Tropical Storm Chantal brought intense, fast-moving rainfall to Southern Pines, causing severe flash flooding in parts of the community on Sunday; rainfall estimates were’ as high as 7-8 inches. Multiple roads washed out, a shopping center on Brucewood Road flooded, and a dam breach at the Longleaf golf course lake caused extensive damage to nearby streets and homes.
“We know emotions are running high after witnessing this intense storm that caused serious damage,” said Southern Pines Town Manager Reagan Parsons in an advisory. “The scale and intensity of this storm exceeded properly designed infrastructure systems. We have not, in recent times, experienced an event like this, which is why we saw failures in places generally not subject to such challenges. We have the greatest amount of compassion for our residents and businesses who sustained damage today. While some will be able to recover quickly, others must endure extensive repairs and financial loss.”
Despite these challenges, the Town’s infrastructure performed exceptionally well with little to no impact on Southern Pines’ infrastructure or services:
*All sanitary sewer lift stations remained fully operational, and there were no sewer overflows.
*Drinking water remains safe to drink, with ongoing monitoring to ensure quality standards.
*Day camps and programs through the Southern Pines Parks & Recreation Department will operate as scheduled on Monday, July 7.
*Town parks and facilities sustained minimal damage. At this time, we are not anticipating any delays or closures on Monday, July 7.
As of Sunday evening, the following roadways are impacted or closed due to storm damage or high water. If you encounter a barricade, do not remove it or drive around it. Town crews are continuously assessing conditions and will re-open each area when it is safe to do so.
*Brucewood Rd. between 15-501 and W. Morganton Rd.
*N. May St. at Springwood Way (near May Street Bicycles and Cottages on May)
*Midland Rd. between Highway 22/Central Dr. and US-1
*E. Pennsylvania Ave. between Broad St. and Ashe St. (sinkhole)
*W. Pennsylvania Ave. at S. Mechanic St. (sinkhole)
*Pettingill Pl. at Mitchell Rd.
*Yadkin Rd. at the pond, between Boiling Springs Cir. and Short Rd.
A dam has failed on the Longleaf golf course, causing extensive flooding in this community. Affected roads include:
*Hunter Trl. at Lakeside Ct.
*Knoll Rd. North at Hunter Trl.
*Knoll Rd. North at Magnolia Cir.
The Food Bank of Central & Western North Carolina, located at 195 Sandy Ave., also sustained severe storm damage, with floodwaters collapsing a large section of pavement and exposing utility lines and other infrastructure.
“I want to thank all of our Town employees who responded quickly and professionally as this storm unfolded,” stated Fire Chief & Assistant Town Manager Mike Cameron. “From our streets and utilities crews, communications team, emergency services, and beyond—everyone played a role in keeping our community safe. Our Southern Pines Police and Fire departments alone responded to 54 calls for service, many involving stranded motorists and hazardous conditions. We’re also deeply grateful for our partners who came to Southern Pines to assist: Cypress Pointe Water Rescue Task Force; West End Swift Water Team; NC Department of Transportation; and the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. Their skill and teamwork were critical in helping us navigate the worst of the storm and respond efficiently when our community had great need.”
Feature photo: Midland Road was severely damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal on July 6/Sandhills Sentinel.
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