Flash Flood — Mecklenburg, North Carolina

2024-08-08 · near Dixie, Mecklenburg, North Carolina

Event narrative

Multiple sources reported flash flooding developed across the Charlotte area after 4.5 to 6 inches of rain fell across Mecklenburg County in association with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Debby. A gauge on McMullen Creek exceeded flood stage, indicating inundation of Addison Dr with as much as a foot of water, while Lincrest Place was also flooded. A gauge on Mallard Creek in the northeast part of the city also exceeded flood stage, indicating inundation of Pavillion Blvd, N Tryon St, and E Mallard Creek Church Rd as well as portions of the Mallard Creek Greenway. Stewart Creek overflowed its banks near Uptown and sent water flowing over W Morehead St. Paw Creek flooded near Charlotte Douglas Airport, with water surrounding several manufactured homes off Wilkinson Blvd. Water from tributaries of McAlpine Creek inundated a couple of roads in South Charlotte. Additionally, some significant urban flooding developed, with Highway 74 closed and a vehicle stalled in flood water between Sam Wilson Rd and Old Dowd Rd. Also, water covered Hawthorne Lane under a railway bridge, resulting in stranding of a vehicle.

Wider weather episode

The remnants Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in the Florida Big Bend on the 5th, lifted steadily northeast across southeast Georgia before turning north through the South Carolina coastal plain and the North Carolina Piedmont on the 7th and 8th. Rainfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches with locally higher amounts resulted in flash flooding across portions of western North Carolina. In addition, very gusty winds caused scattered downed trees, which resulted in sporadic damage to structures.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.2370, -80.9960)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1213600. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.