CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. – As Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight approaches the North Carolina coast, Carolina Beach has declared a state of emergency in response to significant flooding from the storm.
Local officials are advising residents to remain at home, with over 18 inches of rain recorded since midnight. Video footage from the area shows cars being towed from inundated streets and others attempting to navigate through high waters. Authorities have cautioned against driving in flooded areas.
Mayor Lynn Barbee posted on Facebook that the fire department has responded to multiple rescue requests from individuals trapped in homes and businesses due to rising waters. She also mentioned the efforts of stormwater crews dealing with the flooding situation.
“Please do not venture outside,” Barbee urged. “Road conditions are unsafe. Emergency crews are working diligently to assist everyone affected.”
In a follow-up update, the mayor reported that residents are sought refuge at Carolina Beach Town Hall, while high-water rescue vehicles are actively helping those stranded.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue confirmed their teams are fully engaged in rescue operations and have successfully assisted more than a dozen residents, as well as some pets.
The National Weather Service has indicated that Carolina Beach Elementary School experienced flooding, although reports from Fox Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel suggest the school itself may not have been significantly affected. New Hanover County Schools noted that all students were safely sent home, although some were delayed at the school for several hours due to access issues caused by the high water.
Students who could not leave due to the flooding were transported home by the sheriff’s office using high-water vehicles. Additionally, all other schools in the district were dismissed two hours early due to the severe weather.
Both the Town Hall and Recreation Center in Carolina Beach were closed but are expected to reopen by Tuesday. The flooding also led to some unexpected sightings, as fish were seen swimming through the streets, much to the surprise of observers.