Heavy Rains Cause Chaos in Orange County
Heavy Rain Leads to Flash Floods and Evacuations
Orange County experienced serious flooding due to heavy rain from Tropical Depression Chantal. The rain caused flash floods, forcing residents to evacuate and closing multiple roads.
Chapel Hill Issues Flood Warnings
Chapel Hill, a town in Orange County, alerted residents about the flooding. By 9 p.m., first responders began evacuating people from Camelot Village, a neighborhood near Bolin Creek. This area is prone to flooding, and water levels rose rapidly.
Residents Displaced Across the County
As the night progressed, more evacuations were necessary. By midnight, dozens of residents were displaced:
- Camelot Village: 20 people moved to safety.
- 900 Willow Apartments (University Place Mall): 18 residents needed temporary shelter.
- Other affected areas: Airport Gardens, Bolinwood Condominiums, and Booker Creek Townhouse Apartments.
The town collaborated with Orange County to assist those affected, providing transportation and shelter. Residents were advised to stay safe and avoid floodwaters.
Eastgate Mall and Businesses Impacted
Eastgate Mall suffered significant flooding from Booker Creek. Businesses had water inside, and cars were submerged. The town provided updates on closed roads, including:
- East Franklin Street
- Hillsborough Street
- Estes Drive
Additional Flooding in Orange County
Other parts of Orange County also experienced flooding. The Sheriff's Office warned residents to avoid areas like:
- Ashbury Apartments
- Old NC Highway 86
Hillsborough Town issued similar warnings, advising people to limit travel unless necessary.
Flood Warnings and Power Outages
The flood warning was set to end at 2 a.m. on Monday, with a flood watch lasting until 6 a.m. Travelers were urged to be cautious on the roads and avoid standing water.
Power outages were reported in several areas, including Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. Residents were reminded to report outages to their energy providers instead of calling 911.