Heavy rainfall has inundated Carolina Beach, North Carolina, prompting the mayor to declare a state of emergency. The city received over 10 inches of rain in just four hours, leading to widespread flooding. Emergency services are overwhelmed with rescue calls as residents and businesses are trapped. High-clearance vehicles have been deployed to reach the most affected areas. Even storm water crews have been impacted, requiring rescue from the dangerous conditions.
CAROLINA BEACH, N.C.- As Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight spins near the coast of North Carolina on Monday, one coastal town has declared a state of emergency because of the flooding caused by the storm.
Officials in Carolina Beach urged residents to stay home as the town deals with the more than 15 inches of rain that has fallen since since midnight.
Videos from the town showed cars being towed from flooded streets and vehicles driving through high floodwaters. Carolina Beach officials urged people not to drive through flooded roads.
WATCH: NORTH CAROLINA GETS HAMMERED BY POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE 8
(FOX Weather)
In a post to Facebook, Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee said the fire department has received calls for rescue from residents trapped in flooded homes or businesses. The mayor also said stormwater crews have been saved from rising floodwaters.
“Folks, do not go out,” Barbee wrote in the post. “Dow is barely passable. Hennikers ditch is full. EOC is getting to folks as fast as they can. There are two dozen of the most talented professionals working hard for you.”
In an afternoon update, the mayor said people were sheltering at Carolina Beach Town Hall. High-water vehicles continued to rescue people trapped in flooding.
Carolina Beach Elementary School is reportedly flooded, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington. New Hanover County Schools, the district for Carolina Beach Elementary, dismissed schools two hours early due to flooding and weather conditions.
Carolina Beach Town Hall and the Recreation Center were also closed. A post from the town on Facebook said the buildings are set to reopen Tuesday.
Powerful winds and heavy rainfall are causing havoc across parts of southeastern North Carolina on Monday as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight approaches the coast of South Carolina. FOX Weather Meteorologist and Storm Specialist Mike Seidel is live from Carolina Beach, North Carolina.