State of Emergency as Tropical Depression Chantal Pummels North Carolina
Moore County declares state of emergency as Tropical Depression Chantal slams into central and southern North Carolina, triggering flash floods, dam breaches, and multiple tornado warnings.
Tornado Chaos Hits Lee and Chatham Counties
The National Weather Service flagged five tornado warnings this morning in Lee, Chatham, and neighbouring areas. Twisters touched down near Sanford’s Raleigh Executive Jetport and Mebane. Damage surveys are underway amid ongoing danger.
Severe Flooding Swamps Moore County
Moore County soaked with up to eight inches of rain, overwhelming drainage systems and causing serious flash flooding. In Southern Pines, the Longleaf Dam burst, flooding homes and apartments. Emergency crews rescued several stranded drivers as waters rose fast.
Meanwhile, in Lakeview, Crystal Lake Dam overflowed, sparking evacuation alerts over fears about structural failures.
Chaos on Roads and Power Outages Plague the Region
- Road closures: Dozens blocked by floodwater, washouts, and debris in Moore County and Southern Pines.
- Power cuts: Over 15,000 Duke Energy customers across Moore and Chatham face outages, with crews racing to restore supply.
- Swiftwater rescues: Emergency teams work round the clock to save residents trapped in flooded vehicles or isolated by rising waters.
Officials Warn: Stay Off the Roads!
Authorities urge residents: “Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.” Hazardous road conditions, especially after dark, pose serious risks as the storm continues pushing inland.
“We are deploying all available resources, including swiftwater rescue teams and shelter support,” said a Moore County emergency spokesperson. “The safety of our residents is our highest priority.”
Shelters have opened across the county, with constant updates from local officials and emergency services.
Stay Informed — Here’s Where to Check Updates
- WRAL Weather Alerts
- Moore County Government
- ReadyNC.gov for live updates on closures, shelter details, and safety tips
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for the latest as Tropical Depression Chantal continues to batter the region.
