A possible tropical system has caused “historic rainfall” in various regions of North Carolina, leading to flooded highways and stranding drivers, while flash flood warnings remain in effect for the southeastern areas of the state. Severe thunderstorms are also predicted to bring heavy rain to the High Plains and Rocky Mountains on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday morning, parts of southeastern Virginia and North Carolina were still under flood watches, following the storm that brought what are described as 1-in-1,000-year rain levels to some locations. For instance, Carolina Beach, located roughly 10 miles south of Wilmington, received over 18 inches of rain in just 12 hours, as reported by the National Weather Service.

Wind speeds reaching 77 mph lashed the coastal areas of the state, according to Weather.com. Flash flood alerts remained in effect until 6:45 a.m. Tuesday for regions of Carteret and Craven counties, where the threat of “life-threatening flash flooding” persists.

While the storm system has not yet developed into a tropical storm, its effects are expected to be significant, as stated by AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva. The National Hurricane Center lifted tropical storm warnings early Monday evening.

In reaction to the severe flooding, both Carolina Beach and Oak Island, about 30 miles south of Wilmington, declared a state of emergency on Monday.

The flooding has led to road closures, building damages, and left some residents stranded on highways. Authorities warned via X about the flooding in Carolina Beach roads, which were reported to be at least 3 feet underwater, with images showing a van submerged in water.

The fire department of Carolina Beach rescued 57 individuals and 12 pets on Monday between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to Mayor Lynn Barbee. Additionally, police rescued 12 people using a 5-ton vehicle during the same timeframe, Barbee reported on Facebook.

Due to flooding, children were transported home from Carolina Beach schools in high-water vehicles after buses were unable to navigate the flooded streets, as reported by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

<p”The North Carolina Transportation Department has indicated that some roads in the southeastern part of the state will remain closed for an indefinite period. Drivers are advised to avoid roads while emergency repairs are underway, including repairs to several damaged bridges.

Many individuals faced hours of being stranded on Highway 17 outside Wilmington, while others sought refuge at an Exxon gas station along the highway, as shared by the Wilmington Star News, affiliated with the YSL News Network.

In Brunswick County, which borders Wilmington to the west, law enforcement and public safety officials have been actively delivering food, water, and supplies to drivers stuck by flooded roads and highways, according to an official statement.

On Tuesday, public schools, government offices, parks, and libraries in the county remain closed. An evening curfew was implemented for residents and visitors in unincorporated regions, urging them to stay indoors until 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

In Southport, a city along the county’s eastern shoreline with a population of around 4,000, eyewitness reports documented approximately 23 inches of rain in 48 hours. During a live broadcast from the area, AccuWeather meteorologist Aaron Jayjack witnessed a bridge collapse behind him, causing a vehicle and its driver to plunge into the water. Fortunately, the driver was rescued by bystanders with minor injuries, Jayjack reported live.

Flood Warnings Issued for Florida Beaches, Thunderstorms Expected in Northern Plains

The storm system also affected parts of Florida, where flood warnings are in place for the northeastern coast until early Wednesday. The beaches in this area experienced dangerous rip currents and surf conditions with waves up to 6 feet, according to the Florida Times-Union, also part of the YSL News Network.

Forecasts indicate that the storm will continue to move north across North Carolina into the Mid-Atlantic, creating thunderstorms and heavy rain until it dissipates on Wednesday.

Simultaneously, a strong low-pressure storm system is forecast to develop in the western U.S. on Tuesday, moving through the central Plains and into the Rockies, bringing a potential for severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and rain, per the Storm Prediction Center.

In the northern High Plains, where the threat of thunderstorms is highest, the storm may produce isolated large hail. Areas in northeastern Colorado, northwestern Kansas, and western Nebraska should be prepared for wind gusts exceeding 70 mph.