- The streets in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, were covered with feet of rain.
- Rescue operations were underway.
- Several school districts and government agencies announced closures.
A coastal storm is bringing torrential rain to parts of North Carolina. At least one city is under a state of emergency, streets are flooded, homes are inundated, and rescue efforts are underway.
Here is the latest information:
State of emergency in Carolina Beach, “life safety” is priority
Mayor Lynn Barbee declares a state of emergency in Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
“Residents unable to leave their homes and businesses continue to receive emergency calls to the fire department. County emergency responders have arrived with high clearance vehicles that can reach some areas. 911 is your friend,” Barbee wrote in a social media update shortly before noon.
“We are all concerned about our property, including myself and almost everyone here (at the emergency operations center). The safety of life is the priority now… If you are safe, please stay where you are!”
Some streets flooded at least one meter deep
The National Weather Service in Wilmington said streets in Carolina Beach are under at least three feet of water after 10 to 15 inches of rain fell in some areas.
“No car or truck is designed to drive safely through floodwater so deep”, the agency wrote in a social media post.
More than 30 cm of rain in parts of North Carolina
In isolated areas around Carolina Beach, more than 12 inch Rain since midnight, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The heaviest rainfall fell around noon on Ocean Boulevard in Carolina Beach with 15.10 inches.
The NWS is warning of significant flash flooding that will worsen across western Brunswick County over the next few hours.
“It’s almost expected” in Carolina Beach, North Carolina
City Council member Joe Benson told The Weather Channel this morning that Carolina Beach residents are prepared no matter what the storm brings.
“People here expect it almost every year,” Benson said. “And the people I’ve talked to around town are prepared before the season starts.”
He said the city’s pumps were working perfectly.
“This helps mitigate a situation that could have been or could have been worse,” Benson said.
Benson also urged people to stay home and avoid the streets if possible.
(More: Observe vs. warn – timing is keyG)
No name does not mean it is not dangerous
From weather.com’s Chief Meteorologist Chris Dolce:
No matter what we call it, the impact is the same. Right now the worst is the heavy rain. In some cases it has been over 15 centimeters, and we are also experiencing some strong gusts of wind.
The system should come ashore later today, but it will bring heavy rains to the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic early this week
(MORE: List of hurricane names 2024)
Covered streets in Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Webcams in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, showed deepening floodwaters around 10 a.m. According to StarNews Online, this street is “notorious for flooding.” The National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, shared the image a warning “not to drive through flooded streets.”
School and government closures
With the storm approaching, schools in Charleston, Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina announced closures for Monday and moved students to eLearning. Students in the Williamsburg district will remain home Monday, but staff are asked to report to work if possible. Coastal Carolina University is also closed, and only essential staff are asked to come to work.
Several government offices, including those in Horry County, are closed. The city of Myrtle Beach and Conway offices remain open.
Rain, wind and flooding along the coast
Coastal communities in the Carolinas are at risk of flash flooding, urban flooding and minor river flooding. Minor flooding was reported in Garden City, South Carolina, this morning. Rough surf was spotted at Surfside Beach, South Carolina, on Sunday.
Wind gusts on land have already reached over 30 mph in some areas, and the storm at sea is producing sustained winds of 50 mph. Residents should follow safety advisories and stay informed of new local warnings and emergency announcements. As always, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the latest version of The Weather Channel app on your phone with push notifications enabled.
Based in New York, Weather.com reporter Tim Harris is a digital journalist with a broad reporting portfolio that includes environmental science, lifestyle topics and current affairs.
