Governor Josh Stein visited Alamance and Orange Counties to assess the damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. He also expressed gratitude to first responders for their efforts in ensuring public safety during the storm. The visit included a stop at Lake Michael Dam, which was at risk of failure as water levels rose on Sunday. Emergency responders successfully evacuated the area.
“Our hearts go out to the families who lost a loved one during the storm. I am grateful to the local and state emergency responders who worked quickly to evacuate people and keep so many people safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As counties across central North Carolina continue to recover, we will be there to support them.”
Local States of Emergency are still in effect for Alamance, Moore, Orange, and Person Counties, with two local emergency operations centers activated. Efforts are underway to restore power, utilities, and road access. On Monday, NC DOT reopened several major roads including I-40/85 in Alamance County; however, 65 roads remain closed due to weather conditions. Residents are advised to exercise caution near creeks and low-lying roads due to potential flooding and debris.
“This historic weather event caused flooding like we haven’t seen in several decades in the central part of the state,” said Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “We are working as quickly as possible to assess and reopen roads as soon as water levels recede and our crews are safely able to do so.”
“The State Emergency Response Team remains in close coordination with our state and local partners as we collectively navigate and assess the impacts from Tropical Storm Chantal,” stated Director Will Ray of North Carolina Emergency Management. “This is a reminder for all North Carolinians to be informed, have a plan, and have a disaster kit ready to go at home.”
For real-time travel information or updates from local government agencies or news outlets on their websites or social media platforms should be followed by residents while avoiding closed areas where work crews are completing repairs.
In case of flooding events, North Carolina Emergency Management officials advise listening closely to local weather forecasts since flash floods can occur unexpectedly; enabling emergency alerts on cell phones for notifications from the National Weather Service; respecting barricades set up for safety purposes without attempting detours around them; refraining from driving through flooded areas because even two feet of moving water can sweep vehicles away while depths cannot accurately be determined from inside vehicles—just turn around instead—and never walking through moving waters since only six inches can knock individuals down easily.
Residents may visit online resources providing access over 600 flood gauges statewide along with signing up options available specifically targeting alerts related directly towards gauges nearest homes respectively.
