Flooding from Chantal Rescues 80 Across Durham, Orange Counties

Central North Carolina experienced historic flooding due to relentless rain from Tropical Storm Chantal, leading to the Eno River rising to record levels and causing severe water rescues and evacuations. In Durham County, approximately 80 people were rescued by boat from homes flooded to chest level along Rippling Stream Road and surrounding areas, with many residents caught off guard while asleep. Chapel Hill also saw over 50 water rescues and the displacement of more than 60 people, with flooding impacting businesses and prompting voluntary evacuations downstream of Lake Michael Dam due to concerns about dam failure. The flooding forced closures of major highways including Interstate 40 and Interstate 85, and left over 34,000 customers without power. Officials urged caution as floodwaters remained dangerous despite some areas seeing subsiding water, and damage assessments continued. State emergencies were declared in multiple counties as rescue operations persisted and communities dealt with the aftermath of the storm.