Hey folks! Keeping up with local news can be a whirlwind right? Well MoviesMoly is taking a quick look at some headlines coming out of WXII 12 News and the Carolinas. From a major gang arrest in Winston-Salem to some seriously wild weather that rolled through the region there is a lot happening. Let's break down some of the top stories.
Big Bust in Winston-Salem: High-Ranking MS-13 Gang Member Apprehended in Surprise Raid
Winston-Salem saw some serious police action this week! WXII 12 News reported that authorities arrested Jose Zapata Padilla a big name in the MS-13 gang. Turns out this guy is a high-ranking member all the way from Long Island New York. The U.S. Marshals Service was all over this case.
Apparently Zapata Padilla had warrants out for his arrest since January 2024 in Suffolk County New York. These weren't minor charges either we're talking first-degree gang assault and second-degree kidnapping! That is heavy stuff.
WXII 12 News detailed how multiple U.S. Marshal teams teamed up with the Winston-Salem Police Department and even ICE to track down Zapata Padilla. They found him on Gilmer Avenue and it sounds like he wasn't going down without a fight. Officials say he tried to make a run for it hiding in the attic of a house. The escape plan literally fell apart when he crashed through the ceiling of a neighboring home. Yikes! Turns out a family was home at the time including kids. ICE was involved because Zapata Padilla was reportedly in the U.S. illegally and had been deported before. This whole operation sounds like something straight out of an action movie right here in Winston-Salem.
Weather Whiplash: Severe Storms Unleash Damage Across the Carolinas Leaving Power Outages and Tornadoes in Their Wake
If you are in North or South Carolina you probably felt the wild weather this week . WXII 12 News along with other local stations like ABC 11 and WIS News 10 have been covering the aftermath of some pretty intense storms. We are talking flooding power outages downed trees and even confirmed tornadoes. Mother Nature definitely brought the drama.
North Carolina took a hit particularly in the Triangle area. ABC 11 reported Nash County Public Schools had to delay dismissal to keep students safe. Durham and Wake counties saw widespread power outages with hundreds of homes losing electricity. One Durham resident described the storm as "blowing and raining like crazy" even hiding their dog in a closet for safety. Power poles were actually dislodged in some neighborhoods. WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth mentioned that a Level 3 severe storm risk which is pretty unusual for the area was in effect indicating potentially widespread and persistent severe weather.
The western part of North Carolina near Charlotte saw a confirmed EF-1 tornado with winds up to 90 mph. South Carolina wasn't spared either. WIS News 10 reported damage across the Midlands . A gas station in Ridgeway had its entire new roof ripped off by straight-line winds. The owner was facing a possible closure for days to fix it. The National Weather Service confirmed straight-line winds were the culprit for much of the damage across the region.
The good news? ABC 11 says sunshine is returning and temperatures will rebound but after the storms it was definitely a chilly change with temperatures dropping into the 40s overnight. If you are in the Carolinas hopefully you weathered the storm okay!
Staying Safe in Stormy Weather: Quick Tips to Remember
With severe weather becoming more common it's always good to have a reminder on how to stay safe. While WXII 12 News and other local stations provide detailed weather updates here are some quick tips to keep in mind when storms are heading your way:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local news and weather reports from stations like WXII 12 for up-to-date information and warnings.
- Seek Shelter: If a storm is approaching find a safe place indoors away from windows. A basement closet or interior room is best.
- Secure Loose Objects: Bring anything that could be blown around by the wind indoors like patio furniture trash cans and decorations.
- Power Outage Prep: Have flashlights batteries and a first-aid kit ready in case of power outages.
- Know the Terms: Understand the difference between a weather "watch" (conditions are possible) and a "warning" (danger is imminent).
WXII 12 News: Keeping the Carolinas Informed on Local Stories
From gang arrests to severe weather events local news sources like WXII 12 play a crucial role in keeping communities informed and safe. They bring us the details that matter right where we live. Whether it's reporting on crime incidents like the MS-13 arrest or providing up-to-the-minute weather updates during dangerous storms local news is a vital resource. Make sure to tune in to your local stations like WXII 12 for the latest headlines and information affecting your area!