State of emergency declared as coastal storm brings heavy rains and severe flooding to North Carolina, U.S.
Around 457 mm (18 inches) of rain fell in Carolina Beach on Monday, September 16, 2024, as a powerful coastal storm — Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight — triggered flash floods, leaving roads impassable and prompting widespread rescue efforts in southeastern North Carolina.
Image credit: NOAA/GOES-East, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers. Acquired at 15:20 UTC on September 16, 2024
- Severe flooding and high winds affected southeastern North Carolina, with wind gusts reaching up to 124 km/h (77 mph) and some areas experiencing nearly 457 mm (18 inches) of rainfall, leading to impassable roads and multiple rescues.
- Several areas, including Carolina Beach and Southport, were placed under states of emergency, with local authorities urging residents to stay indoors as rescue operations continued and shelters were opened.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flash flood warnings across southeastern North Carolina, reporting that some roads in Carolina Beach were submerged under 0.91 m (3 feet) of water due to heavy rainfall.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight caused severe flooding and strong winds in parts of southeastern North Carolina on Monday, September 16, leaving roads impassable and prompting multiple rescues. A state of emergency was declared for several regions.
The system approached the coast Monday morning and later moved inland into South Carolina, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that widespread flash flooding, especially in low-lying coastal areas, was a major concern. Southeastern North Carolina, particularly around Carolina Beach and Wilmington, experienced the worst of the flooding.
Wind gusts as high as 124 km/h (77 mph) were recorded along the Carolina coast, with Sunny Point Military Ocean Terminal registering the top speed at 08:18 local time (LT) in Kure Beach.
Other significant gusts included 108 km/h (67 mph) at Wrightsville Beach and 100 km/h (62 mph) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science.
Flooding worsened throughout the day, with photos and videos from Southport showing washed-out roads.
Southport Fire Battalion Chief Ralph Treadway reported that while there were no injuries or missing persons, several people had been rescued, and a local middle school was opened as a shelter. The town, located in Brunswick County, was under a state of emergency, and residents were urged to shelter in place.
In Carolina Beach, Mayor Lynn Barbee said flood recovery efforts were ongoing. High-clearance vehicles were used to rescue residents and tourists trapped by floodwaters.
“They have been picking up stranded residents and tourists who cannot get out on their own,” Barbee said in a social media update. He also warned residents to stay off the roads due to abandoned vehicles and dangerous flood conditions.
The NWS reported that some roads in Carolina Beach were submerged under 0.91 m (3 feet) of water after up to 381 mm (15 inches) of rain fell in certain areas. “No cars or trucks are designed to safely travel in floodwater this deep,” the NWS cautioned in a social media post.
Several areas declared states of emergency, including Carolina Beach, where Mayor Barbee urged residents to prioritize safety. Rescue calls continued to come in from residents unable to leave their homes and businesses after nearly 457 mm (18 inches) of rain fell over the city since midnight, according to Barbee.
Significant road closures were reported, including part of U.S. 17 in Brunswick County, which was closed in both directions due to flooding. The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry also suspended operations, and service was not expected to resume until Tuesday.
The NWS reported more than 305 mm (1 foot) of rain in isolated areas, with Carolina Beach receiving over 305 mm (12 inches) of rain from midnight to Monday morning. The highest rainfall total was recorded at Ocean Boulevard in Carolina Beach, where 384 mm (15.1 inches) fell. Flash flood warnings were in effect for much of southeastern North Carolina, and the NWS warned of worsening conditions in Brunswick County.
The storm’s approach led to school and government closures across the Carolinas. In South Carolina, schools in Charleston, Horry, and Georgetown counties announced closures for Monday, shifting to eLearning. Coastal Carolina University also closed, with only essential staff asked to report to work. Several government offices in Horry County shut down, while Myrtle Beach and Conway offices remained open.
Residents were warned of continued threats, with the NWS advising caution regarding flash flooding, urban flooding, and coastal flooding. In some areas, wind gusts exceeded 48 km/h (30 mph), with offshore winds reaching up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
A total of 102 people and 12 animals were rescued from flooded areas in Carolina Beach on September 16.
Despite the storm not reaching tropical cyclone status, its effects were widespread. Weather.com senior meteorologist Chris Dolce said, “Regardless of what we call it, the impacts are the same. Right now the most impactful thing is heavy rain. Some totals have been over 152 mm (6 inches), and we’re also seeing some strong wind gusts.”
The NHC said the system was expected to weaken as it moved farther inland into South Carolina on Monday night. Coastal flood advisories remained in effect, with the NWS urging residents to heed local warnings and advisories. Flooding and strong winds were anticipated to continue affecting parts of the Carolinas, with the potential for flash flooding spreading into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast over the coming days.
References:
1 North Carolina Cities In State Of Emergency, Storm Brings More Than A Foot Of Rain – The Weather Channel – September 17, 2024
2 Life-threatening flooding batters North Carolina as Potential Tropical Cyclone 8 moves inland – Fox Weather – September 16, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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