A tropical storm has caused severe flooding in North Carolina, USA, with heavy rains submerging homes and streets. Carolina Beach received a record 18 inches of rain in just 12 hours, an event described as a once-in-a-thousand-year occurrence by the National Weather Service. The storm led to widespread road closures, school evacuations, and the suspension of ferry services. Emergency crews rescued residents trapped by floodwaters, and an emergency was declared in the area. While the storm began to ease later in the evening, recovery efforts are ongoing.