Heavy rains and strong winds from potential Tropical Cyclone No. 8 hit the North Carolina coast.
On Monday morning, Wrightsville Beach was hit by thunder, lightning, high winds and torrential rain. Beachgoers told WRAL News that waves were crashing against the tip of Johnnie Mercer’s Pier.
Conditions were even worse in Carolina Beach, where many homes were flooded with up to 6 inches of standing water.
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A Carolina Beach resident told WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner it was “impossible” to drive on the island, where radar estimates by 1 p.m. already indicated that between 14 and 15 inches (35 to 38 centimeters) of rain had fallen.
According to a report from the National Weather Center in Wilmington, a rain gauge showed 18 inches of rain at Carolina Beach. At the Wilmington airport, 3.61 inches of rainfall was reported.
Live view of conditions in Carolina Beach
Before noon, the city of Carolina Beach posted photos of cars with their tires half-covered by floodwaters and their porches partially submerged. It captioned the photo: “Carolina Beach is currently experiencing life-threatening flash flooding. Volunteer rain gauges and radar equipment estimate that over 15 inches of rain may have fallen.”
According to the city, the Wilmington Fire Department’s flood vehicle was sent to Carolina Beach to assist with flash flooding response.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in tropical ecosystems. It is important not to drive through floodwaters, even if the water level appears low. As little as 15 cm of water can cause you to lose control of your car, and less than 60 cm of water can wash cars off the road.
Many schools in the region, including the Brunswick and New Hanover school districts, closed classes early on Wednesday.
WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels shared a photo of his family showing flooded streets in the Brunswick County town of Saint James, where more than 13 inches of rain fell, according to NWC Wilmington.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for much of the coast. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected along the coast, and storm surge could reach 12 to 36 inches.
