A powerful coastal storm, unofficially dubbed Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, drenched North Carolina with a record-breaking deluge on Monday, September 16th. The relentless downpour, exceeding a year's worth of rain in some areas in just 24 hours, triggered widespread flash floods, impassable roads, and numerous rescues. Several areas, including Carolina Beach and Southport, declared states of emergency as the storm unleashed its fury.
Carolina Beach bore the brunt of the storm's wrath, with a staggering 457 mm (18 inches) of rain reported. This historic rainfall caused rivers to overflow, streets to transform into raging torrents, and floodwaters to engulf homes and businesses. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued dire warnings, urging residents to stay indoors as floodwaters submerged roads under 3 feet of water.
Local authorities sprang into action, deploying high-clearance vehicles to navigate flooded streets and rescue stranded residents and tourists. Southport reported numerous rescues, with a local middle school serving as a temporary shelter. In Carolina Beach, Mayor Lynn Barbee provided updates on social media, urging residents to prioritize safety and avoid flooded roadways. A total of 102 people and 12 animals were successfully rescued from inundated areas in Carolina Beach.
While Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight is expected to weaken as it moves inland, the threat of flooding persists. The NWS warns of potential flash flooding, urban flooding, and coastal flooding impacting parts of the Carolinas. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed all local advisories. The storm's impact may extend beyond the Carolinas, with the possibility of flash flooding spreading into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions in the coming days.
