ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 5am - January 28, 2026

Episode Date: January 28, 2026

Eyewitness News at 5am - January 28, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Right now, live coverage from your local newsleader, breaking stories from overnight and this morning, and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11I Witness News. Good morning, Carolina. Welcome on this Wednesday, January 28th. I'm Bianca Holman. Joel and Anna have this morning off. We're going to start, of course, with weather, another bitterly cold start, and we're looking ahead at what could be coming this weekend. And most of the majority of school districts keeping students home again were getting reaction to the decision to go remote. And after a delay because of the winter storm, we're on verdict watch in a double murder trial in Orange County. And congresswoman attacked what were learning about the man who threw an unknown liquid on Representative Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minnesota. Eyewitness news starts right now.

Of course, we have to talk to the hardest working woman in TV news. meteorologist Quailan Murphy first alerting to the cold temperatures and tracking yet another possible winter storm. Good morning, Quayle. Hey, good morning. It takes a team to do what we do here. And we're tracking some sunshine for today, but not this morning. We still have some clouds around with a cold front. We'll be in the 20s through 9, noon, partly cloudy into the upper 30s and mid 30s by then. 3 o'clock sunshine near 40 degrees this afternoon. We will cool down tonight. Temperatures back below freezing by 9.20s at 3 in the morning, but with the wind, it's going to feel colder. We'll talk about the wind chill. Here's a live look into downtown Durham where the skies are cloudy right now. Temperatures are in the 20s. Feels like temperatures are also very similar to the actual temperature at this time. Clouds are rolling through with a cold front that's going to pass and that's going to lead to some chilly conditions once again this afternoon. Gusty winds at times approaching 15 to 20 miles per hour through late day.

And again tomorrow we'll start off with some gusty winds in the morning and then they'll start to slowly relax through the afternoon. So with those winds tomorrow morning, feels like temperatures, single digits and teens on Thursday. By the afternoon, the feels like temperatures generally in the 20s. Let's talk snow potential for the weekend. We're still watching very closely. We don't have the coastal low just yet. That will happen on to Friday. But we're watching those chances.

And right now it's a 30 to 50% for Central North Carolina. Higher snow potential towards a coastline from Pitt County all the way to the outer banks, 50 to 70% on that risk. The key element to this will be that area of low pressure that will determine the moisture that we could see. And whether or not we'll see some snowfall. We'll talk for about this coming up. and my full forecast. Right now, Bianca, back to you.

All right, Quaylan, thank you. Time for the first alert and check out your traffic. As you can see, it's pretty quiet out there. We know that majority of our school districts are going remote today, so less people out on the roadways, and right now the crash count is sitting at zero. Here's a live look outside. This is a DOT camera at I-40 at Garner Road in Raleigh.

We see a couple of cars out there, but pretty quiet. You can see the buildup of some of the ice that is still out there on the shoulders. So of course, that is a concern. We want to make sure that we're being aware of that and going a little bit slower around those curves and overpasses. And most school districts going remote learning again over fears about Slick Rows. So Tamara Scott and our breaking news one.

So Tamara, there's still some issues out there. You were showing us some of the city streets where you could see the buildup and some of the side areas there. Absolutely. Good morning, Bianca. Yeah. And we've actually ventured over into a school area because we know a lot of parents are out there like, why are they still doing remote learning?

are we still delayed or closed and it's because of something like this we're at east Milbrook middle school this morning and this is right out front of the middle school where I imagine they do pick up and drop off and this is still all covered in ice it might have tried to melt yesterday but re froze overnight and this is still very difficult to go across here and there's even more up on the other side of the school as in this way as well just over this hill is the parking lot that is also covered in ice partially and this is a lot what we're going to find in areas like this,

the areas that are not getting as much sun throughout the day. You come out to the road, though, and you see there's a little bit of ice just right there in the front. That could be difficult to go across, depending on what sort of car you're driving. But you have to understand.

That's why their school districts are still keeping students away from the schools. It's going to be more difficult for not just parents dropping off their kids, but also perhaps buses getting into not just the school areas, but maybe some of those neighborhoods that still have ice on the roads that also are not clear yet.

So keep that in mind as you're getting up and getting ready this morning. We're going to head out and see if we can find some other areas. Back to you. All right, Tamara, thank you, giving us a very clear look at some of those schools where they have ice right in front of them. So first alert, storm chaser out on the roadways as well, tracking conditions in Durham. So this is a live look right now at Stillview Drive and snow and ice still covering that area. You can imagine very slick for people who live in that neighborhood still lingering effects from this winter storm that we had this past weekend. Well, meantime, the winter weather continuing to impact air travel with cancellations stretching into today. A live look right now at RDU where 10 flights have been canceled so far today. American Airlines says the storm has been the most disruptive in the airline's 100-year history.

Cancelling more than 9,000 flights. Well, both Wake County and Durham County Public Schools, along with several others, are sticking with remote learning today. Again, you saw Tamara out there in front of a school where you could see the impacts. A lot of parents I've been asking, why go remote another day, especially when it doesn't seem that bad. But superintendents, both in Wake and Durham County, say it's better to be safe than sorry. And that's exactly why the logic that they're using and leaders are using going into making that call. So Durham School sharing this photo of the conditions that they're still seeing in some of the areas along in their district. Parents we spoke to said, while it can be a headache, they understand it.

Everybody roles are different. Everybody drives differently. So if it can prevent any type of other accidents or anything happening, then by means, safety first. It's just an inconvenience for the parents. But again, I understand they're trying to make sure that everybody is safe. Way County Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor explains in an area also geographically large. They have to make sure that everyone is accounted for. As we continue to clean up from the last weekend storm and keep an eye on a possible storm this weekend with some snow. Of course, to be sure to download the ABC 11 app. It's free. We'll keep you up to date on what's happening in your community. Well, we are back on Virdit Watch in the Isaiah Ross trial, the trial being put on hold because of that winter storm.

Akela Davis live in Orange County, where jury deliberations are expected to get back underway today. Good morning, Akela. Bianca, good morning, and Orange County jury could decide the fate of 21-year-old Isaiah Ross in just a matter of hours. Ross pled not guilty in the double murder of Lerick Woods and Devin Clark nearly four years ago here in Orange County. He's charged with murdering the two Orange County teams but claiming self-defense in this case. But the prosecution argues Ross's testimony doesn't add up, pointing out how the two victims had multiple gunshot wounds, including in their back. Last week, the judge telling the jury this is a really big decision that they have to reach. Now, you'll remember the verdict for this double murder trial was delayed until today because of winter weather.

The courthouse here opens at 10 jury deliberations are expected to begin shortly after. Back to you. All right, Tamara. I mean, Akila, thank you. Sign or face impeachment. I don't know. Oh, this morning, a member of Congress assaulted at an event in Minneapolis as tensions rise following a deadly shooting of Alex Pretti. Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar speaking out against the federal immigration crackdown when she was charged by a man at this town hall.

You can see in that video, the man appearing to spray a liquid at her before being arrested. Meanwhile, new details in the fatal shooting of the ICU nurse, Alex Pretty, a Homeland Security preliminary report sent to Congress. and obtained by ABC News says that two federal agents opened fire on Preddy after one agent yelled that Preddy had a gun. But at no point does the report say Prady tried to reach for his gun. And video shows Prattie's gun being removed by an agent before the first shot was fired. Several Republicans are now calling on Homeland Security Secretary Christine Noem to resign. Well, Democrats call to impeach her. But President Trump says that he thinks Noem is doing a fantastic job.

This morning, more measles cases showing up in North Carolina what you need to know about the growing health threat. And what we're learning about the family that lived in this home in Wake County that went up in flames last night. And as temperatures did below freezing, we're hearing from a local plumber on protecting your pipes and what to do if you have frozen pipes. Good morning, Kuelan. Good morning. That's going to be really important into the weekend as temps drop even more. Feels like temperatures near zero. This morning we're tracking some clouds. Temperatures statewide ranging from the 20s to the 40s, upper 30s in the triangle.

Your forecast is coming up after the break. This is first alert weather from ABC 11. I witness news. Welcome back, 512 on this Wednesday morning. Tracking the last 15 days, we've only had three days of above average temperatures. All others have been well below average, including 22 below average on the 25th of January. Today's still below average too, but a little increase compared to the last few days. There's a live look over RDIU right now. We have cloudy skies.

We'll see those clouds breaking by the afternoon. We're in the 20s right now. Temperatures by noon today and near freezing north, mid 30s around our northern counties by the afternoon. Near 40 in the triangle, low 40s in the sandhills this afternoon. Some clouds still working overhead, a cold front passing through, and that'll clear us out by the afternoon hours too. More black ice concerns continue through tonight

as we see the refreezing concerns generally on those shaded areas. Those are the biggest impacted locations, it seems, and also sidewalks and steps and any areas that haven't seen much sunlight or traction at this point. Heading into tomorrow upper 30s, but it's going to feel like the low to mid-30s with the wind. So wind chill will be a factor, but more sunshine, more clouds on Friday, upper 30s for highs. And then this weekend, so watching for that potential for snow. Even without snow, though, it's going to be really cold down into the 20s for high temperatures on Saturday 40s in Atlanta today, 49 in Dallas, 72 degrees in Los Angeles.

Our confidence for this coastal load to develop around the Gulf, still on the moderate side at this point, It will have an abundance of cold air that will be available for the winter precept into the weekend, too. But will we see slidable snowfall? It's still too early to tell, but some of the models starting to line up in terms of some snow shower potential on Friday. I'll show you that coming up in a few minutes. Bianca, back to you. All right, Quaylin, thank you. We have an update on breaking news we brought you last night.

Chopper 11 flying over a house fire in Wake County on Greenmore Road. Firefighters from both Wake and Durham counties responded to help put out the flames. The cause is unclear. But as you can see, the damage is pretty significant. We've also learned one dog was killed on the fire and another is still missing. There is another case of measles reported in North Carolina, the latest case in Mecklenburg County near Charlotte. That makes 14 cases in the last month. Just across the border in South Carolina, there have been hundreds of new cases.

State health leaders have launched a new dashboard to track those numbers. The dashboard shows that where those outbreaks stand and information about those infected. those infected. A group of people who studied and worked at NC states, Poe Hall, are now suing the school while they're blaming the university for their cancer. And protecting your pipes, we're talking with the local plumber about the dangers of extreme cold. The time now 517 on this Wednesday morning in Raleigh, a group of 10 women and one man who say they got breast cancer while working or studying at Paul Hall and NC State's campus are suing the university over allegations of deliberate indifference.

Their lawsuit claims the school violated their fundamental right to bodily integrity under the state constitution. Poe Hall is NC State's former education building, and it was built using materials that contained PCBs, a group of harmful man-made chemicals banned in 1979, eight years after Poe Hall was built. NC State closed the building in 2023, and in a statement says it's suing Monsato for manufacturing PCBs used to build a H-FAC system. Santo responded to that lawsuit in October saying the company believes these claims lack merit.

Turning now to first alert weather as we continue to follow the aftermath of this weekend's major winter storm. AAA is reminding homeowners and drivers to check for potential storm damage to your property. Officials say even when damage isn't immediately obvious, winter storms can create problems that may surface later. So now is the time to go ahead and look for general signs of stress or where, including exterior. your strain from snow, ice, or strong winds. Damage to outdoor structures like fences or sheds exposed to severe weather, leaking pipes and water damage. Eyewitness news spoke to a local plumber about the importance of protecting your pipes.

Anything that's exposed to the outside elements, I would suggest insulating them, making sure they're covered with something to keep the wind from blowing on as much as you can keep the temperatures from getting to it. Power goes out. You definitely want to leave your water to a steady drip, whether you're, you think it might freeze or not. Meantime, Triple-A says drivers should check for cosmetic or structural impacts from ice or fallen debris and mechanical strain caused by extreme cold.

And that extreme colds, Quaylin, I hear, is not going anywhere. We've got a slight little, like we are happy for 40 degrees. I know. It's very sad, very sad, but very telling, too. We dropped to 15 degrees yesterday morning. It's going to be even colder this weekend, unfortunately. Today, 39 degrees. That's a little bump from yesterday.

The high yesterday, 38 degrees, but still well below average. Some morning clouds, some afternoon sun went to northwest today, so it may feel cooler for you at times. Tomorrow, upper 30s again with more sunshine. Few high clouds. Friday, we cloud up again, upper 30s. And then Saturday, here's that cold air landing, 24 degrees. And we're first alerting you to the chance for some snowfall this weekend. Still a lot has to play out as we head into the weekend in order to have some snowfall.

But our chances that still settled at 30 to 50 percent for Central North Carolina. West of the triad at 10 to 30%. Charlotte right on that line. And then for the coast, the chances are a bit higher from Pitt County all the way to the outer banks, 50 to 70% chance for some snowfall. Still looking at agreeable forecast trends

here with the American and European models. Our confidence in general increasing for this wintery weather precept. We have a 40 to 50% chance of seeing moderate impacts. What does that mean? It means a chance for some driving impacts out there with the roadways and maybe some issues out there with some structures too.

uncertainty regarding the track of the coastal low continues. Of course our forecast evolving. You should expect changes as we head into the next couple of days. The cold air will be here even colder though into Friday and Saturday with the core dropping into our region and that trough stretching all the way to the Gulf South yet again. But the question again still on that low pressure. It's not going to move inland. It's going to be one of two scenarios.

Either the classic set up just offshore, that's the sweet spot or farther to the south. And if it lands farther to the south, that's where we won't have any sort of. snowfall and it'll also take the moisture away. So that's why those are the two factors that are still in question at this point. But the euro and GFS both bringing snow into the region, starting as early as late Friday night for some of our northern counties and then building the snowfall potential through Saturday. The European pulls the snow out a little bit sooner. Saturday, mainly late morning. The GFS, though, on the other hand, keeps that snowfall around a little bit longer through Sunday late or in the day. Four to six days out. That's where we are right now. Watching the trends at this point, it is looking more likely. As we settle into tonight and Thursday, we're going to have more details on timing and total potential for you, too, as we start to get more in-house data. So stay tuned in the next 24 hours for those changes. Here's a live look over downtown Raleigh. It's cold. Temperatures are in the 20s, but we are warmer than yesterday by 10 to 15 degrees in most locations. Some clouds passing through now, but those will clear out by the afternoon. Here's your forecast through late day. Temperatures mid to upper 30s, low 40s to the south this afternoon. It's going to turn colder tonight behind the front. teens and low 20s we go tomorrow morning by the afternoon. Clouds start to build in.

We're near freezing Thursday. And then Friday more clouds start to build in during the day and the afternoon will be in the 30s. But then you see what happens late Friday night. There are some snow showers starting to hear on our first alert predictor there. Temperatures this weekend drop into the 20s. Those are your highs.

Morning low temperatures this weekend. Teens, however dangerously cold with single digit feels like temperatures near zero Sunday and Monday mornings on the fields, which means if you're north of the triangle, It's going to feel even colder below zero for you. Next week, Fridgette's start Monday, 37 degrees. Maybe some lingering impacts, of course, if we see that snowfall.

Tuesday mainly sunny, the high around 42 degrees. A slow warming trend next week, but so below average, we get back to 47 degrees by next Friday. Bianca, back to you. Waylon, thank you. Let's go ahead and take a look at our roadways for the most part. Pretty quiet out there. As you can see, no major issues. Many school districts home and doing remote learning,

so that prevents a lot of people from having to get out this early. So we will continue to watch the roadways because there is that chance of black ice out there on the highways, but as of right now looking pretty good. Let's go out to our DOT cameras Durham Freeway at Cornwallis. You can see just a few cars out there, no nothing to report at this hour, but still pretty pretty cold. Go ahead and put on those heated seats if you can. Well, next, a major social media company settles an addiction lawsuit just before it was set to go to trial. A major tech company has settled an addiction lawsuit just a week before. was set to go to trial. ABC, Sophie Flay has the details in today's TechBites.

In today's TechBites, TikTok has settled a major social media lawsuit avoiding a landmark trial. The suit claims TikTok and other social media companies engineered their platforms to get children addicted, ultimately leading to mental health issues. Snapchat settled last week. Two European astronomers have discovered more than 800 previously unidentified cosmic anomalies using artificial intelligence. They created their own AI model, that was able to sift through nearly 100 million image cutouts in just over two days, a task that would be impossible to do by hand. Finally, all Amazon Go and Amazon fresh stores are closing

as the company rethinks its grocery business. Some of those locations will be converted to Whole Food stores. Amazon says it will also be focusing on its fresh deliveries and Amazon Now businesses. Those are TechBytes. I'm Sophie Fleigh. Have a great day. Sophie, thank you. Another day of students learning remotely just ahead.

live team coverage on the roads to show why local school districts are keeping kids home from school today. This is right now in Durham. We'll be right back.