NC Flooding: Water Rescues & Emergency Updates
Tropical Storm Chantal Causes Flooding, Rescues in North Carolina
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Tropical Storm Chantal brought significant rainfall to central North Carolina, leading to historic flooding in several areas. While the storm has weakened to a tropical depression as it moves northeast, the danger remains with elevated rivers, creeks, and streams posing ongoing risks. A full assessment of the damage can be done today.
Haw River Reaches Second-Highest Recorded Level
The haw river crested at 32.5 feet early Monday, marking the second-highest river stage ever recorded at the Town of Haw River. Only Hurricane Fran in 1996 surpassed this level,reaching 32.83 feet, according to the National Weather Service’s Raleigh office. This ample rise in water levels has prompted concerns for residents and infrastructure along the riverbanks.
Eno River Flooding prompts Dramatic Rescues in Durham County
Durham County experienced notably severe flooding as the Eno River crested at 25.63 feet early Monday, exceeding the previous record of 23.6 feet. The National Water prediction Service reported the unprecedented water levels led to major flooding and necessitated dramatic rescue operations.
Approximately 80 people were rescued by boat, while dozens more were evacuated on foot, according to CBS affiliate WNCN. Durham fire officials reported that dozens of homes and apartments required evacuation as floodwaters rose to the tops of vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and water rescue operations concluded Monday morning. The swift response of emergency personnel prevented a possibly tragic situation.
Ongoing Weather Concerns and Flash Flood Potential
Chantal made landfall in South carolina as a tropical storm before delivering “a considerable amount” of rainfall across a narrow band of central North Carolina, as described by the National Weather Service in Raleigh. The weather service warns that “rivers, creeks and streams will remain elevated, fast moving and hazardous over the next few days.”
The storm is now forecast to continue northeast through the mid-Atlantic states as a tropical depression, brushing the southern New England coast Monday night into Tuesday morning, according to the Weather Prediction Centre.
Rainfall totals have already reached up to 10 inches in parts of the interior mid-atlantic, and an additional 3 to 6 inches is possible, raising concerns about flash flooding, particularly to the northwest of Chantal’s current path through Monday night. Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant and heed any evacuation orders.
Coastal Hazards: Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents
Beyond the inland flooding, forecasters are warning of dangerous surf and rip currents along beaches from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic states for the next couple of days. Beachgoers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and heed warnings from local authorities. Rip currents are particularly hazardous and can quickly pull swimmers away from shore.