Latest: Central NC braces for possible flooding, power outages as more storms approach

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Central North Carolina is bracing for another round of severe thunderstorms and possible on Wednesday night, prompting a WRAL Weather Alert Day.

Many areas throughout the state are still recovering from flooding caused by Tropical Depression Chantal on Sunday.

The greatest flooding threat is from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday in the counties west of Wake County. Damaging winds are possible and loose soil will make it easier for trees to fall, so power outages are also a concern.

Here’s a look at the latest information:

Latest

5:30 p.m.: The state is opening a victim assistance center [VAC] to help pepole impacted by flooding from Chantal,  North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced Wednesdday.

Representatives with the North Carolina Department of Insurance will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at 510 SEven Oaks Road in Durham to help people in need of insurance-related support from the storm.

“The VAC will help to give in-person and on-the-ground recovery assistance and provide insurance-related support to those directly impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal,” Causey said.

3:30 p.m.: The city of Mebane has less than two days of drinking water as of Wednesday afternoon, and it could be days before the situation is back to normal, city leader said.

The shortage is because the city’s water treatment plant got flooded during Tropical Depression Chantal on Sunday night.

About 6 feet of water got into the treatment plant, flooding the controls and taking the plant off line.

City leaders are asking residents not to use water for anything other than:

  • Limited drinking water
  • Limited restroom usage
  • Required medical usage

3 p.m.: Hillsborough’s boil water notice has been lifted, but the town’s water system remains vulnerable as its main treatment plant is offline.

“Testing of water samples found no bacteria in the system. However, customers are urged to continue to conserve water to maintain water supply in the system because the Water Treatment Plant is offline,” said a statement posted on the town’s website.

Hillsborough’s system remains fragile as it relies on an interconnection with the city of Durham for water. Town leaders warn that a drastic increase in water use could cause a loss of system pressure and supply.