BREAKING: Flash Floods Devastate Orange County, NC; Dozens Evacuated, Roads Closed
BREAKING: Flash Floods Devastate Orange County, NC; Dozens Evacuated, Roads Closed
Orange County, North Carolina, is grappling with severe flash flooding triggered by heavy rains from Tropical Depression Chantal, leading to widespread evacuations and numerous road closures. Authorities reported dozens of residents displaced as floodwaters surged across communities, particularly in Chapel Hill.
The Town of Chapel Hill initiated emergency evacuations Sunday night as the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning. First responders moved residents to safety from multiple flood-prone areas, including Camelot Village, where 20 individuals were rescued and displaced. Further evacuations occurred at the 900 Willow apartment building (18 residents), Airport Gardens (21 residents), Bolinwood Condominiums (2 residents), and Booker Creek Townhouse Apartments (2 residents), bringing the total number of displaced residents to over 60.
Local officials are actively coordinating immediate transportation and shelter for those affected. While a widespread evacuation has not been issued, residents in affected areas are strongly advised to seek high ground and avoid all contact with floodwaters.
The flooding has caused significant disruption, with Eastgate Mall reportedly experiencing standing water inside businesses and submerged vehicles. Numerous roads across Chapel Hill are closed, including sections of E. Franklin Street, Hillsborough Street, S. Estes Drive, S. Elliott Road, and Fordham Boulevard. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Hillsborough have also reported high waters and road closures in their respective areas, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
The Flash Flood Warning for Orange County is set to expire early Monday, with a Flood Watch extending until 6 a.m. Power outages have been reported in several Chapel Hill neighborhoods, southwest Hillsborough, and White Cross. Residents are reminded to report outages directly to their energy providers.
This remains a developing situation, and authorities continue to monitor conditions and provide updates.
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