Severe Flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal Displaces Residents in North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal has resulted in significant rainfall and flooding across central North Carolina, prompting numerous evacuations and emergency responses. Local officials reported that over 50 water rescues were conducted by the Chapel Hill Fire Department and nearby agencies, focusing on areas where floodwaters had breached or were imminent in residential complexes.

On Sunday and Monday, more than 60 individuals were displaced from their homes due to the severe conditions. Emergency responders also executed rescues in commercial areas, including shopping centers, where businesses and parking lots were inundated with water. Thankfully, as of Monday morning, no injuries had been reported, although officials urged caution for residents venturing out amidst ongoing damage assessments.

In Orange County, the potential failure of the Lake Michael Dam led authorities to issue a voluntary evacuation order for downstream regions. Similarly, Chatham County's Sheriff Mike Roberson cautioned through social media that while some floodwaters may have receded, traveling remains hazardous, with search operations for several missing individuals underway.

Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 faced closures in both directions near Durham due to flooding, with reopening expected within 24 to 48 hours, as indicated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The Eno River reached an unprecedented crest early Monday at 25.63 feet, surpassing the previous record of 23.6 feet, according to the National Water Prediction Service. In addition, the Haw River recorded a peak of 32.5 feet, marking the second-highest level ever documented in the area, only surpassed by Hurricane Fran in 1996.

More than 34,000 customers experienced power outages across the region on Monday morning, as authorities continued to monitor the situation closely. The remnants of Chantal, now classified as a tropical depression, are forecasted to move northeast toward mid-Atlantic states and are expected to brush against the southern New England coast by Monday night into Tuesday morning. Rainfall totals have already reached up to 10 inches in parts of the interior mid-Atlantic, with an additional 3 to 6 inches anticipated, raising concerns for flash flooding, particularly to the northwest of the storm's path.

Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, early Sunday and was downgraded to a depression shortly thereafter. Forecasters have issued warnings for dangerous surf conditions and rip currents along beaches stretching from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic states for the following days.