North Carolina Declares State of Emergency After Tropical Storm Chantal Devastation

In the wake of Tropical Storm Chantal's devastating impact, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on July 17, 2025, to expedite federal aid and recovery efforts. The storm, which made landfall in South Carolina on July 6, brought unprecedented rainfall and severe flooding to central North Carolina, resulting in at least six fatalities and widespread displacement.

Tropical Storm Chantal developed rapidly over the July Fourth weekend, becoming a named storm by July 5. It made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, on July 6 at approximately 4 a.m. EDT, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. The storm then moved northward into North Carolina, bringing heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions.

The storm's torrential rains, ranging from 9 to 12 inches, led to significant flooding in central counties, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The Eno River in Durham reached record-breaking levels, causing damage to water systems and affecting access to clean drinking water.

The storm resulted in at least six fatalities. Victims included an 83-year-old woman in Chatham County whose car was swept off a rural road, and a 58-year-old woman in Orange County who was found deceased after her vehicle was caught in floodwaters. Additionally, two missing canoers in Chatham County were found dead, and two individuals in Alamance County were found deceased in submerged vehicles.

Emergency responders conducted extensive water rescues, including over 80 in northern Durham and more than 50 in Chapel Hill. The flooding led to the closure of approximately 120 roads statewide. Businesses, such as those in the Eastgate Crossings shopping center in Chapel Hill, suffered severe flooding damage. Power outages affected thousands, with nearly 37,000 reported by Monday morning, primarily in Orange County.

Governor Stein's declaration of a state of emergency enables North Carolina to seek federal aid for recovery efforts. The executive order highlighted that the combination of Chantal and subsequent severe weather had "overwhelmed the response and recovery efforts of local governments."

Tropical Storm Chantal's impact is reminiscent of Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024. Both storms were slow-moving, moderate-strength tropical systems that made landfall in South Carolina before moving into central North Carolina, depositing heavy rainfall and causing significant flooding. However, Chantal's rapid development and the extent of its impact underscore the growing threat posed by quickly forming tropical weather systems.

The severe flooding and loss of life have had profound effects on the affected communities. Displacement of residents, disruption of essential services, and economic losses due to property damage have highlighted the vulnerability of the region to such natural disasters. The event has also sparked discussions on the need for improved infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events.

As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on providing aid to those affected and rebuilding the impacted communities. The state of emergency declaration is a crucial step in mobilizing resources and support to address the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal.