Tragedy strikes as woman swept away by floodwaters in North Carolina

North Carolina faced severe flooding on Sunday, July 6, 2025, as heavy rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal caused significant disruptions across the region. The storm made landfall early Sunday near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, and subsequently moved into central North Carolina, unleashing torrential rainfall that led to dangerous flood conditions. Areas in Orange County, particularly around Chapel Hill, experienced numerous water rescues as residents were displaced from their homes due to rising floodwaters. The Haw River and Eno River reached record levels, prompting state and local authorities to take action in different counties. A state of emergency was declared in Orange County as emergency services undertook water rescues and evacuations throughout the night. The impact was so severe that reports indicated over 50 rescues in the Chapel Hill area alone, where floodwaters threatened residents living near the Haw River. This flooding also led to significant disruptions to transportation, with major highways closed, including Interstate 85/40. Emergency services were overwhelmed, and as many as 120 roads were reported closed across affected areas. As rescue efforts continued into Monday morning, the situation was complicated by concerns over the potential failure of the Lake Michael Dam. Authorities issued voluntary evacuation orders for downstream residents as river levels remained perilously high. By Monday, power outages affected over 34,000 customers in the affected counties. Residents were advised to remain cautious as evaluations of damage and ongoing search efforts commenced. The conditions during the storm raised urgent concerns over public safety, as many people were urged to stay off the roads until assessments were complete. Tragically, the storm's fatalities included a woman from Chatham County, who drowned after attempting to navigate her vehicle through flooded streets. This incident underscored the risks that accompanied the extensive flooding, as officials emphasized the importance of heeding warnings about hazardous travel conditions. The rainfall associated with Chantal was significant, with some areas receiving between five to nine inches within a short timeframe, which created the immediate need for responsive action from emergency services and local governments. Overall, the devastation caused by the remnants of Chantal demonstrated a critical need for preparedness and swift response in the face of extreme weather events.