As the soil is still saturated from Tropical Depression Chantal flooding, emergency officials are preparing for another round of flash flooding in already affected areas and trees falling. 

The National Weather Service announced that central North Carolina could see significantly more rain than previously expected Wednesday evening, increasing the possibility of flash flooding and trees falling due to saturated grounds. 

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As of 12 p.m. Wednesday, parts of the Triangle and northern central North Carolina is under a high risk for flooding due to severe storms. A flood watch is in effect from 2 p.m. Wednesday through 2 a.m. Thursday.

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the forecast noted Wednesday. “Locations that saw significant rainfall from Chantal will have a greater risk of additional flooding.”

Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew urged community members to avoid traveling Wednesday night.

“We saw widespread flooding Sunday night, which means, no matter where you’re traveling, you could be at risk when heavy rain moves in,” said Lehew.

Orange County first responders said nearly 90 people were forced out of their homes from the floods and more than 60 had to be rescued from homes and businesses.

The Durham Fire Department said approximately 80 people were rescued by boat and dozens more evacuated their homes on foot after relentless rain caused the Eno River to overflow.

As of Wednesday, six people have died in the aftermath of Tropical Depression Chantal, as search crews found the second missing boater at Jordan Lake.

Dr. Daniel Willner, an emergency physician at UNC hospitals, used to participate in swift water rescues himself. He told WRAL News that areas that aren't typically impacted by rain could still see impacts from this upcoming round of rain, describing the floodwaters as "unforgiving."

"What we're looking to do is to get people out of the threat area," said Willner. "These teams are looking to remove people out of threat areas, get them to higher ground, get them to safe spaces where they can be assessed."

A new report also shows that many people don't receive breaking news and weather alerts, as they turn them off entirely. In dire situations like overnight flooding that can occur while you're sleeping, it's important to turn your notifications on for your local weather alerts. 

Many people who were rescued early Monday told WRAL News they were sleeping and had no idea the water was rising until the fire department came to their door.

The new, free WRAL weather app offers real-time updates and will notify you as soon as flooding, heavy rain, lightning and more are detected in your area. 

How counties are assisting residents ahead of more rain

Counties are doing their best to continue cleanup efforts Wednesday while simultaneously preparing for this second round of rain.

Orange County is under a boil water advisory. Durham has delayed cleanup efforts along the Eno River due to this upcoming round of potentially severe weather. 

Chapel Hill Police and Fire are asking everyone to remember these severe weather safety tips:

  • Never drive, bike, or walk through floodwater.
    • Do not go around barricades blocking closed roads or trails.
      • Treat traffic signals without power as a four-way stop.
        • Stay away from downed trees, which may be tangled in live power lines. Call 911.

          All counties encourage residents to do the following before a flood:

          Carrboro Public Works will continue circulating through neighborhoods on Wednesday to collect bulky items and other waste from residential neighborhoods.  

          Some community members in Chapel Hill lost their trash carts in floodwaters during the storm on Sunday. If this happened, do not put your yard trimmings cart out until after 6 a.m. Thursday.

          The city of Durham is offering free debris pickup for the next two weeks for any yard debris associated with the storm.

          Yard debris can be placed curbside, and city residents can submit a request to Durham One Call for curbside collection. Trees can’t be collected if they are wider than three inches or longer than six feet.

          The Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant remains under repair due to flooding during Tropical Storm Chantal. With the water treatment plant still under repair, the City has less than two days of drinking water at current usage.

          Due to the limited amount of water available in Mebane, residents and businesses are required not to use any water other than for limited drinking purposes when bottled water is unavailable, limited restroom usage (not including showers), and required medical usage.

          All industries, businesses, offices and non-residential units in Mebane must cease operations unless they fall into one of the following essential categories:

          • grocery stores
            • health care facilities
              • pharmacies/drug stores

                Tree falls along Dairyland Road in Hillsborough

                A tree fell before 1 p.m. Wednesday on Dairyland Road, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

                Dairyland Road is closed between Ramblewood and Orange Grove roads for several hours, according to the sheriff's office.

                The sheriff's office said Duke Energy is at the scene. Crews must remove a massive tree, replace a power pole and fix downed power lines.