Monday Storms Flood Raleigh Streets Amid Summer’s Weather Whiplash in Central NC

RALEIGH, N.C. — Torrential rains swept through Raleigh and much of central North Carolina on Monday, flooding intersections, stranding drivers, and marking yet another swing in a summer defined by extreme weather.

Downtown Intersections Underwater

Heavy rain fell in bursts during the afternoon, with downtown Raleigh seeing some of the most significant flooding. At Harrington Street and West Johnson Street, near the Smoky Hollow district, water submerged the intersection, forcing vehicles to reverse or find alternate routes.

North Raleigh residents reported similar struggles. Jessie Barnett and Katherine Bardzel, who had walked to a workout class earlier in the evening, opted for an Uber ride home after the streets became impassable. “It’s been a monsoon,” Barnett said. “I’m sure there are hazardous road conditions.”

Flooding Hits Multiple Counties

The storms extended beyond Wake County. Deputies closed Marks Creek Road after water poured across the pavement, while in Goldsboro, flooding swamped Carolina Street, Ash Street, and areas in the north end of town.

Beth Rivera, who works on Harrington Street, said she’s never seen flooding at that location in her four years on the job. “It was pretty shocking. A lot of cars were stopping to back up and turn around,” she said.

Part of a Wet, Unpredictable Summer

This latest round of storms is part of a soggy pattern that began in July, when Tropical Depression Chantal drenched the region, causing millions in damage across Chapel Hill, Durham, and other central North Carolina communities.

In early August, two people in Nash County died after being swept away by floodwaters in Spring Hope. Between these flooding events, residents endured one of the state’s most intense heatwaves on record, with extreme heat warnings lasting for six consecutive days.

Just last week, flooding in Apex washed away part of Olive Chapel Road, a repair that could take months.

Officials Urge Caution on Flooded Roads

Police are reminding drivers to avoid crossing flooded streets. “Turn around, don’t drown,” authorities warn, noting that even a few inches of moving water can carry a vehicle.

The WRAL Weather app and local alerts can provide residents with live updates as more unsettled weather is expected in the coming weeks.

Central North Carolina’s summer of weather whiplash is far from over — and with hurricane season entering its peak, forecasters caution residents to prepare for more storms ahead.

How has this summer’s weather impacted your community? Share your story in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.