Rainfall from Tropical Storm Fay drenched Charlotte-Mecklenburg starting August 26, 2008. Local flooding in the early morning hours of August 27th was the worst in at least a decade. Hundreds of people were evacuated from homes and emergency crews rescued numerous drivers from cars on flooded roadways.

More than 600 homes, apartment units and businesses in Charlotte-Mecklenburg sustained flood damage.  Less than half of had flood insurance.

Much of Mecklenburg County received at least 8 inches of rain in a 36-hour period. Rainfall in the Mallard Creek/UNC-Charlotte area was more than 11-inches. An area of Briar Creek watershed received more than 2 inches of rain in a one-hour period during the early morning hours of August 27.

See the August 27 Rainfall Map.

Water depths in some parts of Mecklenburg County exceeded the "100-year flood" level. Record flood heights were recorded on 19 local stream gauges.

Flood Damage by Watershed:
     90% Briar Creek
       7% McMullen/McAlpine
       3% other (mainly Long Creek)

A State of Emergency was declared for Mecklenburg County on August 28, 2008.

Disaster Assistance
Low-interest federal loans are being offered to eligible renters, homeowners, farmers, and businesspeople whose flood losses are not covered by insurance or other compensation.  To apply, go to: http://www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955.

Application deadlines:
    November 3, 2008 for physical damage
    June 4, 2009 for economic damage

State disaster grants may also be available for those who meet eligibility criteria. Call 1-866-812-3121.

Some flood-damaged properties may be eligible for a Mecklenburg County-funded buyout program.

Important Information for Flood Victims

Phone numbers after a flood
Flood safety and recovery information
Re-entering your flooded home

Health Concerns:
Mold
Mosquitoes

News Releases about TS Fay Flooding

Disaster Assistance Center To Close Tomorrow (Sept. 25, 2008)
Flood Disaster Assistance Center to Remain Open (Sept. 18, 2008)
Flooded Buildings Being Considered for Fast-Track Floodplain Buyout Program (Sept. 18, 2008)
Flood Insurance Agreement Reached for Cavalier Apartments (Sept. 16, 2008)
Disaster Assistance Center to Remain Open an Extra Week (Sept. 12, 2008)
Dozens Apply For Flood-Related Loans And Grants (Sept. 9, 2008)
Small Business Administration to Offer Flood Recovery Loans (Sept. 5, 2008) 
At Least 600 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Dwellings Damaged by TS Fay's Flooding (Sept 3, 2008)
County Still Reviewing Flood Insurance Status for Cavalier Residents (Sept 3, 2008)
State and Federal Agents Inspect Flood Impacted Properties (Aug 29, 2008)
Half of Cavalier Apartments Declared "Unsafe" (Aug 28, 2008)
Flood Could Pose Public Health Risks (Aug 27, 2008)
Storm Water Services Prepares for Possible Flooding (Aug 26, 2008)

Keeping You Informed

Sept. 3, 2008 flood summary presentation to Board of County Commissioners

Brief summary of Storm Water Services (includes a list of services provided after a flood or heavy rain)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Floodplain Buyout Program

Flood Safety

Turn Around, Don't Drown

Cavalier Apartments

Flood-related information about the County-owned Cavalier Apartments