Rescues, roads closed, flooding at NC coast amid 18 inches of rain
By Rodney Overton,
24 days ago
WILMINGTON, NC. (WNCN) — As torrential rain fell Monday and winds led to high surf, there was significant flooding along the North Carolina coast due to Potential Tropical Cyclone 8.
Several flash flood warnings were active in Brunswick, New Hanover, Columbus, and Bladen counties and dozens of roads, cars and buildings were flooded in areas along the coast.
“Extremely heavy rain” was reported in many areas, according to the Sunset Beach Police Department in Brunswick County. Key roads such as U.S. 17 in Brunswick County and U.S. 74/76 were closed in Columbus County.
Wilmington Fire Dept photo of a dog being rescued in Carolina Beach Monday.
Makatoka Rd in Supply. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
A Jeep fell into a washed out part of N.C. 211 between Dosher Cut Off and River Mist subdivision. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
US 17 underwater from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
Wilmington Fire Dept photo of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach water rescues Monday.
US 17 underwater from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
Wilmington Fire Dept photo of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach water rescues Monday.
East Moore Street washed out in Southport. Photo from Southport Police Dept.
Carolina Beach near Lake Park Boulevard. Image from Erica H Dunn
The Outer Banks where the north end of Ocracoke Island was partly underwater. Photo from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Sunset Harbor Road in Brunswick County. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
A state of emergency was declared in Carolina Beach in New Hanover County, where at least 4 feet of water was covering Lake Park Blvd next to Carolina Beach Lake Park. At least one vehicle was abandoned in deep water.
A shelter for people needing help was opened Monday evening by the American Red Cross at Carolina Beach Recreation Center at 1121-B North Lake Blvd.
Carolina Beach Elementary School plus a dozen other structures were flooded before noon. Lawn furniture could be seen floating away in Carolina Beach near Lake Park Boulevard.
Just after 3 p.m., U.S. 17 was closed and water rescues were underway near Randolphville Road NE. Also, U.S. 74/76 closed at NC 11 due to flooding.
N.C. 211 in Brunswick County was closed where bridges were damaged over Duke Energy Canal and Dutchman Creek.
A Jeep fell into a washed out part of N.C. 211 between Dosher Cut Off and River Mist subdivision. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
Water was up to the door handles of several vehicles stranded on U.S. 17 as of 3:10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
In Southport, several roads were also flooded or washed out, according to town police. East Leonard Street between Jabbertown and Fire Fly was heavily flooded and impassible, Southport police said.
More than 3 feet of floodwater covered the parking lot at the Brunswick County courthouse around 1 p.m.
North Carolina Emergency Operations Center released rainfall totals for Monday:
Ocean Blvd at Carolina Beach: 18.32”
1 mile S of Snows Cut Bridge: 14.83”
Sunny Point Military Terminal in Brunswick Co.: 14.59”
Boiling Springs Lake: 14.16”
Half mile N of Snows Cut Bridge: 14.01”
Saint James (Brunswick County): 13.34”
Abbington Oaks in Southport: 12.74”
Mallory Creek at Leland: 6.78”
Wilmington Airport: 3.61”
Flooding extended up to the Outer Banks where the north end of Ocracoke Island was partly underwater, according to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Officials said the flooding there was from a combination of a higher-than-average high tide and high surf advisory.
“Travelers should also use caution at the north end of Ocracoke Island around high tides through the rest of this week,” Cape Hatteras National Seashore said.
On Hatteras Island, there were hazards at the north end of Rodanthe, due to building materials and parts of septic systems, from threatened oceanfront structures.
Also, there will likely be ocean overwash in Hatteras, Buxton, Rodanthe, and near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge visitor center, seashore officials said.
A woman was safe after her car was pushed off US 17 near mile marker 25 in Brunswick County. Photo from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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