Bahamas, with the possibility of flash and urban flooding and mudslides.

    Then the area stretching from Florida’s Atlantic coast north to the Carolinas could see heavy rain, the hurricane center said. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with up to 7 inches in some local areas, were forecast into Wednesday morning across parts of the coastal Carolinas.

    Tropical storm warnings and watches for Imelda

    A tropical storm warning was in place Sunday for the Central Bahamas, including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador; and portions of the northwestern Bahamas, including Eleuthera, New Providence, the Abacos, Berry Islands, Andros Island and Grand Bahama Island.

    A tropical storm watch that had been issued for part of Florida’s east coast, from the Palm Beach-Martin County line to the Flagler-Volusia County line, was canceled Sunday afternoon. 

    The hurricane center warned “minor coastal flooding is possible” in some areas, with 1 to 2 feet possible from the Volusia/Brevard County Line in Florida up to the South Santee River in South Carolina if the surge hits during high tide.

    Imelda follows Hurricane Humberto

    Imelda comes on the heels of Hurricane Humberto, which rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the Atlantic on Saturday but is not expected to reach land. Humberto reached as high as a Category 5 on Saturday before fluctuating back down to strong Category 4.

    Satellite image of Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto

    Satellite image taken Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, shows Tropical Storm Imelda off the Southeast U.S. coast and Hurricane Humberto farther out over the Atlantic. Forecasters said Humberto is not expected to reach land.

    NOAA/National Hurricane Center/GOES-19 Satellite Image


    Forecasters said last week there was a small possibility the two systems could interact, creating what is known as a Fujiwhara effect, a rare phenomenon in which two different storms merge and become entangled around a newly formed, common center. However, they said it was not considered a likely outcome in this case.

    U.S. officials brace for Imelda

    South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a state of emergency ahead of Imelda on Friday, writing that “while the storm’s arrival, speed, and intensity remain hard to predict, we do know that it will bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the ENTIRE state of South Carolina.”

    On Saturday, McMaster wrote on social media that the forecast had “improved” but that Imelda “still poses a significant threat to our entire state.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday it is also preparing for Imelda’s potential impact. While the FEMA National Response Coordination Center has not yet been activated, FEMA is planning the potential requirements for staging bases in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic that would be stocked with meals, water and generators if needed. 

    Emily Mae Czachor

    contributed to this report.

    Faris Tanyos

    Faris Tanyos is a news editor for CBSNews.com, where he writes and edits stories and tracks breaking news. He previously worked as a digital news producer at several local news stations up and down the West Coast.

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  • Tropical Depression Nine expected to become a tropical storm soon

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    Tropical Depression Nine is moving toward the Bahamas and expected to become a tropical storm soon. The next name on the list is Imelda.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Depression Nine is moving toward the Bahamas

    • It’s expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda

    • It will bring impacts to the southeastern U.S. early next week


    Tropical Depression Nine has maximum winds of 35 mph. The storm is almost stationary, moving northwest at 2 mph toward the Bahamas. The depression this evening remains fairly disorganized, with convection mainly oriented in a north-south fashion with only a hint of banding on the northern side.

    It’s expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda and then eventually into a hurricane as it heads north toward the southeastern coast. There is still above-average uncertainty in the details of the long-range forecast. It is notable to point out the system has been moving slower than anticipated over the last 12-24 hours, and this could have significant implications on its ultimate track.

    In general, models agree that the presence of Hurricane Humberto to the east will result in a weakening of steering currents, causing the system to slow down and meander near the southeast U.S. coast on Tuesday. The offical NHC track now favors a slower storm and a track that turns sharper to the east, keeping it farther away from the U.S. coast. Fewer models are showing a landfalling tropical cyclone.

    Even with a high degree of uncertainty, there is a threat of heavy rainfall early next week from portions of the east coast of Florida northward into the Carolinas, which could cause flash, urban, and river flooding.

    Tropical Depression 9 is expected to be at or near hurricane intensity when it is closest to the southeast U.S. coast early next week, where there is a risk of storm surge and wind impacts. Although it is too soon to be specific about track and intensity, residents should closely monitor the latest forecast updates and ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.

    Models show the system approaching the coast of Georgia and South Carolina and slowing down. It could make landfall or turn back out into the Atlantic before moving inland.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Bahamas. Tropical Storm Watches are in effect up Florida’s East Coast.


    The threat for significant rainfall and flash flooding is expected across parts of the Southeast throughout early next week regardless of where Tropical Depression Nine goes. 


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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  • SC governor declares state of emergency as tropical system takes aim at coast

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    SC governor declares state of emergency as tropical system takes aim at coast

    South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Friday, ahead of a tropical system that will impact the Carolinas.

    The storm, which is now called Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, was off the coast of Cuba Friday. It is expected to gain strength and turn into a tropical depression called Imelda early this weekend.

    >> Watch the forecast video at the top of this webpage for the latest track on the storm.

    The “cone”, issued by the National Hurricane Center, shows the storm turning into a hurricane and making landfall anywhere between Florida and the North Carolina coast.

    It will impact the Carolinas either way.

    It looks like it will be a rainmaker for the Charlotte area starting Monday night or Tuesday morning. The storm could bring strong winds and possible severe weather.

    >>>LINK: WSOC’s Tracking the Tropics page

    Landfall could happen on Tuesday.

    READ MORE: Tropical system may hit Carolinas Monday

    There is still uncertainty but as the storm moves closer to shore, our meteorologists will have a better idea of what to expect.

    The governor’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to prepare and coordinate procedures with all relevant local, state, and federal agencies in advance of the landfall of a potential tropical storm or hurricane. The order also allows state and local emergency management agencies to be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement for storm-related expenses.

    >>CLICK HERE for the latest weather conditions

    “As this storm approaches our coast, I am issuing a State of Emergency to ensure Team South Carolina is able to access and deploy the resources and personnel needed to prepare for and respond to this storm,” said McMaster Friday in a news release. “While the storm’s arrival, speed, and intensity remain hard to predict, we do know that it will bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the ENTIRE state of South Carolina. We have seen this before. Now is the time to start paying attention to forecasts, updates, and alerts from official sources and begin making preparations.”

    VIDEO: ‘Changed a lot’: Fishing guide says Helene recovery is impacting ecosystems

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  • Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 could impact the Southeast next week

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    Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 has formed in the western Atlantic near the Bahamas. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 has formed

    • It’s expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda

    • It could make landfall along the southeastern coast next week


    It is a Potential Tropical Cyclone with maximum winds of 35 mph. It is moving northwest at 9 mph across the western Atlantic. 

    It’s expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda and then eventually into a hurricane as it moves north toward the southeastern coast. It could make landfall anywhere from Georgia to the Carolinas early next week.

    The forecast for Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 still has a lot of uncertainty, as it should interact with Tropical Storm Humberto, making the long-term track and intensity forecast more difficult than usual. The entire southeastern U.S. coast should be monitoring it closely.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Heavy rainfall and flooding is expected across parts of the Southeast throughout early next week. 


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • SEC unveils league matchups for next four seasons, keeps most rivalries intact

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    The Southeastern Conference announced league matchups for the next four years Tuesday, including designating three annual — not permanent — opponents for each of its 16 teams. The nine-game slates retain several traditional rivalries and renew some old ones.

    And there are no more lengthy waits to play everyone.

    The new format begins next year and runs through 2029, with the SEC having the option to tweak it every four years to maintain competitive balance.

    Each team will play three opponents annually and rotate through the remaining 12. The setup ensures that rotating teams square off every other year and every team plays at every SEC venue at least once over a four-year span.

    Georgia, for example, will play at Alabama in 2026 and host the Crimson Tide in 2028. The Bulldogs will then host LSU in 2027 and travel to Baton Rouge in 2029.

    Fans are sure to gripe about the loss of some traditional series. Alabama-LSU (played every year since 1964) and Florida-LSU (played every year since 1971) will no longer be annual events. But those teams will meet every other year, home and away, under the new format.

    Geography and competitive fairness were factored into the decisions, but not as prominently as maintaining long-standing rivalries like the Iron Bowl, the Egg Bowl, the Red River Rivalry, the Magnolia Bowl, the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, the Third Saturday in October and the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

    The league also renewed rivalries that had been largely on hiatus since conference realignment. But the recent addition of former Big 12 heavyweights Oklahoma and Texas have a few back in the mix.

    The Lone Star Shootout featuring Texas and Texas A&M, a game held every year between 1915 and 2011, will now be played annually. So will the Missouri-Oklahoma series. which was played nearly every year between 1910 and 1995. Same for Arkansas-Texas, which ended in 1991 after a 60-year run.

    Here are each school’s annual opponents through 2029:

    Alabama: Auburn, Mississippi State, Tennessee.

    Arkansas: LSU, Missouri, Texas.

    Auburn: Alabama, Georgia, Vanderbilt.

    Florida: Georgia (neutral site), Kentucky, South Carolina.

    Georgia: Auburn, Florida (neutral), South Carolina.

    Kentucky: Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee.

    LSU: Arkansas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M.

    Mississippi State: Alabama, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt.

    Missouri: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M.

    Oklahoma: Missouri, Ole Miss, Texas (neutral).

    Ole Miss: LSU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma.

    South Carolina: Florida, Georgia, Kentucky.

    Tennessee: Alabama, Kentucky, Vanderbilt.

    Texas: Arkansas, Oklahoma (neutral), Texas A&M.

    Texas A&M: LSU, Missouri, Texas.

    Vanderbilt: Auburn, Mississippi State, Tennessee.

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  • Gabrielle accelerates into the northern Atlantic

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    Hurricane Gabrielle is still a major hurricane as it pulls away from Bermuda. It rapidly intensified Monday, and remains a powerful storm.

    It formed Atlantic on Wednesday, Sept. 17. It’s the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gabrielle is moving away from Bermuda

    • It’s still a major hurricane

    • A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Azores


    Gabrielle is now a Category 3 hurricane with maximum winds of 115 mph. It is currently moving east-northeast at 25 mph over the open Atlantic. 

    Gabrielle will continue to move east out into the open waters of the Atlantic for the rest of the week as it transitions into a post-tropical cyclone. It will stay far enough from Bermuda to avoid any significant impacts, but it will bring large swells to Bermuda and the East Coast of the U.S.

    Vertical wind shear continues to slowly increase over the hurricane, and shear will increase further while Gabrielle moves over cooler ocean
    waters, and the latest guidance shows a slightly faster rate of weakening than earlier. The NHC intensity forecast follows suit, showing steady weakening through the next 2-3 days, though Gabrielle should still be a hurricane when it moves across the Azores late this week as a hurricane with Hurricane Warnings in effect.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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  • Tropical Storm Humberto forms in the Atlantic

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    Tropical Storm Humberto has formed in the central Atlantic. It’s the eighth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Humberto has formed in the Atlantic

    • It’s a tropical storm with max winds of 40 mph

    • It’s expected to become a hurricane


    Humberto is a tropical storm with maximum winds of 40 mph. It is currently moving west-northwest at 15 mph toward the western Atlantic. 

    It’s expected to continue its track toward the northwest or west-northwest during the next couple of days, staying well north of the Leeward Islands. It is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the weekend. 

    The forecast for Humberto still has a lot of uncertainty, as it could interact with another tropical wave near the Caribbean, making the long-term track and intensity forecast more difficult than usual. It’s not a threat to the U.S. at this time.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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  • Fall officially arrives with the autumnal equinox

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    Fall has officially arrived. Summer has come to an end, meaning cooler and shorter days are on the horizon. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Fall begins Monday, Sept. 22

    • The 2025 autumnal equinox happens at 2:19 p.m. ET

    • The largest daily loss of daylight occurs in September



    The change in seasons occurs with the solstice or the equinox determined by the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. 

    What is the equinox?

    The Earth is tilted at a 23.5-degree angle, and as it travels around the sun, the Earth’s axis is tilted toward or away from the sun.

    During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up, allowing the sun’s rays to shine directly on the equator. This means that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.

    Meteorological Fall vs. Astronomical Fall

     

    The meteorological seasons are calendar-based, whereas the astronomical seasons rely on the Earh’s position to the sun. 

    Meteorological fall occurs from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. The meteorological seasons are broken down evenly into 3-month periods based on temperature and weather cycles. 

    Astronomical fall typically starts between Sept. 21 and Sept. 23. This varies because of leap years, which can shift the start date by a day or two. 

    Why do we lose so much daylight?

    We have been slowly losing more and more daylight since the summer solstice in June, and will continue to lose more daylight until the winter solstice in December. The largest daily loss of daylight occurs in September, especially as the autumnal equinox approaches.

    The Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt is the main reason we see daylight changes throughout the year. Your latitude also plays a role as well.

    This time of year, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, leading to a decrease in daylight. Areas located closer to the equator will see less variation in daylight hours as opposed to areas located closer to the North Pole.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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  • When will you see the first freeze this fall?

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    Leaves are changing, and the first day of astronomical fall is next Monday, Sept. 22. Most of the country will begin to see cooler temperatures in the coming weeks, and some won’t have to wait long.

    Even though winter doesn’t begin until December, cold air and freezing temperatures arrive well before then for most of the U.S.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Northern Plains and Intermountain West usually dip down below freezing before September is over

    • Interior New England  and the Great Lakes also see freezing temperatures before most of the country

    • Cold air arrives in Florida, the Gulf Coast and the Desert Southwest last



    Winter arrives at the time time every year on the calendar, but not on your thermometer. Every year is different. The maps below give a good idea of when you can expect the first freeze where you live based on the 1991-2020 U.S. climate normals.

    The maps below show the ‘median,’ or average date of the first freeze. This is when you could expect the first freeze to arrive during a ‘normal’ year. The next one shows the ‘earliest 10%’ which shows a scenario of when colder air arrives early, about once every 10 years. And the last map shows the ‘latest 10%,’ so during a warm year when cold air arrives late.

    Northeast

    Most of the Northeast and New England see the first freeze before or during early fall, in September or early October. The mountains and high elevations across interior New England and the Adirondacks average freezing temperatures sometime in September, with the rest of the Northeast getting freezing cold sometime during October or early November.

    Midwest

    The Upper Midwest and Northern Plains also get in on the cold early. Around the Great Lakes and Dakotas, the first freeze typically arrives during September or early October. Further south the wait isn’t much longer. Freezing air usually arrives to the rest of the Midwest sometime before Halloween.

    Northwest

    There are many microclimates across the Northwest, so the arrival of cold air varies. Across the Rockies and Intermountain West, some areas experience cold year-round and as early as August and early September. The Pacific Northwest might not see freezing temperatures arrive until late October or November thanks to the maritime influence. 

    Southwest

    The Southwest has a variety of climates as well, so the temperatures differ greatly during the fall and winter. The Desert Southwest and coastal California don’t see the arrival of cold air until late in the season, sometimes not until December. Once you get into the high desert and Southern Plains, it arrives much earlier, around October or early November.

    Southeast

    If you live in the Southeast, it still gets cold, especially away from the large bodies of water. In the Appalachians and areas away from the Gulf and Atlantic coast, freezing temperatures usually begin before Thanksgiving in late October or early November. The Gulf Coast and Florida, however, wait much longer, with freezing temperatures not arriving until late November or December. In South and Central Florida and southern Texas, freezing temperatures may never even arrive.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • SC solicitor becomes 3rd GOP candidate in attorney general’s race

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    Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo officially launched his bid for South Carolina attorney general Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (Photo provided by Stumbo campaign)

    The chief prosecutor for Abbeville, Greenwood, Newberry and Laurens counties officially launched his bid for South Carolina attorney general.

    Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo became the third GOP candidate to announce his candidacy Tuesday during an event at the Laurens County Museum, promising to be “tough on crime.”

    Stumbo, a former assistant attorney general, was first elected solicitor in 2012.

    “Political promises don’t protect people – verdicts do,” he said in a statement. “For over twenty years, I’ve gone toe-to-toe with predators, traffickers, and violent criminals, and I’ve beaten them. That’s the kind of fight, and the kind of victory, you can count on with me as your Attorney General.”

    Stumbo also promised to combat illegal immigration, as well as drug and human trafficking.

    “Criminal illegal aliens, listen closely,” he said in a statement. “Anyone who tries to prey on our people, hear me now: you are not welcome in South Carolina.”

    “Like President Trump, I will crush fentanyl, smash the cartels, and treat traffickers like the terrorists they are,” he added.

    Stumbo joins state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Murrells Inlet, and First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, who switched parties in April, in the race to become the state’s top prosecutor.

    He appeared to call out both of his GOP primary opponents in his announcement.

    “I am the only conservative Republican prosecutor in this race,” Stumbo said in a statement. “Others may chase headlines or switch parties when it suits them. I’ve always been a conservative, always been a Republican, and always been a prosecutor who delivers convictions that stick.”

    The race for attorney general is wide open for the first time in 16 years as Republican Alan Wilson, first elected attorney general in 2010, runs for governor in 2026.

    No one has announced a bid to be the Democrat nominee. South Carolina hasn’t elected a Democrat as attorney general in 35 years.

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