Severe storms swept through High Point, North Carolina, on the evening of March 15, 2024, leading to widespread flooding and significant emergency responses. The High Point Fire Department reported a total of 23 calls for service, which included 19 water rescues as residents faced rising water levels and structural damage.
Emergency calls began around 20:30 and continued until approximately 02:00 the following day. Firefighters addressed multiple incidents related to the storm, including submerged vehicles, downed trees, and structural collapses caused by the intense weather.
Among the incidents were:
– 19 water-related rescues
– 2 structural collapses
– 3 structure fires
– 4 traffic crashes
The areas most affected included Blair Park Golf Course, Brentwood Street, and the Rivermead Community off Eastchester Drive. Residents reported rapid flooding that made roads impassable and posed dangers to those attempting to navigate through the high waters.
Joshua Johnson, a resident of Lexington Avenue, described the scene as reminiscent of a beach resort. “When I opened my door, I noticed it looked like Myrtle Beach out here,” he stated. Johnson recounted that the floodwaters reached knee-deep levels, prompting concerns for his safety. “Once I started seeing it get to my third step, I said, ‘Yeah, I am starting to panic a little bit,’” he added.
David Caudel, living just a few miles away on Rivermeade Drive, similarly reported the impact of the storm. “It was constant rain … thunder and lightning. Flooded the front and the back to the point where cars were stuck,” he said. His backyard resembled a river, with only a few inches of his neighbor’s fence visible above the waterline.
By Thursday afternoon, some vehicles remained abandoned on the flooded roads, with rescue operations still ongoing. Caudel intervened to warn another driver of the hazardous conditions, noting that the water had risen significantly. “The water was up to the bottom of her door jam,” he said, emphasizing the difficulty drivers faced in assessing the water’s depth.
As the community begins to recover, the High Point Fire Department is advising residents to remain vigilant and avoid flooded areas. The swift response from emergency services helped mitigate potential harm during this challenging weather event, showcasing the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.