reporter alexa ashwell has been in contact with d.o.t. officials. but first we want to get to meteorologist vicki graf. >> we do have winter storm advisories in place. winter storm watch in charlotte as you head toward the mountains, the foothills, we do have winter storm warnings. this goes into effect until monday evening. we have two things. cold air and moisture. we're in the mid 20s. barely warming up since this morning and we will only make it to the mid 30s going through the afternoon. however right now the air is so dry. we are picking up on a little precip but this is a lot. this is not falling down to the surface because the air has been so dry. that lack of moisture is going to make it a little bit more difficult for some of that snow and ice to add up as we head through the over night hours. this is all part of the large this way. as we go through the evening hours, we will see some snow later tonight in the mountains, clouds will hang over head in the charlotte area, but as we head through the over night hours, the latest guide is as mu

reporting live in myers park, alexa ashwell. >>> just in the past 20 minutes, we learned that a rowan county road is closed. the d.o.t. closed. crews hoping to reopen that roadway within the hour. >>> we just checked and part of wilkin son boulevard is closed in west charlotte. crews hoping to reopen the road in time for your morning drive. >>> the storm has also caused damage in eastern north carolina and virginia. >> in the town of waiverly have va, three people died. >> take a look at all of this debris scattered across the ground. a man was sitting inside his car when the storm hit. he says the wind picked the car up and that's when he started to pray. >> all i can do is just pray and pray and pray. the wind actually pickedlet car up and dropped us down. >> reporter: back here in north carolina, a mother and her inside this durham home when a down. luckily no one was injured. and in raleigh, police taped off a church -- no one was significant damage. dozens of people sent us photos of the damage in their neighborhoods after the storm passed and we've posted those wsoctv.com. >>> t

all new tonight, eyewitness news reporter alexa ashwell talked abc news dr. beser about the patients most at rifshg here. >> reporter:-- risk here. >> reporter: big question, how did this happen? i talked with abc's chief health and medical editor dr. richard beser, a 13-year veteran of the cdc, he explained we are still seeing mumps in the u.s. because there are many parts of the world where mums is common and people travel. of the cases in our area, it is believed one person contracted the virus at an airport. surprise him and mumps is most areas. how is it spread? saliva, we talked coughing, sharing drinks and talking. another alarming fact, dr. beser told me even if you have been vaccinated, it can wear off. the protection. that is why these cases should be a wake up call for people to get themselves and children vaccinated. >> as more people decide that they don't want to vaccinate or wait on vaccination, it increase s the number of people in the community who are at risk. >> reporter: the doctor said the majority of people who have mumps will make a ful

on ever reporting live uptown, alexa ashwell, channel 9 eyewitness news. >>> thank you. days after the tournament ended last year, customers who ate or had drinks at the ritz carlton the commissioner called it an unfortunate yet isolated incident. since then the ritz donated to the scholarship fund and refunded the fee to customers. the official television home for the ciaa to watch the member's quarter finals and semifinals games. >>> we've seen rain ten days so far this february. but we're still below average. i'll show you how much tonight and tomorrow's rain will wipe out that deficit. >>> chemicals linked to cancer found in local water supplies. >> everyone should be concerned about their water. >>> 9 investigates a dangerous chemical potentially unregulated. the local cities with the highest levels. >> some cms schools have ten times the amount of (phone ringing)you can't deal with something, by ignoring it. but that's how some presidential candidates seem to be dealing with social security. americans work hard, and pay into it. so our next president needs a real p

reporting live in north charlotte, alexa ashwell. >>> the cost of the cold weather can cause damage on your car and that can really add up. it drains the life of your battery. older, it runs a higher risk of dying. that could cost you more than $200 in the winter to replace it. the cold can impact your tire pressure, which can impact your gas mileage. the cheapest tires are sold for about $60 a piece. just warming up your car for 5 minutes can increase your fuel consumption by up to 14%. >>> watch meteorologist keith monday's updates every 10 minutes tomorrow morning starting at 4:30 a.m. >>> the last three hours, channel 9 learned miguel garcia is back in north carolina after he was captured in california. garcia was driverring drunk on the wrong way in february of 2000 when he hit and killed he's due to be in court on friday. >>> new at 11:00, charlotte's city manager says cmpd will not renew the contract for shot spotter technology. it cost about $160,000 a year. two years ago, in a channel 9 investigation, we questioned whether shot spotter was worth the money. it was first install

alexa ashwell is live outside where the games start tomorrow, alexa? >> reporter: well, stephanie, excitement is certainly brewing here outside time warner cable arena as we're one day away a couple hours ago organizers and talking everything ciaa, what events will take place. how the tournament benefits the city and area youth. and how cmpd plans to keep people safe. 150,000 people are expected to come the the greater charlotte area for this tournament. last year that translated to more than $55 million for the local economy. today mayor roberts said the city is pleased, proud, and honored to host the tournament. while cmpd says the department is ready, willing and able. officers will be very visible this weekend. the department has also been in touch with area bars and nightclubs. last year there was the shooting and stabbing at two area nightclubs during ciaa weekend. these establishments were not affiliated with a tournament. still cmpd is putting an emphasis on them so everyone feels safe. we have officers at every one. we make sure we have operat

eyewitness news reporter alexa ashwell is live where crews are trying to clean up all afternoon. and the classes have been canceled for tomorrow. alexa? >> yes, scott, erica. health officials say the district has been given specific cleaning supplies to get rid of this virus. and not only are they including this, but it's buses as well. metro school officially closed after students dismissed from school today. we're told 63 were absent. and an additional 7 with norovirus. that's 70 students out of a population of 250. today, the county's health director said this outbreak is a specific concern. because of helping students some with other health issues. norovirus, as you know, is a gastrointestinal cure. they said one of the biggest concerns with this virus is dehydration. he also said it likely spread after a student who had the virus came to school. >> very hard to know where it came from. you know, probably one of the students had it. and once you get this virus into an institution, it's notorious for spreading out. >> and health officials warn, you can still be contagious for a

reporting live uptown, alexa ashwell. channel 9, eyewitness news. >>> several venues were shut down over ciaa weekend because of code violations. in addition to that, cmpd arrested nine people. four were alcohol related. three were assault and two were trespassing incidents. the fire department will have specific numbers and information on the venues that were closed tomorrow. >>> new at, police are investigating a homicide after shots were fired at a party in gaston county. avenue in mount holly. a man was shot and other people took him to the hospital where he later died. channel 9 spoke to neighbors this afternoon who told us the home owners have had disruptive parties all weekend. police have not said if they have any suspects. >>> new development in iredell county man accused of leading deputies on a chase in a stolen dump truck will be sentenced in court tomorrow. it is a case we've covered since july of 2014. james keith capital is accused of robbing a -- james keith call is accused of robbing a man at a prus van.

. >> eyewitness news reporter alexa ashwell learned they will work overnight to get the roads ready for the morning. alexa? >>reporter: this cold air is setting the stage for tomorrow's wintery weather. that is why local and state crews have pretreated main roads and interstates. this is a look at interstate 77 to come. channel 9 was there this morning as nc-dot crews fired up a fleet of more than 2-dozen trucks hauling brine which help prevent the road from freezing. they use this to pretreat roads in mecklenburg county so people like dan weis can get to work safely tomorrow. >> i'll be trafg up to winston -- driving up to winston salem. hopefully it won't hinder that. >> residents are keeping a close eye on the radar, an overnight dusting of snow expected to turn into light, freezing rain could wreak havoc during the early morning commute and want to be prepared. >> make sure gas is in the suv. put the car in the garage. we won't take it out. >> d.o.t. is reminding drivers to watch out for the trucks on the road. not only has the state called in back up to pretreat roads but charlotte

eyewitness news reporter alexa ashwell is live there for us tonight, with more on who is taking part and the turnout from voters. alexa. >> reporter: well, scott and erica, the main topics of discussion will center on family values, race and religion. you can hear, the forum is under way now with opening remarks. in just minutes, senator ted cruz will be allowed to speak. cruz placed first in iowa and third in the new hampshire primary. senator rick santorrum, on behalf of marco rubio, will then take the penal podium. and finally, dr. ben carson. this is a great opportunity for the candidates to reach the millennial vote, just nine days before the south carolina one student here told me she hopes to hear ways to improve race relations. >> i think that's a family issue. i think mothers of people of all colors should want their children to feel safe, that their husbands and brothers and sons should be safe to be who they are. >> reporter: again, opening remarks here at winthrop yesterday. it is expected to last in about 9:00. they are anxious to hear about the candidates' views on very

eyewitness news reporter alexa ashwell has a look at who voters can expect to see at alexa? >> reporter: erica, as you mentioned, we're just an hour away from hearing from some of those presidential candidates here at winthrop. you can see, some people already arriving for the forum, which is set to begin at 6:00. senator ted cruz is set to speak first at 6:00. he placed first in the iowa caucus and then third in the new hampshire primary. with dr. ben carson. and rick santorum dropped out of the race, but is here on behalf of marco rubio. students seem divided on who they want to see in office. the college's republican group had a tent outside the auditorium, providing literature about the candidates am but there were those in favor of the democratic nominees. remember, this is solely a forum for the republican candidates. one student told me, it's very important for them to gain the support of more millennials. >> i think that's one of the struggles of the republican party, is to identify with millennials. so having candidates here, millennials have the opportunity to see

tickets are sold out in winthrop but alexa ashwell will be there bringing you complete coverage on eyewitness news at five. follow her on twitter. >>> breaking overnight, the last group of armed okay piers say will surrender today at 11:00 a.m.. the stand off started in january after two local ranchers were sentenced to jail for lighting fires on federal land. count on channel 9 to let you know when they turn themselves in. >>> a man is being treated for -- a child is being treated for a drug over dose. she was found in bed with her . >>>. >>> they have until tuesday to decide if they have to redraw the maps before the next primary. the state appealed to the supreme court after a lower court ordered district 12 lines be redrawn. district 12 runs up i-85 between there is not time to redraw the lines before the march primary. >>> city leaders in mooresville will look at how to move forward with plans to bring in major retailers like costco after 100 neighbors signed a petition saying they don't want it. it is slated to go right here at intersection of raleigh school. it includes an academy spor

alexa ashwell is live at the mecklenburg county health department i know you spoke to the head of the school who also got sick after friday. >> he and some of the other staff members and teachers are feeling better. unfortunately, others are not. health officials here at the mecklenburg county health department say norovirus is to blame. they came to this conclusion based on the rapid onset and severity of the symptoms. teachers and staff met inside the school for a lunch skaterred by a jersey mikes sub shop. not long after. no students were at the school. still the school closed today because there weren't enough teachers who were well. leaders told me crews came in to clean the school. norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. >> we'll take it one step at a time to get the school back to full health. >> it takes a small number of virus particles to cause infection. >> reporting live in east charlotte, alexa ax well, channel 9 eyewitness news. >>> metro school in uptown was break there. some parents told channel 9 they kept their children home t

alexa ashwell is joining us live. you have counted 30 bullet holes in a popular uptown building. >> reporter: yes. and you can see where some of the bullets exited the van. some of those bullets also hit this building. you can see this is where people have been repairing the window. this building here on north caldwell street is where many people call home. it's a hotel and home to a restaurant with some of the best views of our city. people are troubled by this shooting. it appears the black van was the target. or the people inside of it. i counted and it's peppered with 30 bullet holes. this video will give you a closer look. it's amazing to think no one was seriously hurt. this happened around 4:30 this morning. north caldwell street between third and fourth streets. police have the area blocked off with crime tape early this morning. of rounds at this van full with people while it was outside the building. why remains unclear. i was told a woman was sitting in the red vehicle you see parked behind it. both vehicle

reporting live in north charlotte, alexa ashwell, channel 9 eyewitness news. >> channel 9 spoke with a former fbi agent. quinton williams says gun smugglers falsify gun records because the weapons will be used in future crimes. >> drug activity could be used for government activity abroad. government entities that may want these weapons. >> williams says the u.s. government does not take this type of crime lightly and will work to make this case a message to other people trying to smuggle guns out of america. >> breaking news tonight out of raleigh where in the past three hours, the north carolina house congressional primary to june. eyewitness news reporter, jim bradley was there for tonight's decision and explains how it impacts you. >> it was a long day and night here at the legislature in raleigh and now it appears major changes are on the way for 13 congressional candidates in north carolina and the voters who want to support them. the new congressional districts approved by the senate effectively pressed the reset button on the state's 13 congressional races. tonight, working w

reporting live in gastonia, alexa ashwell, channel 9 eyewitness news. >>> thank you. somebody held up people inside of a bank in ballantyne this afternoon. in the past hour we got these surveillance pictures. pretty good photos of the suspect. this happened at the first citizens bank right across from the harris teeter in a very busy shopping center in ballantyne. reporter mark becker is live with more tonight. >> it happened just before 2:00. a fairly busy time down here in the ballantyne area. we're told the suspect walked into the first citizens bank and demanded money. it's not clear whether or not he had a gun. quickly. when we flew over the bank with chopper 9 sky zoom shortly after the robbery, we could see patrol cars on all sides of the building. by then the suspect had run across john delaney drive toward the harris teeter shopping center. but the bank surveillance of caused parents to pull their kids out of school today. message telling them there were rumors on social media that there was going to be an incident on campus today. several students told us it

alexa ashwell. channel 9 eyewitness news. >>> and students at the university. the city said it's had several dozen student comes over the past two days with a sickness. having symptoms of nausea, vomiting vomiting and diarrhea. they hope to -- know exactly what they have tomorrow afternoon. you can learn more on the home page. past 15 minutes. charlotte mecklenburg police announced they will be giving a major update on a south charlotte case from 82 years -- from two years ago. 82-year-old ina feldman was hit in the head in 2014. she was discovered by her son. and the case put the neighbor in that area on edge. so far, no arrests have ever been made in that case. >>> and breaking just in the last 30 minutes, the governor has now declared a state of emergency, this after yesterday's storms. >> some may not get back on until tomorrow night. tonight, we is team coverage from the strong wind that has been tonling all the trees. first, we start out with all the outages. all over town, we have seen power out all over. eastwood elementary, closed down for classes toda

alexa ashwell will be there bringing you complete coverage. watch eyewitness news starting at five and follow her on twitter. >>> new this morning, the u.s. supreme court is giving north carolina the naacp until tuesday to respond to requests. a lower court ruled the state has to redraw the lines saying lawmakers violated the constitution by drawing lines based on race. that includes district 12 that goes through part of charlotte to greensboro. as of now, lawmakers have until the end of next week to redraw the lines. >>> a landis swan in jail after police say her toddler over dosed on drugs. in bed with the child with pills street. the child was unconscious, had on her face. she is expected to recover. she faces several charges including felony child abuse by neglect. >>> charlotte city manager says cmpd will not renew the contract for shot spotter technology. the nearly $160,000 system is designed to detective gunfire. while cmpd says the technology worked it did not produce enough results for the department to renew the contract. two years