VIDEO/PHOTOS: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Tuesday declared a state of emergency in southeastern counties as more than 50 roads along with many schools and businesses were still closed after a no-name storm hit the coast, spawning a tornado and dumping nearly 21 inches of rain near Wilmington Monday.
North Carolina braced for a storm that forecasters warned could bring heavy rain — as much as 6 to 8 inches in some spots. But one narrow band got a “firehose” that dumped historic rain amounts in a so-called 1,000-year flood, triggering flash floods that damaged many homes, businesses and roads.
As of Tuesday, 52 roads in 12 counties were closed including seven key routes and a main coastal highway with the majority in Brunswick County, which has closed schools this entire week.