Governor Stein Declares Emergency for Chantal Recovery

RALEIGH, NC – Today, Governor Josh Stein officially declared a State of Emergency for 13 North Carolina counties, a crucial step to support and accelerate long-term recovery efforts following the widespread flooding unleashed by Tropical Storm Chantal. This declaration, made in accordance with the North Carolina Emergency Management Act, is vital for unlocking both state and federal recovery assistance for the hardest-hit communities.

"Tropical Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property. We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This State of Emergency will help get North Carolinians the support they need and enable the state to seek out potential funding to help communities rebuild.”

Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall in central North Carolina on July 7, delivering a relentless deluge of rain, with some areas reporting staggering totals of 9 to 12 inches. The storm caused record or near-record water levels in major waterways, including the Haw River, Eno River, and Jordan Lake. The resultant flooding inflicted significant damage on critical infrastructure, as well as public and private property. Sections of major highways were submerged and closed, and numerous communities experienced road closures and forced evacuations.

Since July 5, the State Emergency Response Team has been fully activated, working in close coordination with local emergency managers and first responders. Their immediate response included deploying Search and Rescue Teams, including Swift Water Rescue, providing local Emergency Operations Center incident management team personnel, delivering bottled water, and dispatching specialized personnel for infrastructure restoration. Additionally, shower trailers, water sampling kits, personal protective equipment, and a Mobile Event Response Trailer were supplied to aid ongoing efforts.

While the State Emergency Response Team can be mobilized for immediate response without a formal declaration, moving into the recovery phase necessitates a State of Emergency to facilitate comprehensive state and federal aid. The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management is currently collaborating with local officials to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Chantal. This detailed assessment, conducted in concert with federal partners, will ultimately determine the scope of additional support available to residents, businesses, and local governments to expedite the recovery process and cover response-related expenses.

The State of Emergency covers the following counties: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, and Wake.