Chantal Leaves Major Flooding, Damage, and Heartbreak for the Triangle
The cleanup is just getting started across the Triangle after Tropical Depression Chantal came through with heavy rain, strong winds, and heartbreaking destruction over the past couple of days.
At least three people lost their lives due to the storm, and four tornadoes touched down across the state. Entire neighborhoods are dealing with flood damage, lost cars, and debris piled in the streets.
Durham and Orange counties were particularly hard-hit. In Durham, more than 80 people had to be rescued by boat after the Eno River overflowed. That river hit a record high, higher than it did during Hurricane Fran back in ’96. Folks were waking up to water rushing into their homes, with no time to grab anything.
In Chapel Hill and surrounding Orange County, more than 50 water rescues were made. Over 60 people have been forced out of their homes so far, and some shopping centers, such as Eastgate Crossing, are completely flooded. Stores like Talbots and Great Outdoor Provision Co. had mannequins, clothes, and muddy water everywhere. Officials are asking folks to stay out of these buildings until they’re cleared for safety.
Carrboro and Hillsborough also took a beating. City vehicles were flooded, buildings were damaged, and recovery efforts are still ongoing. Alamance, Moore, and Orange counties are all under a state of emergency, and Governor Josh Stein is scheduled to stop in Alamance County today to check out the damage for himself.
This storm hit hard, but like always, the community is coming together to rebuild.