Flash flooding hits Sanford, Lee County, closing roads, leaving some people stranded
Flash-flooding hit Sanford Thursday afternoon, blocking downtown streets, causing several car accidents and trapping residents in several parts of town.
A rain band passing through the Sandhills dumped more than six inches of rain at the Lee County Regional Airport between 1:30 and 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Two inches of that fell in a cloudburst between 3:30 and 4 p.m.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation started closing streets, and power outages were reported.
In a video update at 5:40 p.m., Sanford Fire Chief Matt Arnold said water quickly rose and quickly receded in downtown Sanford.
The city responded to about 20 emergency calls for reports of cars trapped in floodwaters and water rescues, Arnold said later in a news release.
No injuries were reported.
He cautioned that the “situation is not over.” He said rain could continue over the next several days and advised residents to stay home and not to come to the scene.
“By all means, do not try to drive through flooded waters,” he said in a video posted to the city’s Facebook page. “When that happens, we have to come out and rescue you, and that puts a lot of people in danger.”
Gregory Hamm was frying bacon at his Buttermilk Biscuit Bar downtown on Chatham Street when the downpour hit.
”I opened the back door to let the smell out and saw the water,” he said.
A creek that normally trickles past the string of buildings where his business is located, including the old Buggy Factory, had come out of its banks and risen to above the door handles of several cars in the parking lot.
Hamm said he had worked in these buildings for 17 years and had never seen the water so high.
Angie Graves, who works in the restaurant, drove through more than a foot of water on her way to work when she had to pass in front of Central Carolina Hospital.
A creek that runs near the hospital head overflowed into Carthage Street there, about a mile from downtown.
”My mom sent me these pictures of our yard,” Graves said, opening her phone to show their property at the Carolina Trace subdivision submerged in muddy water. Carolina Trace is about 6 miles southeast of Sanford.
”It happened really fast,” Graves said.
Arnold said Sanford received support from numerous agencies, including swift water rescue teams from Cypress Pointe Fire & Rescue and North Chatham Fire Department.
For emergencies, residents should call 911.
To report downed trees or flooding on municipal property after hours or on weekends, call 919-775-8268. Call 919-775-8247 during business hours.
This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 6:47 PM.
