Chantal Leaves a Trail of Destruction Across Central North Carolina
Tropical Depression Chantal left a wake of devastation across central North Carolina over the weekend, with communities in Alamance, Durham, Chatham, Orange, Moore, and Person counties facing the brunt of its power. The storm triggered widespread flooding, power outages, road collapses, and even tornadoes, leaving thousands without homes and essential services.
Governor Josh Stein is scheduled to visit some of the hardest-hit areas on Tuesday, including Lake Michael Park in Mebane, to assess the damage firsthand.Power Outages and Road Closures Persist
Although more than 25,000 customers have had power restored since Monday, Duke Energy reports that over 5,000 remain without electricity, with Chatham County accounting for over 3,000 of those. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed that 44 roads remained closed Tuesday morning, down from 120 the previous afternoon.Emergency Rescues and Displacements
Floodwaters prompted over 80 water rescues in Durham, particularly near the Eno River, where residents had to be rescued from chest-deep floodwaters. In Chapel Hill, nearly 90 residents were forced from homes and apartments in low-lying areas, and over 60 water rescues were performed.In Chatham County, crews continue to search for two missing kayakers on Jordan Lake. The storm also claimed the life of Sandra Hirschman, 83, whose vehicle was swept off Farrington Point Road late Sunday night.Tornadoes Confirmed in Multiple Counties
The National Weather Service confirmed that four EF1 tornadoes touched down Sunday, adding to the chaos. Wind speeds ranged from 95 to 105 mph, impacting Sanford, Moncure, Orange County, and Snow Camp. The tornadoes uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and compounded the region’s already dire situation.
Emergency Resources and Community Support
Emergency shelters have been activated, including one by the Red Cross at Emmanuel AME Church on Riddle Road in Durham for flood-displaced residents. In Hillsborough, Orange County officials are distributing bottled water due to a boil water advisory triggered by damage to the local water treatment plant caused by Eno River flooding.Water restrictions are in place until water treatment systems recover, and residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary usage.Carrboro Public Works Facility Destroyed
In Carrboro, floodwaters rose to 3.5 feet at the Public Works Facility—far surpassing any previous records. Officials confirmed the facility was effectively destroyed. Public Works Director Kevin Belanger noted that the town only has one functional garbage truck, and crews had to abandon equipment due to rising water levels.Police Chief Chris Atack described the flooding as “historic,” emphasizing that he hadn’t seen anything comparable in over two decades of service.Infrastructure Damage Widespread
Chatham County’s Sheriff Mike Roberson reported hundreds of flooded roads and extensive storm debris. In Pittsboro, a portion of Lamont Norwood Road collapsed, cutting off access for an entire neighborhood of 40 homes. Gilmore Road was also washed out, with crews working to secure the area.
Wave Road in Orange County was completely undermined—its base eroded, power poles toppled, and drainage pipes destroyed, leaving the pavement cracked and impassable.Chapel Hill Shopping Center in Ruins
Sky 5 aerial footage revealed catastrophic damage to Eastgate Crossing shopping center in Chapel Hill. Cars were swept into piles, stores destroyed, and parking lots coated in mud. Buildings such as Talbot’s and Great Outdoor Provision Co. had their doors torn off and interiors gutted. Cleanup will be extensive.Durham Devastated by Historic River Flooding
Durham neighborhoods near the Eno River were among the hardest hit. Homes on Rippling Stream Road, High Meadow Road, and Felicia Street were flooded to chest level. Residents reported waking up to water pouring into their homes, with some needing to be rescued by boat. Vehicles were submerged, and entire communities left without access to basic needs.Meteorologists say the Eno River rose 22 feet in just four hours—an unprecedented surge that exceeded even Hurricane Fran’s flood levels in 1996.The Durham Fire Department’s swift water rescue teams were crucial in saving lives overnight and into Monday morning.Ongoing Warnings and Road Safety Alerts
Law enforcement across the region continues to urge caution. “If you encounter a roadway marked closed by a barricade or cones, remember to #TurnAroundDontDrown,” wrote the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. Hazards beneath floodwaters may not be visible but can be deadly.
Looking Ahead
As North Carolina begins the long process of recovery, the full scope of damage caused by Chantal is still being assessed. With homes destroyed, roads washed away, and thousands displaced, officials emphasize that rebuilding will take weeks, if not months. Emergency declarations remain active in Alamance, Orange, and Moore counties, with more possibly to come.
Tropical Depression Chantal left a wake of devastation across central North Carolina over the weekend, with communities in Alamance, Durham, Chatham, Orange, Moore, and Person counties facing the brunt of its power. The storm triggered widespread flooding, power outages, road collapses, and even tornadoes, leaving thousands without homes and essential services.
Governor Josh Stein is scheduled to visit some of the hardest-hit areas on Tuesday, including Lake Michael Park in Mebane, to assess the damage firsthand.Power Outages and Road Closures PersistAlthough more than 25,000 customers have had power restored since Monday, Duke Energy reports that over 5,000 remain without electricity, with Chatham County accounting for over 3,000 of those. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed that 44 roads remained closed Tuesday morning, down from 120 the previous afternoon.Emergency Rescues and Displacements
Floodwaters prompted over 80 water rescues in Durham, particularly near the Eno River, where residents had to be rescued from chest-deep floodwaters. In Chapel Hill, nearly 90 residents were forced from homes and apartments in low-lying areas, and over 60 water rescues were performed.In Chatham County, crews continue to search for two missing kayakers on Jordan Lake. The storm also claimed the life of Sandra Hirschman, 83, whose vehicle was swept off Farrington Point Road late Sunday night.Tornadoes Confirmed in Multiple Counties
The National Weather Service confirmed that four EF1 tornadoes touched down Sunday, adding to the chaos. Wind speeds ranged from 95 to 105 mph, impacting Sanford, Moncure, Orange County, and Snow Camp. The tornadoes uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and compounded the region’s already dire situation.
Emergency Resources and Community SupportEmergency shelters have been activated, including one by the Red Cross at Emmanuel AME Church on Riddle Road in Durham for flood-displaced residents. In Hillsborough, Orange County officials are distributing bottled water due to a boil water advisory triggered by damage to the local water treatment plant caused by Eno River flooding.Water restrictions are in place until water treatment systems recover, and residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary usage.Carrboro Public Works Facility Destroyed
In Carrboro, floodwaters rose to 3.5 feet at the Public Works Facility—far surpassing any previous records. Officials confirmed the facility was effectively destroyed. Public Works Director Kevin Belanger noted that the town only has one functional garbage truck, and crews had to abandon equipment due to rising water levels.Police Chief Chris Atack described the flooding as “historic,” emphasizing that he hadn’t seen anything comparable in over two decades of service.Infrastructure Damage Widespread
Chatham County’s Sheriff Mike Roberson reported hundreds of flooded roads and extensive storm debris. In Pittsboro, a portion of Lamont Norwood Road collapsed, cutting off access for an entire neighborhood of 40 homes. Gilmore Road was also washed out, with crews working to secure the area.
Wave Road in Orange County was completely undermined—its base eroded, power poles toppled, and drainage pipes destroyed, leaving the pavement cracked and impassable.Chapel Hill Shopping Center in RuinsSky 5 aerial footage revealed catastrophic damage to Eastgate Crossing shopping center in Chapel Hill. Cars were swept into piles, stores destroyed, and parking lots coated in mud. Buildings such as Talbot’s and Great Outdoor Provision Co. had their doors torn off and interiors gutted. Cleanup will be extensive.Durham Devastated by Historic River Flooding
Durham neighborhoods near the Eno River were among the hardest hit. Homes on Rippling Stream Road, High Meadow Road, and Felicia Street were flooded to chest level. Residents reported waking up to water pouring into their homes, with some needing to be rescued by boat. Vehicles were submerged, and entire communities left without access to basic needs.Meteorologists say the Eno River rose 22 feet in just four hours—an unprecedented surge that exceeded even Hurricane Fran’s flood levels in 1996.The Durham Fire Department’s swift water rescue teams were crucial in saving lives overnight and into Monday morning.Ongoing Warnings and Road Safety Alerts
Law enforcement across the region continues to urge caution. “If you encounter a roadway marked closed by a barricade or cones, remember to #TurnAroundDontDrown,” wrote the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. Hazards beneath floodwaters may not be visible but can be deadly.
Looking AheadAs North Carolina begins the long process of recovery, the full scope of damage caused by Chantal is still being assessed. With homes destroyed, roads washed away, and thousands displaced, officials emphasize that rebuilding will take weeks, if not months. Emergency declarations remain active in Alamance, Orange, and Moore counties, with more possibly to come.
