By Alyssa Kemp, NLIHC Disaster Housing Recovery Intern
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, on July 6, 2025 before stalling over central North Carolina and unleashing record-setting rainfall. Some areas, including near Moncure in Chatham County, received more than 11 inches of rain. Widespread flooding affected the region, particularly Chapel Hill, Durham, Chatham, Alamance, Moore, and Orange counties, resulting in multiple dam breaches, power outages, water rescues, and closed roads. The National Weather Service also confirmed four EF-1 tornadoes accompanying the storm. Chantal’s rapid intensification and extreme rainfall are consistent with broader trends in climate-driven tropical weather systems.
At least six storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina, with fatalities reported in Chatham (three), Alamance (two), and Orange (one) Counties. Victims included individuals swept away in vehicles and two missing boaters later found deceased on Jordan Lake.
Four central North Carolina counties, Alamance, Orange, Chatham, and Moore, declared states of emergency, with two local emergency operation centers activated. Mebane also declared a state of emergency following flood-related damage to the Graham-Mebane water treatment plant, which caused local water shortages. The North Carolina Emergency Management Division (NCEM) continues to coordinate response efforts, resource deployment, rescue teams, and personnel to support affected communities.
Tropical Storm Chantal caused extensive damage across both North and South Carolina, with preliminary loss estimates reaching $6 billion. Housing damage accounts for a portion of the loss. For example, in North Carolina, dozens of Chapel Hill residents were forced from their homes and apartments in areas such as Camelot Village, Airport Gardens, Willow Drive, Bolinwood Condominiums, and Booker Creek Townhouse Apartments. In response, the Red Cross opened emergency shelters in Durham to assist displaced residents. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed in the state.
The nonprofit Crisis Cleanup has activated its helpline, (910) 218-1569, to connect impacted households with volunteer organizations able to assist in cleanup efforts. Community member-run Mutual aid groups like Triangle Mutual Aid have also activated and are working to support impacted individuals.
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal, NLIHC and the Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition (DHRC) are monitoring housing impacts and advocating for an equitable recovery. Through our DHR work, we focus on low-income renters, people experiencing homelessness, and communities historically marginalized in disaster responses. The NLIHC-led DHRC, over 900 local, state, and national organizations, works to ensure recovery efforts prioritize those with the greatest needs.
Read FEMA’s hurricane preparation advice at: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
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