A coastal storm is bringing torrential rain to parts of North Carolina, with at least one town in a state of emergency, streets flooded, homes under water, and rescue efforts underway.

Here’s the latest news:

Emergency in Carolina Beach, ‘Life Safety’ is Priority

Mayor Lynn Barbee reports that a state of emergency has been declared in Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

“Fast fire rescue calls continue to come in from residents unable to get out of their homes and businesses. County resources have arrived with high clearance vehicles that can reach some areas. 911 is your friend,” Barbee wrote in a social media update just before noon

“We are all concerned about our property, including myself and almost everyone here at (the Emergency Operations Center). The priority right now is the safety of human life… If you are safe, please stay where you are!”

Some roads are at least 90 centimeters under water

Roads in Carolina Beach are under at least three feet of water after as much as 10 to 15 inches of rain fell in some places, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

“No car or truck is designed to drive safely through flood waters this deep,” the agency wrote in a social media post.

More than a foot of rain in parts of North Carolina

In remote areas around Carolina Beach there are more than 12 inch Rain since midnight, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The high around noon was Ocean Boulevard near Carolina Beach, with 15.10 inches.

The NWS is warning of significant flooding that will worsen in western Brunswick County over the next few hours.

‘You Almost Expect This’ in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

City Councilman Joe Benson told The Weather Channel this morning that Carolina Beach residents are prepared no matter what the storm brings.

“People here, you almost expect it every year,” Benson said. “And so the ones I talked to across town are prepared before the season starts.”

He said the city’s pumps are working well.

Benson also asked people to stay home and, if possible, avoid going out on the road.

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No name doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous

From Chris Dolce, senior meteorologist at weather.com:

Regardless of what we call it, the impact is the same. Right now, the heaviest impact is heavy rain. Some totals have been over 6 inches, and we are also seeing some strong wind gusts.

The system is expected to make landfall later today, but will bring heavy rain to the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic early this week

(MORE: List of hurricane names for 2024)

Roads covered in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Webcams in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, showed increasing flooding around 10 a.m., according to StarNews Online. The street is “notorious for flooding.” The National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, shared the image with a warning “do not drive on flooded roads.”

School and government closures

As the storm approaches, schools in Charleston, Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina have announced they will be closed Monday and students will switch to eLearning. Students in Williamsburg County will remain home Monday, but staff are asked to report to work if they are able. Coastal Carolina University is also closed, with only essential staff asked to report for work.

Several government offices, including those in Horry County, are closed. The City of Myrtle Beach and City of Conway offices remain open.

Rain, wind and flooding along the coast

Coastal communities in the Carolinas are facing the threat of flash flooding, urban flooding and minor river flooding. Minor flooding was reported this morning in Garden City, South Carolina. Rough surf was spotted along Surfside Beach, South Carolina on Sunday.

Wind gusts have already reached 30-plus mph in some areas on land, and the offshore storm is producing sustained winds of 50 mph. Residents should follow safety advisories and stay up-to-date on new local warnings and emergency alerts. As always, it’s a good idea to make sure your phone has the latest version of The Weather Channel app with push notifications enabled.

Based in New York, Weather.com reporter Tim Harris is a digital journalist with a broad portfolio of reporting on environmental science, lifestyle and current news.