At least three dead as remnants of Chantal bring deadly floods and tornadoes to North Carolina, U.S.
At least 3 fatalities have been reported across North Carolina as deadly floods caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal continue across the state on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The storm has dropped over 254 mm (10 inches) of rain in some areas and spawned at least four tornadoes in the state.
Floods in North Carolina triggered by remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal. Credit: Town of Southern Pines
At least 3 people were reported dead after floods caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal affected North Carolina on Sunday, July 6.
An 83-year-old woman from Pittsboro died after her car was swept off a rural road in Chatham County by floodwaters on Sunday night, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Troopers later found the submerged vehicle approximately 9.4 m (31 feet) from the road, with the woman deceased inside.
A woman reported missing in Person County while traveling to work during heavy rain on Sunday night was found dead on Monday, July 7 in Orange County.
I have absolutely awful news.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) July 7, 2025
North Carolina Highway Patrol has confirmed that 83-year-old Sandra Hirschman has sadly died after her car became submerged in floodwaters and washed over 100ft off the road.
Please pray for the family and for North Carolina today. pic.twitter.com/cXAPPfpO0X
In Alamance County, one person died south of Mebane, according to County Attorney Rik Stevens. Deputies responded shortly after 23:30 local time (LT) on Sunday to a missing person report at Jones Drive and Calloway Drive in southeastern Alamance County.
Byron Tucker, spokesman for Alamance County, stated that the caller reported he and a friend were driving separately and lost sight of each other. Deputies found the vehicle off the roadway, submerged in running water approximately 45–90 m (150–300 feet) from the road. A water rescue team discovered the man deceased inside the vehicle.
An active search is also underway for two people who are now missing after launching a canoe into Jordan Lake in Chatham County before the flooding began on Sunday.
#BREAKING: An active search is underway for two people who are now missing after launching a canoe into Jordan Lake in Chatham County NC before the flooding began.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) July 8, 2025
The boat has been recovered.
Please pray for a miracle here in North Carolina pic.twitter.com/CUPoB9FpFr
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed on Monday that at least 4 tornadoes touched down as Chantal moved across North Carolina.
The tornadoes impacted several locations, including Sanford at the Raleigh Executive Jetport, Moncure, Pittsboro Road area, Heartpine Drive in Mebane, and Mount Hermon Rock Creek Road in Snow Camp, Alamance County.
#BREAKING: Shocking amounts of rain in Chatham and Pinehurst NC have caused a 1,000 year flood event of the Eno River.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) July 7, 2025
Nearly all the rain fell within a 6 to 12 hour time frame.
Multiple people have been rescued after being trapped in their cars in flooding.
PRAY FOR NC!!!! pic.twitter.com/zqVvZPaTVo
While hundred of people have been rescued in multiple areas, including 80 boat rescues in Durham, search and rescue operations remain ongoing as flooding continues. Rainfall totals exceeded 200 to 250 mm (8 to 10 inches) in Chatham, Alamance, and Orange counties. States of emergency were declared in Alamance, Moore, and Orange counties.
#BREAKING: Over 80 people have been RESCUED by boat in Durham County NC after flooding from heavy rain swallowed whole neighborhoods overnight.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) July 7, 2025
More than 19,000 people are without power and over 120 roads are now CLOSED due to the flooding.
PRAY FOR NORTH CAROLINA!!! pic.twitter.com/ZgNKKafAQI
The heavy rains also caused multiple rivers to swell and flood surrounding areas since Sunday. The Eno River crested at 7.81 m (25.63 feet) early on Monday in Durham, surpassing the previous record of 7.19 m (23.6 feet).
The Haw River crested at 9.91 m (32.5 feet) early on Monday in the Town of Haw River, marking the second-highest level ever recorded. The highest was during Hurricane Fran in 1996, when it reached 10.01 m (32.83 feet), according to the National Weather Service’s Raleigh office.
Flooding caused numerous road closures and left tens of thousands without power across North Carolina. Around 120 roads were closed on Monday, but several major roads, including sections of Interstates 40 and 85 in Alamance County, had reopened, according to Governor Josh Stein’s office.
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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