Dental Implants Near Charlotte, NC

North Carolina's yellow pine pollen, peaking late March to early April, typically diminishes by mid-April and subsides by early May.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Yellow coated cars, yellow driveways and yellow lawn chairs. That yellow pollen is a nuisance, but when will it be gone?

First off the visible yellow dust that covers every surface across North Carolina is pine pollen. This typically peaks in late March through the first part of April. The exact timing for the peak every year varies on the weather that spring. More rain or wind will lower or increase levels and fluctuate them through the season affecting the end date.

But in general, you can usually expect the yellow coating to begin diminishing by mid-April. It doesn't go away completely right away but by late April to early May, the heavy yellow pine pollen dusting typically subsides significantly. The more rain you get during this time period helps.

The safest bet for when North Carolina is almost entirely free from that yellow pine is by mid-May but again several days of rain will make that yellow-free window arrive sooner.

According to the numbers now, it may be safe to do a final pollen hose down once we end April.

Some upcoming rain chances in the last week and a half will help and are factored into this estimation.

The timeline of tree pollen season

North Carolina's tree pollen season typically runs from February through the end of May. The season follows a predictable pattern:

The notorious yellow coating that appears on cars and outdoor surfaces comes primarily from pine trees. While highly visible due to its bright color and larger grain size (0.06-0.1 millimeters), pine pollen is actually less allergenic than the smaller pollen from hardwood trees.

Credit: WCNC CHARLOTTE

For those suffering from tree pollen allergies, relief typically comes in stages:

In general pollen seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer in recent years, sometimes beginning a week earlier than historical patterns.

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Charlotte, NC (April 17, 2025) – First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash following an injury collision at a major interchange in the University City area. The incident occurred around 6:49 p.m. at the intersection of the I-485 RA ramp and N I-85 Hwy.

Emergency responders from Charlotte arrived at the scene to assist those involved in the crash, which took place during early evening hours, a time often marked by high traffic volumes in this area. While the exact number of vehicles has not been specified, the crash was serious enough to cause significant delays as responders rendered aid and managed traffic.

At least one person sustained a variety of injuries, with medics providing immediate care before transporting individuals to nearby hospitals for further evaluation. As of now, authorities have not released the identities of those involved, and the cause of the collision remains under investigation by local law enforcement.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this accident.

Injury Collisions at Interchanges in North Carolina

Accidents at large highway interchanges, such as the one connecting I-485 and N I-85 in University City, present unique risks and challenges. These areas are often hotspots for collisions due to the convergence of multiple lanes, merging traffic, high speeds, and rapidly changing directions. In Charlotte, interchanges like this one are heavily traveled, especially during peak hours, making them more prone to injury crashes.

For those injured in such collisions, the aftermath can be particularly overwhelming. Victims may be faced with confusing insurance questions, difficulty obtaining clear fault determinations, and the physical toll of recovery. In complex interchange crashes, liability can be harder to assign, especially when multiple vehicles or poor visibility play a role.

Drivers navigating these interchanges are urged to remain vigilant, obey signage, and reduce speed when merging or exiting. However, when accidents occur, knowing one’s rights is essential. Injured parties should consider documenting the scene when possible, keeping medical records organized, and seeking legal guidance if they believe another driver’s carelessness led to the collision.

Local transportation agencies in North Carolina continue to evaluate the safety of interchanges like I-485 and I-85, but the human factor remains a leading contributor to crash risk. Efforts to improve road safety are ongoing, but for now, public awareness and responsible driving remain the most effective defenses against injury crashes at these high-risk zones.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.

Charlotte, NC (April 17, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victims following a traffic collision reported in the northern area of Charlotte. The incident occurred around 1:12 p.m. in the 5000 block of Winding Jordan Ln, where a crash resulted in at least one person sustaining a variety of injuries.

Charlotte Fire and Rescue, along with local law enforcement, responded swiftly to the scene. Although the exact number of vehicles involved was not detailed, the crash took place in a residential zone, contributing to traffic disruptions in the area during the response.

The severity of the injuries has not yet been publicly confirmed, but responders provided medical assistance at the scene before transporting injured individuals to nearby medical facilities for further evaluation. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, and no further information about those involved has been made available at this time.

Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.

Navigating Injury Crashes in North Carolina

Auto crashes like the one on Winding Jordan Ln highlight the unpredictable nature of traffic safety, even in residential areas. Charlotte’s ongoing development has led to increased traffic in neighborhoods once considered low-risk for collisions. With more drivers utilizing side streets and residential lanes, the potential for accidents—especially those resulting in injuries—continues to grow.

In North Carolina, accidents that involve injuries trigger a number of responsibilities for both drivers and victims. Injured parties are often faced with confusing insurance processes, medical treatment plans, and uncertainty about their rights. It's crucial for individuals to understand that they are entitled to pursue compensation if the crash was caused by another party’s negligence, whether due to distracted driving, failure to yield, or speeding—even on a quiet lane like Winding Jordan Ln.

Beyond the legal aspects, injury crashes also carry emotional and financial consequences. Victims may experience pain, anxiety, and a loss of income during recovery. These burdens are not always visible in the immediate aftermath but can linger long after the physical wounds have healed.

In Charlotte and across the state, local traffic authorities continue to emphasize education and enforcement aimed at reducing such incidents. Still, the most effective safeguard remains awareness—both on the road and after an accident occurs. Knowing the appropriate steps to take—documenting the scene, seeking medical help, and consulting a legal resource—can help ensure victims don’t face this journey alone.

For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.

Long lines at NCDMV driver’s license offices across the state have made regular tasks like renewing a license seemingly impossible.

This winter, the DMV asked for permission to hire 61 additional people to fill holes at its driver’s license offices, particularly in the Triangle and Charlotte areas, and create another 24 positions to open new offices in fast-growing Brunswick and Cabarrus counties and to expand the office in South Durham. Those requests were included in Gov. Josh Stein’s proposed state budget but not in the version approved by the Senate this week.

The number of full-time employees permitted to work in DMV driver’s license offices is established by the General Assembly and capped at 568. NCDMV says its staffing has not kept up with population growth in recent decades, contributing to the long lines and delays, The N&O reported.

But for now, the issue remains. As of Thursday, April 17, there were no appointments available to renew a driver’s license at any of NCDMV’s 115 offices statewide. (Nearly all driver’s license offices serve walk-in customers on weekday afternoons, though people should prepare for long waits.)

If you’re frustrated about long lines at your local driver’s license office, here’s who you can contact.

To get in touch with the NCDMV, you can:

You can also contact NC Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins by calling 919-707-2800 or emailing jhopkins@ncdot.gov.

You can find contact information for state representatives and state senators in Charlotte and Triangle counties using the following links:

Gov. Stein’s office can be reached by filling out a form online at governor.nc.gov/contact/contact-governor-stein or by calling 919-814-2000.

You can also reach out to the leaders of the NC legislature:

Senate Transportation Committee Chairs include:

House Transportation Committee Chairs include:

Reporting from The News & Observer’s Richard Stradling contributed to this story.

Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 3:33 PM.

Charlotte, NC (April 17, 2025) – First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash that occurred late Thursday morning at the intersection of Sulkirk Rd and Sharon Rd. The South Division of Charlotte reported the injury accident at approximately 10:51 AM, prompting a swift response from Charlotte Fire and Rescue.

The crash caused notable disruption in the South Charlotte area, where emergency crews were seen tending to victims and managing traffic flow around the scene. At least one individual sustained injuries requiring medical care, though the exact number of those involved and the nature of their injuries have not yet been confirmed.

Authorities temporarily blocked access to sections of Sulkirk Rd and Sharon Rd to allow responders to secure the area and provide care. Officials have stated that an investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with details to be confirmed as they become available. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident as they recover.

Legal Steps After a Crash in North Carolina

In Charlotte and throughout North Carolina, intersection accidents like the one at Sulkirk Rd and Sharon Rd highlight the everyday risks drivers face. These incidents often occur at moderate-speed roadways where driver attentiveness is crucial. Factors such as failing to yield, speeding through intersections, or misjudging the timing of a left-hand turn can quickly result in serious consequences.

When someone is injured in a crash, understanding the steps to take in the aftermath is critical. Victims should first ensure they receive immediate medical attention and report all symptoms, even those that appear minor at the scene. Soft tissue injuries or concussions, for example, may not present symptoms until hours or days later.

It’s also important to document every element of the incident—from photos of the scene and damage to insurance and witness information. These records may play a vital role if the injured party decides to pursue a legal claim. Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, if the injured party is found to be even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages. Because of this strict standard, collecting accurate and timely documentation is crucial.

Lastly, those affected by a car crash should understand that early consultation with a legal professional can help clarify rights and ensure they do not accept unfavorable insurance settlements. With traffic congestion growing across Charlotte’s southern neighborhoods, careful driving and legal preparedness are both vital in protecting oneself.

For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.