What Happened With Tropical Storm Chantal in North Carolina
The remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal brought heavy rain and flooding to central North Carolina, forcing dozens of people to evacuate their homes. Chapel Hill Fire Department and surrounding agencies conducted over 50 water rescues as floodwaters entered or threatened apartments and businesses. More than 60 residents were displaced by Sunday and Monday. Despite the severity, there were no reported injuries as of Monday morning, according to local officials. ## How Severe Was The Flooding Impact On Businesses. Floodwaters severely damaged Chapel Hill’s Eastgate Crossings shopping center. For example, the Talbots store had its red-framed glass doors blown in, and mannequins were scattered on the floor. At the Great Outdoor Provision Co., kayaks were displaced about 30 feet from their display, and shoe room shelves were toppled. Manager Chad Pickens described the damage but emphasized that losing possessions is minor compared to losing lives. Nearby, a large dumpster smashed into Shake Shack’s outdoor dining area, breaking windows and scattering furniture. ## What Were The Conditions For People Caught In The Flood. Hua Jiang, a customer, described ordering food at Shake Shack Sunday night when water began flowing into the restaurant about 10 minutes later. Employees quickly urged patrons to evacuate. Jiang’s vehicle was flooded in the parking lot, so he sought refuge at a nearby Chipotle on higher ground. Residents were urged to be cautious as floodwaters were still dangerous Monday morning despite some subsiding.
What Rescue
What Rescue Efforts Were Underway And What Challenges Remain. Officials conducted more than 50 water rescues in Chapel Hill and nearby areas. In Chatham County, authorities were searching for two canoers who went missing after launching on Jordan Lake Sunday afternoon. Their canoe was recovered, but the individuals had not yet been found. Sheriff Mike ROIerson warned that while floodwaters may have lowered in some places, travel remains hazardous. Over 100 roads, including 19 major routes, were affected with Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 near Durham closed in both directions, expected to reopen in 24 to 48 hours.
How High Did Local Rivers Rise During The Storm
The Eno River crested at 25.63 feet early Monday in Durham, surpassing the previous record of 23.6 feet. The Haw River reached 32.5 feet at the Town of Haw River, marking the second highest stage since records began, only slightly below the 32.83 feet recorded during Hurricane Fran in
1996. These record and near-record river levels contributed significantly to the flooding seen across the region. ## What Was The Broader Weather Forecast After Chantal. By Monday late morning, Tropical Storm Chantal had weakened to a tropical depression with sustained winds of 40 mph, moving northeast at 17 mph near Newport News, Virginia. The storm was expected to continue through mid-Atlantic states and brush southern New England by Tuesday morning. Rainfall totals up to 10 inches were reported in parts of the interior mid-Atlantic. Flood watches remained in effect for eastern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, southern New Jersey, and southeastern Pennsylvania. Forecasters also warned of dangerous surf and rip currents along beaches from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic for several days.
How Many People Lost Power Due To The Storm
More than 30, 000 customers were without power Monday morning in North Carolina and surrounding areas, according to poweroutage.us. This disruption added to the challenges faced by residents and emergency crews working to restore services and ensure safety after the flooding.
What The
What Is The Current Status Of Emergency Response And Advisories. Emergency crews continue damage assessments, rescue operations, and road closures as recovery efforts proceed. Authorities strongly advise residents to avoid travel where possible, given ongoing hazards from floodwaters and damaged infrastructure. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is managing road closures including major interstate shutdowns expected to last up to two days. Public safety remains a top priority as the region copes with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal’s flooding.
