In Chatham County, North Carolina, officials are urging caution following the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal that left roads flooded and damage in its wake. According to a report by Chatham County, emergency services have been inundated with calls regarding the severe weather impacts, which include flooded roads and transportation incidents.
Emergency response teams are now collaborating with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to address the aftermath, as several roads remain impassible. Key closures include NC-902 near Chatham Central High School and Gilmore Road, off of Poythress Road in North Chatham. As the assessment of damages continues, officials warn that further closures may come as conditions shift. Chatham County Manager Bryan Thompson advised residents, saying, “We appreciate the public’s patience as emergency crews, and transportation officials work to assess and address storm impacts.”
Chatham County is actively communicating safety measures to its residents. They've emphasized not driving unless it is necessary and pointedly warned against attempting to drive through floodwaters which could conceal hazards or critical road damage. The call to provide the necessary space and time for emergency and transportation crews to carry out their responsibilities efficiently was reiterated in the report.
With the emphasis on public safety and aiding recovery, Steve Newton, Chatham County Emergency Management Director, conveyed a strong message to the community: “The safety of our residents and responders is our top priority,” adding, “We strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads if possible and to avoid driving through floodwaters. Turn around—don’t drown.” These sentiments echo the county's stance on ensuring that the path to normality is not hampered by additional risks or road-related incidents.
For continued updates and guidance, residents are encouraged to stay informed through the official communication channels provided by Chatham County 911/Emergency Management. As conditions continue to be monitored, updates on the recovery process and safety advisories will be communicated to the public accordingly.
