Flash Flood — Mecklenburg, North Carolina

2008-08-27 · near North Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina

Event narrative

Severe flash flooding developed along Briar Creek in east Charlotte. Numerous cars were submerged on Independence Bvd, with some rescues required. Numerous evacuations were required of homes and apartments along the creek, as water entered dozens of structures. Uninsured losses included major damage to 147 homes and 1 business. Affected roads included Dunlavin Way, Harbinger Ct, Chantilly Lane, Cavalier Ct, and Dolphin Lane. Several houses and one apartment complex on these streets were condemned by the city.

Wider weather episode

The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay stalled just west of the Appalachian mountains, resulting in a prolonged, moist south to southeasterly flow over western North Carolina. During the early morning hours of Wed, August 27th, rainfall became especially heavy over the western North Carolina Piedmont as the southerly winds were lifted over a weak stationary front. Storm total rainfall in this area averaged 8 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts, resulting in significant urban and stream flooding.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.2590, -80.7592)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 131055. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.