Chantal Floods Force Dozens Evacuations, Dozens Water Rescues North Carolina

Heavy rain and flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal caused severe impacts in central North Carolina, particularly in Chapel Hill, where over 50 water rescues were carried out and more than 60 residents were displaced. The flooding inundated homes, apartments, shopping centers, and parking lots, leading to significant property damage, including at the Camelot Village condominium complex, where residents have experienced repeated flooding and are seeking solutions from the town. Despite efforts by the town to obtain FEMA funding to buy out the most flood-prone units, a lack of property owner agreement has stalled progress. Major rivers in the area, including the Eno and Haw Rivers, reached record or near-record crest levels, prompting voluntary evacuations downstream of the Lake Michael Dam and causing the closure of all lanes on Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 near Durham. Over 34,000 customers lost power statewide, and officials warned that floodwaters, though subsiding in some areas, remain dangerous, with ongoing searches for missing persons. Authorities continue to assess damage and caution residents as additional rain is expected, raising concerns about further flooding risks.