A storm with no name hit the southeastern coast of North Carolina, bringing a deluge of rain exceeding 1 foot in some areas. The disturbance, known as Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, weakened as it moved ashore but still caused significant damage. Volunteer weather stations reported record-breaking rainfall amounts, causing flooding in several communities. Governor Roy Cooper issued a warning against driving through flooded roads due to serious flooding caused by the heavy rainfall. Multiple roads were washed out in Brunswick County, and a tornado warning was issued for central Brunswick County, prompting residents to take cover.
The National Weather Service reported damage to buildings in New Hanover County due to floodwaters. Flash flood events were confirmed in Kelly and other areas, and numerous roads were washed out in Brunswick County. While tornado warnings were issued for various areas, it was unclear if any tornadoes touched down. The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported multiple weather-related road closures, and ferry services were suspended due to the severe weather. Governor Roy Cooper’s office announced enhanced operations at the state’s Emergency Operations Center, with swift water rescue crews on standby to deploy as needed.
By Monday evening, the weather service in Wilmington announced that the worst of the storm had passed, with heavy rain coming to an end and no further flooding expected. The disturbance, located 45 miles west of Cape Fear, was weakening and expected to dissipate over the Carolinas by early Wednesday. Despite earlier gusts of up to 77 mph, sustained winds had diminished to 35 mph, below hurricane status. A small craft advisory warned of dangerous boating conditions along the coast, and large waves were reported off Cape Hatteras.
Eight million people across the Carolinas were under tropical storm watches or warnings as the disturbance continued its path northward. The storm was expected to travel through the central Appalachians, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland before bringing showers to eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and southern New York. Federal and NBC News meteorologists noted that the storm had not had sufficient time to develop over warm Atlantic waters and was unlikely to become a more potent tropical cyclone. The impacts of the storm were felt across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with localized flooding and road closures causing disruptions in the affected areas.
