“Urgent Water Rescues and Evacuations Soar in Orange County Following Devastating Flash Floods” – Chapelboro.com

Heavy rain from Tropical Depression Chantal hit the Triangle area on Sunday, unleashing between 5 to 10 inches of water. This caused serious flash flooding, leading to evacuations and road closures across the region.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings as the rainfall continued well into Monday. Many areas experienced rising waters, resulting in road damage, power outages, and other hazards.

Around 9 p.m., Chapel Hill informed residents that first responders were evacuating some neighborhoods in Camelot Village due to the flooding. The situation worsened, prompting more evacuations in areas near Bolin Creek and Booker Creek. By midnight, dozens were helped to safety, and over 60 residents had to leave their homes due to the floodwaters.

By Monday morning, the damage was clear. In Camelot Village, 20 residents needed assistance, while others from nearby communities also sought temporary shelter. The Orange Rural Fire Department was busy with rescues, helping a total of 65 people in just two hours.

To officially address the crisis, Orange County declared a state of emergency late Sunday night. They opened the Seymour Center for those displaced by the flooding and provided essentials like blankets and water.

Reports and photos shared on social media showed severe flooding at Eastgate Mall, with businesses experiencing water flow inside their premises and cars left submerged.

As the storm continued, Chapel Hill logged multiple road closures. Key blocked roads included:

– E. Franklin Street
– Hillsborough Street
– South Estes Drive
– Fordham Boulevard
– Other local streets

Carrboro also announced some road closures due to the flooding. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office communicated on social media about high water levels in various locations, advising residents to avoid certain areas.

Officials urged everyone to call 911 for emergencies but to report storm damage or power outages separately. For updates on outages, residents were directed to their utility provider’s website.

Recent data shows that the Triangle area is experiencing increasingly severe weather events, possibly linked to climate change. A study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that extreme rain events have become more frequent in the region over the last 50 years, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and community preparedness.

Understanding our vulnerability to these natural disasters can help communities respond better in the future and reinforce the importance of listening to weather alerts and being prepared.



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