Sky 5: Hyco Lake flooding
By WRAL staff
Sights from around Hyco Lake in Person and Caswell counties are usually peaceful and serene during the summer.
But after parts of Person County received seven inches of rain over a 24-hour span on Sunday, those who live around the usually picturesque lake are in cleanup mode. River, creek, lake and stream flooding was widespread on Monday morning throughout central North Carolina, and Hyco Lake was no different after rain from Tropical Depression Chantal.
The water level at Hyco Lake crested at 16.5 feet on Monday morning, according to a spokesperson for the National Weather Service. It’s not known how that stacks up historically, but one person told WRAL News they had never seen the water this high.
“Everybody’s shocked,” said Tim Oates, who lives on the lake. “They’ve never seen anything like it.”
There were no reported water rescues or deaths in the area, but lives were altered. Signs of property damage were widespread as some homes, boat houses and boat docks were submerged. Person County Sheriff Jason Wilborn said some roads around the lake would be closed for a while.
“It washed out some of those roads pretty significantly,” Wilborn said. “They’re gonna be impassable for several months … There’s a lot of property damage. We’re fortunate enough to not have any missing people. Everybody’s accounted for that we know of here, no injuries. It’s just a significant amount of property damage on the lake.”
Sky 5 flew over the flooding on Monday morning. Boats and debris were scattered. Some were seen on jet skis checking out the damage. Recovery teams were out trying to find boats. Neighbors were helping each other pick up the pieces.
Those who live around the lake submitted photos of water levels reaching near the asphalt on Highway 57 over the lake.
In Durham County, approximately 80 people were rescued by boat overnight due to relentless rain that fell throughout Sunday. A Chapel Hill shopping center was hit hard, as well, with several businesses having to close.
Monday is expected to be dry, which will help water levels decrease. Each day the rest of the week carries chances for rain.
