United States - September 19, 2024

As the remnants of Potential Tropical Cyclone 8 lingered over the Carolinas, it left in its wake a trail of record rainfall, with some areas experiencing over 20 inches of precipitation. The deluge, which has since moved northward to impact New England, has been captured in dramatic detail by drone footage released by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) focusing on NC 133 and US 17 in Brunswick County.

The drone video, showcasing the aftermath of the storm, provides a bird's-eye view of the flooding that has transformed roads into rivers and left communities grappling with the extensive damage. Governor Roy Cooper highlighted the unprecedented nature of this flooding, describing scenes across the North Carolina coast as something "never seen before."

This weather event, although not officially a hurricane when it struck, brought with it the fury of a tropical storm, showcasing the unpredictability and power of weather systems in transition. The system, initially labeled as Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, stalled over the Carolinas, leading to prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall which overwhelmed drainage systems, led to significant river flooding, and posed a severe test to the infrastructure.

The NCDOT's use of drone technology not only aids in assessing the damage but also in planning recovery efforts. The footage from NC 133 and US 17, key arteries through Brunswick County, underscores the challenges residents and emergency services face in restoring normalcy. These roads, vital for both local traffic and as evacuation routes, have been severely compromised, with sections submerged under water.

Further inland, while Western North Carolina narrowly missed the heaviest rainfall, the region saw drought conditions intensify, highlighting the stark contrasts in weather impacts within a single state. This disparity in weather conditions across North Carolina presents a complex recovery scenario, with some areas dealing with too much water while others suffer from too little.