Widespread flash flooding from heavy rains washes out roads, leaves thousands without power in North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A line of strong storms brought record rainfall, flash flooding and widespread power outages to the Charlotte, North Carolina region Thursday morning as the Carolinas deal with a second day of torrential rain.

Multiple emergency crews in several counties responded to swift water rescues, including Iredell and Alexander counties. In Alexander County, more than a dozen first responders were called to the Hiddenite Family Campground, where a group of about 20 campers were trapped by rising waters. First Warn meteorologist Chris Mulcahy reported more than 30 people were rescued as multiple homes were evacuated due to floodwaters. 

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 11 a.m. Thursday in Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Rowan counties. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for most of the WCNC Charlotte viewing area as heavy rains are expected to last throughout the morning. 

Chief meteorologist Brad Panovich reported Charlotte already set a single-day rainfall record for 2020 with 3.68″ at the airport. The previous high was on February 6, when Charlotte recorded 3.16″.  Panovich tweeted that the Little Sugar Creek also set a record high Thursday, breaking the mark set back in 1997. 

The South Yadkin River overflowed it’s banks pouring water into fields and roadways and flooding vehicles and buildings. 

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In Catawba County, officials declared a State of Emergency due to extensive flooding, power outages and road closures. The hazardous conditions were widespread in the foothills, where schools were put on a delay or switched to remote learning. Duke Energy estimated nearly 2,500 people were without power in Catawba County due to the storms. Nearly 400 people lost electricity in Alexander County.

WCNC Charlotte meteorologist Chris Mulcahy spotted major flooding during a drive in the Chevy Storm Tracker. 

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Heavy flooding was also reported in Burke County where officials issued a State of Emergency as well. Flooding made several roads impassable.  In Bethel Park, water covered the ground and began rising in areas. School officials moved students to a remote learning day due to flooding concerns.

Panovich said Hunting Creek in Morganton hit a new record high with the water level still rising.

In Iredell County, fire crews responded to a washed out bridge on Cattlemans Road.  Fire officials said a vehicle got trapped on the bridge. Everyone got out OK, but the vehicle was trapped in flood waters. Numerous roads were totally washed out in the county during the storms. 

In Cornelius, the police department had to close Bailey Road between Poole Place Drive and Delmas Drive due to flooding. 

Huntersville Police tweeted they had to close at least one lane of Same Furr Road between Northcross Drive and Lindholm Drive, near the Birkdale Shopping Center.  A westbound lane was closed but officials also said they were preparing to close the road completely if flooding continued. 

Major flooding was also reported along Interstate 85 in the Charlotte area.  Emergency crews were called to I-85 northbound at Little Rock Road for flooding in the roadway.  At least 4 out of 5 lanes of the interstate were closed due to flooding for some time Thursday morning. 

Panovich said the area had already broken a rainfall record for the day with more than two inches of rain in Charlotte.  

RELATED: Reported water rescue at Alexander County campground, schools on delay as heavy rain moves across Carolinas