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Fort Smith/Fayetteville News | 5newsonline KFSM 5NEWS | Get the local news and weather where you live from 5NEWS. Covering Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and all of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

National

Blue skies, leaf colors and pumpkin spice: 4 Fast Facts about fall

Environment

Yes, summer weather conditions do affect the timing of fall leaf colors

Summer weather conditions determine whether fall leaves are vibrant or mediocre.
Wildfires

6 VERIFIED ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke can make the air unhealthy to breathe. We VERIFY what you need to know about how to stay safe outdoors and in your home.
Environment

No, it is not possible to predict earthquakes

It’s impossible to make earthquake predictions, like people on social media claim, but scientists can estimate the probability of one hitting a certain area in the f
National

No, these videos were not taken during Burning Man

Heavy rains caused thousands to be trapped at Nevada’s Burning Man. While footage has shown unsettling conditions, these three videos aren’t from the festival.
Extreme Weather

You may be eligible for reimbursement if you buy a generator during a hurricane

If the president declares a major disaster for a hurricane, FEMA will reimburse eligible people who buy or rent generators.
Extreme Weather

Viral videos of waterspout, oil tanker in rough seas are not from Hurricane Idalia

Videos purporting to show Hurricane Idalia's impact were filmed months before the Category 3 storm made landfall on Aug. 30.
Extreme Weather

No, this video doesn’t show a waterspout created by Hurricane Idalia

A video of a waterspout in Clearwater Beach purporting to show Hurricane Idalia's impact was filmed months before the Category 3 storm made landfall on Aug. 30.
Weather

This video does not show an oil tanker caught in Hurricane Idalia

A viral post claims to show video of an oil tanker caught in Hurricane Idalia. Using Google Lens VERIFY traced this video back to a post by video licensing company N
Extreme Weather

Opening doors, windows during a hurricane increases risk of damage

Opening your windows and doors during a hurricane allows wind to more easily enter your home and lift the roof off your house.
Extreme Weather

Hurricane storm surge: 3 Fast Facts

Storm surges during hurricanes can be incredibly dangerous. We VERIFY three key questions about storm surges and who is most at risk.
Extreme Weather

No, homeowners and renters insurance doesn’t typically cover flood damage from hurricanes

Separate flood insurance policies are available through private companies or a national program managed by FEMA.