Urgent: Flooding Closes Sections of I-40/I-85 – State of Emergency Declared in Orange and Moore Counties

Tropical Depression Chantal brought serious rain and flooding to central North Carolina late Sunday. Moore and Orange counties declared states of emergency as heavy rainfall created dangerous conditions.

Major roads, including parts of Interstate 40/85, were closed due to flooding. In some areas, the Haw River reached its second-highest recorded level, only surpassed by Hurricane Fran in 1996. Meteorologist Chris Michaels noted that areas in the western counties received about 4 to 8 inches of rain in less than 12 hours, creating significant challenges for residents.

In Moore County, two dams were washed out, raising concerns about others potentially failing. U.S. Highway 1 experienced severe flooding, hindering travel. In Southern Pines, various roads were damaged, and a retaining wall near a shopping center collapsed. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, though many faced property damage.

Chapel Hill also saw flooding that displaced 63 people, including 20 from Camelot Village, which has historically struggled with flooding. Some residents were caught off-guard, facing waist-deep water after returning from a movie, leaving their cars damaged and unusable.

Tornado warnings added to the chaos, with reports of damage at the Raleigh Executive Jetport. The National Weather Service issued eight tornado warnings throughout the day. However, there were no injuries reported from the confirmed tornado events.

In Lakeview, heavy rainfall caused the dam at Crystal Lake to overflow, heightening fears of a dam breach. The Crains Creek Fire Department confirmed the dangerous conditions due to significant water accumulation.

Moore County Public Utilities issued a notice to residents in Pinehurst regarding low water pressure from washed-out water mains. Residents were advised to boil their water until the situation improved.

This event starkly illustrates the growing intensity of weather events. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heavy rainfall events have increased by nearly 27% in the Southeast over the past century. As climate patterns change, communities must brace for more frequent and severe weather conditions. The impact is not just tangible in terms of property; studies have shown that such events can lead to long-term community displacement and economic struggles.

As people recover from this storm, it’s essential to remain prepared for future weather challenges. Connecting with local emergency services and staying informed through reliable weather resources can make all the difference in safety and response readiness.

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