Charlotte-area creeks reach near-record crests during Tuesday flooding
Waves of heavy rain caused flooding across the Charlotte area, with streams and creeks swelling over their banks.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Periods of torrential rain caused widespread flooding in the Charlotte area on Tuesday, as several creeks and streams reached near-record levels.
Multiple Flash Flood Warnings were issued, impacting Mecklenburg and York counties on Tuesday. Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said some areas saw up to 5 inches of rain by midday, with several more hours of steady rain falling in the metro.
Near-record crests
Several creeks and streams in the Charlotte area reached near-record crests during Tuesday’s rain.
- Big Dutchman in Rock Hill: 11.45 feet
- Little Sugar Creek at Archdale: 12.75 feet
- Tools Ford: 10.8 feet
- Steele Creek at Carowinds Boulevard: 9.8 feet
- Briar Creek at Providence Road: 11.30 feet
- Goose Creek at Highway 1524: 9.23 feet
- Little Hope Creek at Seneca Place: 8.71 feet
Officer chases car driving into floodwaters in Steele Creek
Multiple water rescues were reported, including an incident caught on camera in Steele Creek. WCNC Charlotte’s crew was on the scene when a driver tried to cross a flooded road in southwest Charlotte. A CMPD officer ran after them, getting the driver to stop before their vehicle stalled in the rushing water. The SUV was able to back out safely.
Little Sugar Creek
Little Sugar Creek peaked at 12.75 feet at Archdale Drive. At one point, the creek swelled over its banks near Park Road Shopping Center, blocking a stretch of Westfield Road. The water started to recede by 4 p.m., but caused significant flooding issues throughout the area on Tuesday.
Rainfall totals
Some locations in the area saw over 5 inches of rain during Tuesday’s rain. Collinswood led the way with 5.13 inches of rainfall. Camp Thunderbird saw just over 5 inches as well, while Lake Wylie saw 4.51 inches and Uptown Charlotte recorded 4.46 inches of rainfall.
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said the flood risk has gone down for the Charlotte metro as the rain moves out of the area. The biggest risk was during the peak of Tuesday’s rainfall.
Heavy rain shuts down North Tryon Street
A section of North Tryon Street that floods often was shut down once again Tuesday. Floodwaters blocked North Tryon at East 16th Street, a common spot for flooding. Crews blocked the road around 11 a.m. and detoured traffic off North Tryon Street until the flooding receded.
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