Lincolnton, NC (WNN)— A series of slow-moving thunderstorms brought severe rain to Lincolnton, North Carolina on Wednesday, July 9th. This caused flash flooding that disrupted traffic and damaged property.
Over four inches of rain fell within a few hours, overwhelming parts of the city. On Wednesday night, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Lincoln County as water started to gather on roads and in areas prone to flooding. The storm's slow movement caused intense rainfall to linger, heightening the chance of flooding.
Downtown Lincolnton was among the hardest-hit areas. Streets turned into rivers as water rushed through Main Street and the surrounding roads. Sidewalks, parking lots, and storefronts were submerged. Videos shared by residents on social media showed floodwaters submerging parked vehicles.
City officials responded by closing multiple streets and deploying emergency crews to assess the situation.
Several main roads were closed for a while due to water accumulation and scattered debris. Local authorities advised drivers to avoid flooded zones, pointing out the risks of hidden sinkholes or washed-out pavement lying underneath. No significant injuries were noted, but emergency services stayed alert during the night as the rain continued.
On Thursday morning, public works crews began checking storm drains to evaluate possible blockages and any lasting damage to the infrastructure.
Cleanup efforts began shortly after the water started to recede early Thursday morning. As meteorologists warn of more storms, residents are urged to prepare for potential storms in the next few days.
While floodwaters have mostly diminished, it may take days to assess the damage. Take caution when driving in town, as some roads may still be severely flooded.
Lincoln County Emergency Services has created an alert system for those who may need it. The system enables them to provide critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. Click here to sign up for it.