Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain And Storms Overnight In North Carolina

James

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Post on May 21, 2025

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Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain and Storms Lash North Carolina Overnight

North Carolina residents woke up to a deluge this morning, after a night of intense thunderstorms and torrential rain swept across the state. The severe weather event, which began late Tuesday evening, brought widespread flooding, power outages, and significant travel disruptions. Meteorologists are warning residents to remain vigilant as the cleanup and recovery efforts begin.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued several warnings throughout the night, including flash flood warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings for numerous counties. The hardest-hit areas appear to be the central and eastern parts of the state, where rainfall totals exceeded six inches in some locations. This unprecedented amount of rainfall in such a short period overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to significant flooding in low-lying areas and near rivers.

Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage

Images and videos circulating on social media depict submerged roadways, inundated homes, and stalled vehicles. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported numerous road closures due to flooding and debris, urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel. The sheer volume of water caused significant damage to infrastructure, including washed-out roads and damaged bridges in some areas. Emergency services personnel worked tirelessly throughout the night responding to calls for help and rescuing stranded individuals.

"We've seen unprecedented levels of rainfall in certain areas," stated a spokesperson for the NWS Raleigh office. "The ground was already saturated from previous rainfall, making it even more susceptible to flooding. We urge residents to stay informed and heed all warnings issued by local authorities."

Power Outages and Service Disruptions

The intense storms also caused significant power outages across the state. Duke Energy, the state's largest electricity provider, reported hundreds of thousands of customers without power. Crews are working diligently to restore power, but repairs are expected to take several days in some areas. In addition to power outages, many residents are experiencing disruptions to phone, internet, and cable services due to the storm damage.

What to Do Now: Safety Tips and Recovery Resources

• Stay informed: Continue monitoring weather reports and updates from local news outlets and emergency services.
• Avoid flooded areas: Never drive or walk through floodwaters; the depth and current can be deceivingly dangerous.
• Report downed power lines: Contact your local utility company immediately if you see downed power lines. Never approach them.
• Check on neighbors: Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Document damage: Take photos and videos of any damage to your property for insurance purposes.

The North Carolina Emergency Management agency has established a helpline to assist residents affected by the storm. For assistance, please contact [Insert Phone Number or Website Here]. Further updates and resources will be provided as the situation develops.

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