North Carolina Storm Brings Flooding, Rain
North Carolina Storm Brings Flooding, Rain
    Posted on 09/16/2024
A​ coastal storm is dumping torrential rainfall in parts of North Carolina, where at least one city is in a state of emergency, streets are covered in water, homes are flooding and rescues are ongoing.

Here’s the latest:

S​tate Of Emergency In Carolina Beach, 'Life Safety' Is Priority

M​ayor Lynn Barbee says there is a state of emergency in Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

"Rapid fire rescue calls continue from residents unable to get out of their homes and businesses. County resources have arrived with high clearance vehicles capable of reaching some areas. 911 is your friend," Barbee wrote in social media update just before noon

"We are all concerned about our properties including myself and almost everyone here at (the Emergency Operations Center). The priority now is life safety ... If you are safe stay put please!"

Some Roads Flooded At Least 3 Feet Deep

The National Weather Service in Wilmington says roads in Carolina Beach are covered by at least three feet of water after as much as 10 to 15 inches of rain fell in some areas.

“No cars or trucks are designed to safely travel in floodwater this deep,” the agency wrote in a social media post.

M​ore Than A Foot Of Rain In Parts Of North Carolina

Isolated areas around Carolina Beach have recorded more than 12 inches of rain since midnight, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The top spot as of about noon was Ocean Boulevard at Carolina Beach, with 15.10 inches.

T​he NWS is warning of considerable flash flooding that will worsen to the west across Brunswick County over the next few hours.

'​You Almost Expect This' In Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Town Council member Joe Benson told The Weather Channel this morning that residents in Carolina Beach were ready, no matter what the storm brings.

"Folks here, you almost expect it annually," Benson said. "And so those I talked to across town, they're prepared before the season begins."

H​e said the city's pumps are working properly.

B​enson also asked that people stay home and stay off the roads if possible.

(​More: Watches Vs. Warnings - It All Comes Down To Timing)

N​o Name Doesn't Mean It's Not Dangerous

From weather.com senior meteorologist Chris Dolce:

Regardless of what we call it, the impacts are the same. Right now the most impactful thing is heavy rain. Some totals have been over 6 inches, and we’re also seeing some strong wind gusts.

The system should come ashore later today, but it’ll spread heavy rain into the Carolinas and the mid-Atlantic early this week

(​MORE: 2024 List Of Hurricane Names)

Roads Covered In Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Webcams in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, showed deepening floodwater around 10 a.m. According to StarNews Online, this street is “notorious for flooding.” The National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, shared the image with a warning to “not drive through flooded roads.”

School And Government Closures

With the storm approaching, schools in Charleston, Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina announced closures for Monday, shifting students to eLearning. Students in Williamsburg County will stay home Monday but staff are being asked to report if they can. Coastal Carolina University is also closed with only essential staff asked to report to work.

Several government offices, including those in Horry County, are shut down. The city of Myrtle Beach and city of Conway offices remain open.

Rain, Wind And Flooding Along The Coast

Coastal communities in the Carolinas face threats of flash flooding, urban flooding and minor river flooding. Already this morning, minor flooding was reported in Garden City, South Carolina. Rough surf was spotted along Surfside Beach, South Carolina, on Sunday.

Wind gusts have already reached 30-plus mph onshore in some areas and the offshore storm is producing sustained winds of 50 mph. Residents should follow safety advisories and stay aware of new local alerts and emergency notifications. As always, it’s a good idea to make sure your phone has the latest version of The Weather Channel app with push notifications enabled.
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