News Summary
Tropical Depression Chantal has resulted in severe flooding across central North Carolina, leading to emergency declarations, significant property damage, and tragic loss of life. Major waterways have reached record heights, causing extensive road closures and disrupting daily life. Authorities are issuing safety advisories, and emergency responders are actively searching for missing persons while dealing with the aftermath of the storm.
Central North Carolina Faces Severe Flooding and Emergency Measures Due to Tropical Depression Chantal
Durham, NC — Tropical Depression Chantal has caused widespread flooding and emergency declarations across central North Carolina, resulting in significant property damage, road closures, and loss of life. The storm, which weakened from a tropical storm after making landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, has left behind heavy rainfall, rising rivers, and dangerous floodwaters, prompting urgent safety advisories and response efforts.
Flooding and Water Levels Reach Record Heights
Major waterways in the region experienced historic flooding, with the Eno River cresting at a record 25.63 feet, surpassing the previous record of 23.6 feet. The Haw River also reached a high stage, peaking at 32.5 feet, the second-highest level ever recorded. These elevated water levels have resulted in extensive flooding in multiple areas, disrupting daily life and emergency services.
Registered Flood Impact and Road Closures
More than 100 roads in and near Chatham County have experienced flooding, with NC 902 being washed away and closed to traffic. All lanes of Interstate 85/40 in both directions near Durham remain closed, with reopening expected within 24 to 48 hours. Traffic disruptions have stranded multiple drivers, and authorities strongly advise against attempting to cross flooded roads. It is important to remember that 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles, while even 6 inches of moving water can knock people over.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Tragically, the storm has claimed several lives. An 83-year-old woman, identified as Sandra Hirschman, died after her car was swept away in Chatham County. A woman from Person County was found dead in Orange County after disappearing during heavy rain, and a man was discovered dead inside a vehicle submerged in water in Alamance County. Emergency responders are actively searching for additional missing persons, and numerous evacuations have been carried out across the affected counties.
Weather Warnings and Impacts
Throughout the storm’s passage, authorities issued Flash Flood Warnings, Flood Advisories, and Flood Watches for multiple counties. Rainfall totals in some locations reached between 8 to 10 inches, especially in Chatham, Alamance, and Orange counties. Multiple tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service in areas including Sanford, Moncure, Pittsboro, Mebane, and Snow Camp, contributing to further destruction.
Record Water Levels and Additional Impacts
In addition to the flooding, water levels in other major rivers rose significantly, with the Eno River surpassing its previous record and the Haw River reaching its second-highest stage. These high water levels have led to extensive inundation of roads and properties, with over 100 roads impacted in Chatham County alone.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage
Storm-related damages caused power outages affecting thousands of residents across central North Carolina. Utility crews are working to restore electricity, but outages persist in several areas as crews assess and repair the damage caused by flooding and fallen power lines.
Future Weather Conditions and Safety Advisories
As the storm weakens, additional scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected through Friday. A Level 1 risk for severe storms exists for Wednesday. A Heat Advisory may be issued as hot and humid weather continues into the coming days. Residents are strongly urged to heed safety precautions: lock homes, disconnect utilities, avoid basements with submerged electrical outlets, and stay clear of water that may be energized by electricity.
Additional Storm Threats and Sea Conditions
Along the coast, dangerous surf and rip currents are forecasted from Florida to the mid-Atlantic states, posing hazards for swimmers and boaters. Authorities advise caution in these areas, especially as the storm moves further away from the coastline.
Summary of Key Facts
- The Flood Advisory for Durham and Orange counties will expire at 2 a.m.
- Streams and creeks have crested, and quick recession of standing water is anticipated.
- Urban and small stream flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.
- Residents are urged to heed remaining road closures and consider getting to higher ground if necessary.
- Safety measures include locking homes, disconnecting utilities, avoiding basements with submerged electrical outlets, and staying clear of water that may have electricity.
- Moving waters as little as 6 inches can knock people off their feet.
- Drivers are advised against attempting to drive through floodwaters, as 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles.
- The storm caused the death of Sandra Hirschman, an 83-year-old woman, after her car was swept away in Chatham County.
- A woman from Person County was found dead in Orange County after disappearing during heavy rain.
- A man was found dead inside a vehicle submerged in Alamance County.
- Four tornadoes were confirmed, affecting areas including Sanford, Moncure, Pittsboro, Mebane, and Snow Camp in Alamance County.
- All lanes of Interstate 85/40 near Durham remain closed and are expected to reopen within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thousands of customers have experienced power outages; utility crews are actively working to restore service.
- Flooding totals in parts of the region reached 8 to 10 inches, particularly in Chatham, Alamance, and Orange counties.
- States of emergency were declared in Alamance, Moore, and Orange counties.
- The Eno River crested at 25.63 feet, and the Haw River reached 32.5 feet, marking significant flood stages.
Background and Context
Tropical Depression Chantal weakened from its tropical storm status after landfall, but its remnants continue to produce heavy rainfall and severe weather across North Carolina. The storm’s passage has resulted in extensive flooding, Tornadoes, road closures, and fatalities. Authorities remain vigilant for further impacts as additional rain and storm activity are forecasted in the coming days.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- News & Observer: Tropical Depression Chantal
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Herald Sun: Issues with Flooding
- Google Search: Tropical Depression Chantal
- WSOC TV: Orange County Emergency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm
- ABC11: Impact of Chantal
- Google News: Flash Flood North Carolina
- WRAL: Flood Damage in Durham and Orange
- Google Scholar: Tropical Depression Flooding
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
