Ocean Drive

Officials in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, have closed Ocean Drive because of an active fire. Emergency crews are responding and residents and visitors are being urged to avoid the area while the situation develops. No details on injuries or damage have been released yet.

The Atlantic has yet to produce its first hurricane of the season, and meteorologists point to El Niño as the reason. The climate pattern, which is driving record global temperatures, creates wind shear over the Atlantic that suppresses tropical storm development. Coverage explains the tension between record ocean heat, which fuels storms, and El Niño's calming effect on hurricane formation.

A coastal storm has flooded streets in Ocean City, prompting local authorities to issue travel warnings for residents and visitors. Flooded roadways are creating hazardous driving conditions along the coastal resort town. Officials are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel while the storm system continues to affect the area, and updates are expected as conditions develop.

Forecasters say El Niño is driving a stark divide in tropical activity this hurricane season. The pattern has strengthened winds over the Atlantic, tearing storms apart and keeping that basin unusually calm, while warm Pacific waters are generating repeated hurricanes. Meteorologists expect the imbalance to persist as long as El Niño conditions hold through the season.

Fire crews in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, are responding to an active structure fire on Ocean Drive, according to local officials. Details about injuries, damage or the cause of the blaze have not yet been released, and residents in the area are watching for updates as emergency crews work the scene.