Wet July: Residents concerned about more flooding after intense rain midway through month

Many residents are still cleaning up after several bouts of rain through central North Carolina, and some residents in Orange and Durham counties said they’re concerned about more.

It’s been a soggy July. In the first 15 days of the month this year, we’ve had nearly five inches of rain at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. According to WRAL meteorologists, it’s more than 2 inches above the normal amount of rainfall in July.

Three days this month have had more than an inch of rain fall. In July 2024, we had 3.66 inches of rain for the entire month.

On Tuesday, some areas in Chapel Hill saw more rain in their communities, with some roadways becoming flooded again. 

Many residents, including Ricky Chandler, said they are bracing for even more as they continue cleaning up from Tropical Depression Chantal.

“This is one of the worst ones I’ve seen come down this area,” said Chandler, adding that his street flooded in a matter of minutes.

“I went inside, I came back out and the whole driveway, the creek and the ditch were all overflowing.”

In Durham County, downed trees at one family farm nearly missed their animals. As the storms rolled through the afternoon, they were concerned that more would come down.

“It’s wooded all around here. Any of these trees could be next,” said Noah Tilley, who owns the farm.  “I would rather it fall on the barn than the house. I am concerned, but praying for the best that nothing will happen.”

Residents will get some relief on Wednesday, as WRAL meteorologists said the flooding risk is expected to be further in Virginia.