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Historic Flooding Hits Southeastern North Carolina, Bringing 1,000-Year Rainfall

A potential tropical cyclone brings unprecedented rainfall, causing major road closures and emergency rescues in coastal towns.

This image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows tropical storm conditions along a stretch of the U.S. Southeast seacoast, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. (NOAA via AP)
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North Carolina Flooding

Overview

  • Carolina Beach recorded over 18 inches of rain in 12 hours, an event expected only once every 1,000 years.
  • Flash flooding has closed dozens of roads, including U.S. Highway 17, stranding drivers and damaging infrastructure.
  • Emergency workers and local authorities have conducted numerous rescues and provided supplies to those trapped by floodwaters.
  • The storm system, although not officially named, has caused significant damage and disruptions, prompting local states of emergency.
  • Meteorologists attribute the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events to climate change, with warmer air holding more moisture.