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Community Corner

🌱 Frozen Pipes Cause Havoc in the Triangle + Duke Plans Power Outages

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Visit the Zoo Day Raleigh!

I hope you all had lovely holidays regardless of if you chose to celebrate or not. A lot has happened over the past few days, and I'm here to recap all the important news we missed. Cozy up with a blanket or two, and catch up on everything, including:

  • Helping Hand Mission spreads cheer in freezing temps.
  • Crank Arm's event for Freedom Ride Rescue.
  • NYE events you can plan ahead for.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 51 Low: 20.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Raleigh and Durham fire crews spent Christmas responding to more than 160 calls due to complications from freezing pipes. As weather warmed to above freezing, an influx of leaking pipes and sprinkler system malfunctions were brought to light from once frozen pipes that burst. In Raleigh alone, there were about 95 calls on Sunday. (CBS17) Hundreds of residents in north Raleigh were without water for a portion of Christmas Day, as water provider Aqua dealt with problems stemming from frozen pipes. (WRAL)
  2. Duke Energy customers were taken aback as the power provider enacted planned outages to prevent further storm-related damages. A text went out from Duke Energy asking customers to conserve energy. The company also cut off power to many customers without warning as a way to protect customers from more extended outages. The outages were only planned to run until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, but continued into the evening. (abc11, CBS17, Spectrum News 1)
  3. Dozens of families and organizers braved the cold on Christmas Eve to participate in the Helping Hand Mission's annual toy giveaway. Long time director for the mission, Sylvia Wiggins says that the requests for toys this year have been overwhelming. On Christmas and Christmas Eve the mission was present giving away hot meals, and this year they held a drive for heaters as people came experiencing freezing temperatures within their homes. (abc11, CBS17)
  4. Raleigh police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding a woman who was seriously injured on Christmas night. The incident took place at an extended stay hotel, and was reported initially as a "hostage situation" around 8:45 p.m.. According to police one adult female was transported to the hospital around 10:50 p.m., and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Police have taken one male suspect into custody. (CBS17, WRAL)
  5. Police are investigating a deadly crash that happened in Raleigh on Christmas night. Around 9:30 pm Salieu Nije was driving northbound on Atlantic Avenue when he hit an icy spot on the road and lost control of his vehicle. The car went into oncoming traffic, collided with another vehicle, hit a tree and then caught fire. Nije died from his injuries at the scene and the other driver had minor injuries. (abc11, CBS17, WBTW, WRAL)

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Today in Raleigh:

Wednesday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Visit the Zoo Day, and although Raleigh doesn't have a zoo of its own, the North Carolina Zoo is just a short ride away and boasts that it is the world's largest natural habitat zoo! Due to the weather, they will actually be closed today, but you can purchase your tickets to head there tomorrow!
  • Christmas tree recycling has begun in Wake County with several drop-off centers open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.
  • Looking to lock down some New Years Eve plans? WRAL has compiled a list of happenings.

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll see you soon!

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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