Storm at the coast: Tornado warnings, 15+ inches of rain, life-threatening flooding

Heavy rain and strong winds from Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 are pounding North Carolina’s coast.

Monday morning, Wrightsville Beach was enduring thunder, lightning, strong winds and pouring rain. Beachgoers told WRAL News waves were crashing onto the top of Johnnie Mercers pier.

Conditions were worse in Carolina Beach, where many homes were flooded with up to 6 inches of standing water.

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A Carolina Beach resident told WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner it’s “impossible” to drive on the island, where, as of 1 p.m., radar estimates showed between 14 and 15 inches of rain had already fallen.

One rainfall gauge showed 18 inches of rain at Carolina Beach, according to a post from the National Weather Center in Wilmington. At the Wilmington airport, 3.61 inches of rainfall were reported.

Live look at conditions in Carolina Beach

Before 12 p.m., the town of Carolina Beach posted photos of cars with tires half-covered by floodwaters and back porches partially underwater, writing: “Life-threatening flash flooding is ongoing in Carolina Beach where volunteer rain gauges and radar are estimating over 15 inches of rain may have fallen.”

The Wilmington Fire Department’s “highwater vehicle” was sent to Carolina Beach to help with flash flooding calls, according to the city.

Drownings are a leading cause of death from tropical systems, and it’s important to not drive through floodwaters, even if the water appears low. Only 6 inches of water can make you lose control of your car, and less than 2 feet of water can sweep cars off the road.

Many schools in the area dismissed early on Wednesday, including Brunswick and New Hanover school districts.

WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels shared a photo from his family, showing flooded roads in the town of Saint James in Brunswick County. More than 13 inches of rain fell there, according to NWC Wilmington.

Much of the coast is under a tropical storm warning. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts at the coast are expected to reach up to 60 mph, and storm surge could reach 1 to 3 feet.