ASHEBORO NC – The National Weather Service in Raleigh has placed North-west Randolph County under a Flash Flood Warning until at least 8:45 PM.
The warning which was issued just before 7 PM came as rescue first responders were involved in two separate rescues of trapped motorist. Weather Service officials said Emergency Management had reported strong thunderstorms producing heavy rain and flooded roadways with reports of between 2.5 and 3.5 inches of rain.
The Level Cross Fire Department along with Ash-Rand Rescue were called to Randleman lake after for a boat caught in the storm, began taking on water while stuck on a stump in the lake. Emergency crews were able to tow the boat and its occupants safely back to the marina. At the same time Guil-Rand fire department was working to reach motorist trapped in their cars which had become stuck in running water on Fairview Church Rd. Firefighters on scene reported to dispatch the cars were half submerged in water when they arrived.
According to data from the National Weather Service, most flood deaths occur in vehicle. Officials are advising drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to not drive on flooded roads. “Turn around, don`t drown”