SOUTHEASTERN NC (WECT) – A plan to collect money from certain motorists could put the savings from fuel-efficient cars into the state's budget.

Anyone owning a hybrid car would pay an extra $50 to register and renew the registration for the vehicle, according to the State Senate's proposed budget plan. The fee doubles for electric car owners.

Gabrielle Fuller bought her hybrid for the same reasons more people do: less emissions from the car and more savings at the pump. She said it seems like state lawmakers are punishing people for doing the right thing.

"It's irritating," she said. "I want to save money by having a fuel-efficient car and the government wants to charge me because I'm being conscientious."

The college student balances two jobs. Fuller's owned her Honda Insight for less than a year, and she said she'll definitely buy another hybrid when it's time, regardless of the proposed fee.

Strong wet down bursts are expected as we move throughout the day today as a cold front approaches from the west. 

This front, while not as dangerous as it once was over the southern plains, still will have the ability to produce heavy rain and some gusty conditions.   

Look for a high temperature in the low 80s with some breaks of sun throughout the day.  But, keep the umbrella nearby as a shower could pop up at just about any time.

Friday, the cooler air moving the front will bring breezy conditions to the area.  High temperatures will still touch 80, but lows will free fall to near record levels into the upper 40s on Saturday morning.

Gradually warming weather is expected next week.

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Some of the showers we had for the predawn hour may return to coastal locations as we head into the late morning and early afternoon hours. 

For the most part, however, will continue to dry things out today and tomorrow with partly to mostly sunny skies through midday Thursday afternoon. 

It's Thursday afternoon that we will have the increasing chance of showers and Thunderstorms over eastern north Carolina as much cooler air ahead of a cold front moves in aloft. 

The front itself is poised to move through during the first half of the day on Friday, bringing showers and thunderstorms. 

The bonus however, is this feature will set us up for some cooler and drier conditions for the Memorial Day weekend.

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