Tropical Depression Chantal Floods, Forces Rescues, Evacuations North Carolina

Heavy rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal caused historic flooding across central North Carolina, forcing dozens of residents to evacuate their homes and triggering more than 50 water rescues, particularly in Chapel Hill where floodwaters invaded apartments and shopping centers. An 83-year-old woman died after her car was swept off a rural road by floodwaters in Chatham County. More than 60 people were displaced, and over 34,000 customers lost power as rivers reached record levels and major highways, including Interstates 40 and 85, were closed for up to 48 hours. Officials issued a voluntary evacuation for neighborhoods downstream of Lake Michael Dam amid fears of a potential breach. Emergency responders continued searching for missing individuals while warning that travel remained hazardous despite some receding waters. The remnants of Chantal are expected to move northward, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.