Torrential Flooding Devastates Chapel Hill: Emergency Declared, Recovery Underway

Death toll continues to rise why authorities search for missing members of the community

Image Credit, Chris Johnson

Chapel Hill, NC — July 7, 2025, Chapel Hill is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding that submerged large parts of the town over the weekend. The relentless rainfall, fueled by the remnants of Tropical Depression Chantal, dumped between 5 to 14 inches across central North Carolina within 24 hours, pushing rivers past record levels and overwhelming critical infrastructure.

In a matter of hours, quiet creeks became raging rivers. The Eno River rose above 25 feet, while the Haw River surged past 32.5 feet—its second-highest crest on record. Flash floods swept through residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and major thoroughfares, triggering a widespread emergency response.

Orange and Moore Counties declared states of emergency as dozens of roads became impassable or were completely washed out. Power outages peaked at more than 30,000 customers across Orange, Durham, Chatham, and Alamance counties. Substations were inundated, and power restoration efforts remain ongoing.

In Chapel Hill, emergency services carried out more than 60 water rescues, evacuating residents from flood-ravaged communities including Camelot Village, Airport Gardens, Booker Creek, and Bolinwood. Many displaced residents were brought to the Seymour Center on Homestead Road, which was transformed into an emergency reception hub offering shelter, food, water, and support staff.

Floodwaters surged through the Eastgate Crossing shopping center, gutting storefronts and damaging structures. On Franklin Street and Fordham Boulevard, flood debris and erosion left parts of the roads completely impassable. More than 100 roads across the region remain closed as crews work to assess and repair the damage.

Transit services were suspended during the height of the flooding, with Chapel Hill Transit expected to resume limited service by noon Monday. Town officials confirmed that local government offices remain closed as recovery efforts intensify.

While rainfall has slowed, the threat is not over. Water levels are beginning to recede, but downstream areas remain vulnerable, particularly near Lake Michael Dam in Mebane, where dam integrity concerns prompted voluntary evacuation advisories. Emergency crews continue to monitor river levels and dam stability.

Looking ahead, forecasters warn that Chantal’s remnants will push northeast, bringing additional flood risks to parts of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania through Tuesday. Locally, flash flood warnings remain in effect as saturated soil and swollen rivers continue to pose hazards.

Town leaders have urged residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, avoid contact with floodwaters, and remain alert to changing weather and safety conditions. Utility crews, public works, and volunteers are working around the clock, but officials stress that recovery will take time—possibly weeks in some areas.

Chapel Hill is no stranger to storms, but this weekend’s deluge has tested the town’s emergency systems, infrastructure, and community resilience. Even so, the swift mobilization of first responders and the solidarity among neighbors is a testament to the town’s enduring spirit.

For now, Chapel Hill remains in crisis mode, but the road to recovery has begun.