Governor Josh Stein has declared Tropical Storm Chantal a Type I State Disaster, enabling North Carolina to provide state-funded individual assistance grants for residents affected by the storm. The announcement was made on August 5, 2025.
In addition to the state declaration, Governor Stein called on President Trump and Acting FEMA Regional Administrator Robert Ashe to issue a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. This federal action would help expedite aid and make Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance available across the state.
“This disaster declaration unlocks access for people to apply for state-funded individual assistance as they continue to rebuild, and I encourage folks to see if the resources available are a good fit for them,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Chantal was devastating for central North Carolina, and initial damage assessments have made clear that a Federal Major Disaster Declaration is needed to help expedite federal aid for repairing roads and rebuilding critical infrastructure.”
Preliminary assessments estimate public assistance damages from Tropical Storm Chantal at more than $42 million. This figure is twice the minimum required by FEMA guidelines for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. If granted, the declaration would allow impacted local governments to receive public assistance funds for rebuilding damaged roads, utilities, and debris removal.
The Type I State Disaster declaration covers Orange, Durham, Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Granville, Person, and Wake counties. Residents in these areas can now apply for individual assistance grants that may be used for temporary housing or rental costs, replacing personal property lost in the storm, medical or dental expenses, or funeral costs resulting from the emergency.
To access these grants, applicants must visit one of several disaster recovery centers established in affected communities:
– Orange County: 203 South Greensboro St., Carrboro (Monday-Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am–2:00pm)
– Alamance County: 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Rd., Burlington (Monday-Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am–2:00pm)
– Durham County: 221 Milton Rd., Durham (Monday-Friday: 10:00am–5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am–2:00pm)
For general questions about individual assistance programs, survivors can call the North Carolina Emergency Management hotline at 919-825-2378 or visit ncdps.gov/chantal.
Tropical Storm Chantal struck central North Carolina on July 6 with rainfall totals reaching up to 12 inches in some locations. Rivers such as the Haw River and Eno River experienced record water levels. The storm caused significant damage in Durham and Orange counties and resulted in six confirmed deaths. Local emergencies were declared throughout the region as first responders conducted water rescues and opened shelters for displaced residents. By mid-July all emergency shelters had closed as displaced individuals transitioned into hotels during ongoing recovery efforts.
Further details are available through Executive Order 19 regarding disaster declarations and Governor Stein’s letter requesting federal support.
