News Summary
Tropical Depression Chantal brought heavy rainfall to eastern Triad communities, particularly Alamance County, leading to significant flooding as the Haw River approached record levels. The storm also caused tornado activity and damage in several counties. Residents remain cautious as more rain is expected throughout the week.
Burlington, North Carolina – Tropical Depression Chantal unleashed heavy rains this past weekend, leading to significant flooding in parts of eastern Triad communities, particularly in Alamance County, where the Haw River approached record flooding levels. The storm made landfall in South Carolina on July 4 and brought severe weather as it tracked through North Carolina, impacting Central North Carolina Piedmont counties with both flooding and tornado activity.
On Sunday night, the Haw River reached a major flood stage of just below 32 feet, nearing its all-time record high crest of 32.8 feet. Residents faced rising waters as rainfall totals in Alamance, Randolph, and Caswell counties ranged from 2 to 6 inches, with additional rains of 1 to 3 inches forecasted for the following days. The river’s crest surpassed flooding levels from Hurricane Florence, which peaked at 26.3 feet in September 2018.
The National Weather Service reported that at the 28-foot mark, floodwaters overtopped the bridge at I-40. The Haw River is anticipated to remain at major flood stage until late Monday afternoon. Flash flooding, exacerbated by tropical storm rainbands, was reported across the eastern Triad through Sunday night, impacting numerous neighborhoods.
As Chantal progressed, residents remained vigilant amid reports of tornado activity. The National Weather Service confirmed at least two tornado touchdowns: one in Lee County at the Raleigh Executive Jetport and another near Moncure in Chatham County. Damage occurred in the form of downed trees near Pittsboro, alongside structural damage to hangars and aircraft in Lee County. A separate investigation was underway regarding a possible tornado touchdown near Mebane.
As the week continues, spotty storms are anticipated in the region, with isolated tornadoes still a possibility throughout eastern Triad communities. Despite the severe weather, temperatures in the Outer Banks climbed into the upper 80s on Tuesday, providing stark relief from the preceding rain.
Coastal cities from Myrtle Beach to Surf City are expected to feel brief impacts from the storm’s remnants, with significant wave heights of 8 to 10 feet observed from Oak Island to Myrtle Beach. Beachgoers have been advised to stay alert for potential coastal weather impacts, though no trip cancellations have been issued. Rain chances are forecasted to be higher along the coast compared to Central North Carolina.
Tropical Depression Chantal originated from an area of low pressure near Florida and the Georgia coast. Initially forming on July 4, it briefly intensified over warm Gulf Stream waters before making landfall. The storm’s effects are expected to linger, leading to ongoing opportunities for showers and storms throughout the remainder of the week.
The threat of flooding and severe weather continues to necessitate caution in affected areas, as the conditions remain unstable due to Chantal’s influence. Communities are advised to monitor local weather reports and stay prepared for possible changes in weather patterns.
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Additional Resources
- WXII12: Tropical Chantal Landfall in North Carolina
- Google Search: Tropical Chantal
- Weather.com: Nags Head, NC 10-Day Forecast
- Wikipedia: Flood
- ABC11: NC Weather – Storms and Heat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- WTKR: First Warning Forecast – Tropical Storm Chantal
- Google News: North Carolina Weather
- WTKR: Outer Banks Forecast
- WRAL: Historic Snow in Outer Banks
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
