Flash Floods Ravage Alamance County: Rescue Operations Underway

Burlington, NC – July 16, 2025 – Alamance County, North Carolina, is grappling with severe flash flooding triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, transforming streets into raging rivers and prompting urgent rescue operations. The deluge, compounded by already saturated ground from Tropical Storm Chantal earlier this month, has caused significant property damage, disrupted infrastructure, and mobilized local and state emergency response teams to assist stranded residents.

Unprecedented Rainfall Sparks Crisis

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported rainfall totals in central North Carolina ranging from 200 to 600 percent above normal, with Alamance County among the hardest hit. On July 6, Tropical Storm Chantal dumped up to 12 inches of rain across the region, saturating the ground and setting the stage for further flooding. Recent thunderstorms, with rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour, have exacerbated the situation, leading to flash flood warnings that remained in effect for Alamance County until 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15.

The Haw River, a critical waterway in Alamance County, has been a focal point of the flooding. On Thursday, July 10, the river reached a stage of 21.5 feet, surpassing its flood stage of 18.0 feet, causing significant overflow and flooding areas like Red Slide Park and Lang Street. The NWS forecasted that the river would crest at 20.4 feet, with warnings extended until Friday, July 11, for areas near Haw River and Bynum in nearby Chatham County.

Rescue Operations and Evacuations

Emergency response teams have been working tirelessly to address the crisis. Water rescue teams were dispatched across Alamance County as streets became impassable, with videos showing homes and cars submerged in floodwaters. In Mebane, a voluntary evacuation order was issued due to the risk of Lake Michael Dam failure, affecting areas downstream including Retriever Lane, Lake Michael Way, and Broad Oak Drive. Residents were directed to the Mebane Arts Center for shelter, and a dedicated emergency operations center was established, reachable at 919-304-9235.

In nearby Moore County, three swift-water rescues were reported, and in High Point, fire crews rescued approximately two dozen people from water-related emergencies between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office confirmed one storm-related death in Mebane, adding to the tragic toll of at least eight fatalities across central North Carolina, including three in Chatham County and one in Orange County.

Governor Josh Stein visited Alamance and Orange Counties on July 7 to survey the damage and thank first responders. “Our hearts go out to the families who lost a loved one during the storm,” Stein said during a press conference at Lake Michael Park. “I am grateful to the local and state emergency responders who worked quickly to evacuate people and keep so many people safe.”

Widespread Property Damage and Infrastructure Challenges

The flooding has caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In Alamance County, residential areas in Elon and commercial properties in Mebane have been severely impacted. The Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant sustained significant damage, leading to strict water usage restrictions and a 40 percent reduction in water use for residents. Volunteers and local businesses, including Foothills Brewing in Winston-Salem, have stepped in to distribute drinking water, while the Alamance County Community YMCA opened its shower facilities to Mebane residents.

Road closures have further complicated recovery efforts. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported over 120 roads closed across the region, though major routes like I-40/85 in Alamance County have reopened after safety inspections. Duke Energy reported 400 outages affecting 18,000 customers in central North Carolina, with floodwaters hindering repair efforts.

Community Resilience and Ongoing Recovery

Local leaders and residents are rallying to support recovery efforts. Alamance County’s investment in emergency services, including a partially publicly funded rescue unit, has been credited with effective response to stranded motorists and flooded areas. A call center (336-790-0440) has been established to assist residents, and health officials are advising on post-flood cleanup, including disinfecting wells and inspecting septic systems.

Residents like Amanda Hodge, who lives near Snow Camp, have been forced to seek temporary shelter with family due to the severity of the flooding. “This is worse than Fran in 1996,” Hodge told WXII, describing the scene near Friendship Patterson Mill Road. Meanwhile, social media posts on X have highlighted the ongoing crisis, with users urging residents to stay off roads and sharing images of submerged homes and vehicles.

Safety Advisories and Future Preparedness

The NWS and local officials continue to emphasize safety, warning against driving through flooded roads, as just 12 inches of fast-moving water can sweep away vehicles. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” remains a critical message, with six inches of water sufficient to knock a person off their feet. Residents are urged to move to higher ground, avoid submerged electrical outlets, and contact 911 if trapped by floodwaters.

As climate change contributes to heavier rainfall and slower-moving storms, experts warn that such events may become more frequent. Alamance County’s emergency management officials are encouraging residents to prepare disaster kits, sign up for public notification systems, and consider flood insurance, as standard homeowner policies do not cover flood damage.

Looking Ahead

While the worst of the rainfall has subsided, recovery efforts are ongoing, complicated by the potential for additional storms. The NWS has forecasted scattered thunderstorms with the possibility of further flash flooding, particularly in urban areas. Residents are advised SHE advised to stay updated via local news, social media, and resources like DriveNC.gov for real-time information on road closures and safety advisories.

For assistance or further information, contact the Alamance County Emergency Management call center at 336-790-0440 or visit www.alamance-nc.com for updates on recovery efforts.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.