Devastating rainfall causes chaos in North Carolina as flood warnings persist

A severe storm system resulted in historic rainfall in parts of North Carolina, inundating highways and stranding drivers. Flash flood watches continued in the southeastern part of the state with potential severe thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rainfall to the High Plains and Rockies. Wind gusts of up to 77 mph were reported along the state’s coastline, causing significant damage and forcing road closures. Some areas received levels of rain seen only once every 1,000 years, leading to a state of emergency being declared in towns like Carolina Beach and Oak Island. The storm was too disorganized to be classified as a tropical system but had similar impacts. Rescues were carried out by emergency personnel, and schools, offices, parks, and libraries remained closed in affected areas. The storm also impacted parts of Florida with flood warnings and dangerous rip currents. Moving northward, the storm was expected to dissipate by Wednesday. In the western U.S., a separate strong low-pressure system was forecasted to bring severe thunderstorms, gusty winds, and showers to the central Plains and Rockies, with a risk of large hail and strong wind gusts in certain areas.

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