Residents and visitors alike often base their reaction to storms on whether they're named — and in the case of hurricanes, their category. But in this case, the tropical cyclone got only an unassuming number.

The storm, which brought record-breaking rainfall to the Cape Fear region, left Carolina Beach grappling with unprecedented flooding, leaving residents and businesses reeling. The town, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant boardwalk, found itself submerged in water, forcing rescues and prompting a state of emergency.

Unforeseen Impacts

Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee described the storm's impact as a "life safety day." The town's emergency response center received about a hundred calls for property damage, but these were put on the back burner as first responders focused on rescuing those in life-threatening situations.

"I think we all took it a little too lightly," Barbee said, referring to the lack of a named storm. "I talked to tourists stranded here and driving through this because they had heard nothing of it." The mayor was stationed at town hall, fielding calls from residents and touring the storm's damage. By mid-morning, he declared a state of emergency.

The town also had to transport around 60 people who first responders rescued from the rising waters in their homes and hotels. Barbee was relieved to report no injuries, stating that "everyone had a safe place to sleep last night." The town and New Hanover County had water rescue vehicles on hand, a necessity as Barbee discovered that regular SUVs couldn't reach people in need.

A Day of Rescue and Recovery

The mayor lauded the first responders who "were out there running towards problems all day." He praised their dedication in rescuing people and ensuring they had somewhere safe to go, even bringing them to the town hall where Red Cross staff and volunteers provided aid.

Barbee also acknowledged the criticism faced by the New Hanover County Schools for holding school on Monday, given the storm's sudden nature. However, he expressed gratitude that the children at Carolina Beach Elementary who didn't go home on the bus were safely rescued and taken home. He described the scene as "just amazing", with military-style vehicles, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and school teachers working together to ensure the safety of the students.

By Tuesday, the floodwaters were receding, but some roads remained closed. Barbee advised residents to stay home unless their travel was essential, urging them to "turn around, don't drown" if they encountered flooded roadways. He emphasized that Tuesday was a transition day, with crews assessing damage and the town working to understand the full extent of the situation.

Businesses Face Significant Losses

While the town was spared from major injuries, businesses along Lake Park Boulevard and in the Central Business district bore the brunt of the damage. The storm brought anywhere from a couple of inches of rain to over a foot of water, leaving many businesses flooded.

"I do know that a number of businesses have flooded, especially along Lake Park Boulevard and in that Central Business district," Barbee said. "Some of those businesses have anywhere from a couple of inches of rain to over a foot,” adding they’re hoping to help those owners throughout the day.

Barbee scheduled a call with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to discuss damage assessments and explore available disaster relief funding. He was expected to provide a clearer picture of the situation later Tuesday afternoon.

Rainfall Totals and Damage Assessment

The storm's impact was felt across the Cape Fear region, with New Hanover County experiencing record rainfall. From Monday midnight to Monday afternoon, the county received a staggering 18.32 inches of rain, described as an event that happens only once every thousand years.

"It just came down unbelievably fast," said resident and business owner Jeff Clemens. "It was way worse than Florence." Clemens, whose business on the boardwalk was severely affected, echoed the sentiments of many residents, describing the flooding as unprecedented.

Carolina Beach, along with Kure Beach, declared a state of emergency. The town's mayor, Lynn Barbee, confirmed there were 115 rescues on Monday, including 14 animal rescues. Officials are reviewing damage assessments to determine the next steps for cleanup, with a decision on debris cleanup expected on Tuesday evening or Wednesday.

State Response and Governor's Message

Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for New Hanover County, acknowledging the severity of the situation. He also urged residents to remain vigilant as additional rainfall was expected through the afternoon, warning of the potential for ongoing flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

"Yesterday’s weather system reinforces why we prepare for the worst impacts of a storm and do not focus on the category or whether it is a named system," said Governor Cooper. "As we move into today, please be safe as there are many roadways impacted and unsafe conditions persisting around the state. Check on your neighbors, do not drive through flooded areas and do not let your guard down, as additional rainfall is expected through the afternoon."

A Community Pulls Together

The storm's aftermath highlighted the resilience and community spirit of Carolina Beach. Residents, businesses, and first responders worked together to navigate the challenging conditions. As the town began the recovery process, there was a palpable sense of unity, with neighbors checking on one another and offering support. This spirit of collaboration is expected to be a vital force as the town moves forward in the days and weeks to come.

The storm's impact on Carolina Beach served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of preparedness. As the town rebuilds and recovers, the resilience of its residents and the strength of its community will undoubtedly play a significant role in its path to recovery.

Looking Ahead

Carolina Beach faces a long road to recovery, but the community is united in its efforts. The town's leaders are working tirelessly to assess damages, secure resources, and support residents and businesses impacted by the storm. As the floodwaters recede and the debris is cleared, the focus will shift to rebuilding and restoration. However, the memories of the unprecedented flooding will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness and the strength of a community coming together in the face of adversity.