Latest news with #NCDHHS
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Multiple fatalities reported in Tropical Storm Chantal flooding in North Carolina
Multiple people died in central North Carolina after Tropical Storm Chantal brought a deluge of rain and flooding to the area on July 6, according to officials. The Raleigh-Durham area saw nearly 12 inches of rainfall in 24 hours, while neighboring areas reported at least nine inches, according to the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. The influx of rain caused flooding in several areas including Alamance, Chatham, Moore, Orange and Person counties, according to the Citizen Times. Chantal was downgraded to a tropical depression by July 7, but was still dumping rain across the mid-Atlantic. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said at a news conference on July 8 that officials from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services were still working to confirm the total number of fatalities from the flooding, but that there are "a handful of reported deaths to date." The NCDHHS said it does not currently have verified information on storm-related deaths but referred USA TODAY to local law enforcement. The North Carolina Department of Emergency Management told USA TODAY in a statement that the state's emergency response team "is aware of potential fatalities linked to Tropical Storm Chantal as reported by law enforcement" and is awaiting reviews from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Here's what we know. In Chatham County, which is just west of Raleigh, three people died in the floods, officials confirmed to USA TODAY. Sandra Portnoy Hirschman, 83, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, died around 11:30 p.m. local time on July 6 when her car became submerged in water, Steve Newton, Chatham County's emergency management director, told USA TODAY. Two individuals who went boating on Jordan Lake around 5 p.m. on July 6 also died, Newton said. One boater was recovered on July 8, while the second individual was found July 9 — both are awaiting positive identification from the medical examiner's office, Randall Rigsbee, Chatham County Sheriff's Office public information officer, told USA TODAY. Monica Butner was driving to work in Hillsborough, North Carolina, on the evening of July 6 when her car got stuck in floodwater, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said in a release. The 58-year-old called 911 around 10:30 p.m. local time amid the heavy rainfall, but the call disconnected, OCSO said. Firefighters soon located her unoccupied car. First responders found Butner dead around 5 p.m. on July 7. Officials said she was "almost completely obscured by fallen trees and debris approximately 120 yards downstream from her vehicle." 'The devastating power of stormwater caused Ms. Butner's tragic death, despite the heroic efforts of searchers and the work of the top-notch professionals at Emergency Management who coordinated the incoming resources," Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in the release. "I am grateful to everyone who assisted with this search, and I offer my condolences to all affected by this tragedy.' In Alamance County, two people died under the jurisdiction of the Alamance County Sheriff's Office, Byron Tucker, public information officer, confirmed to USA TODAY. Hajar Hassib, 23, of Graham, North Carolina, was reported missing in Graham and later found dead in the flooding, Tucker said. James Michael Parcell, 71 of Haw River, North Carolina, was also found dead after being reported missing to ACSO. Both were "a result of swift water across the roadway," and found within miles of each other, Tucker said. Parcell's obituary said he died in a car accident. Known as Mike, Parcell "lived life to the fullest" and "always found a way to make you laugh," according to his obituary. USA TODAY has reached out to Gov. Stein's office for more information. This story has been updated with additional information. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tropical Storm Chantal flooding in NC kills multiple people
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stein declares May 25-31 as North Carolina heat awareness week
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 25-31 as North Carolina Heat Awareness Week to bring attention to climate warming. 'North Carolina state agencies and community partners are working to make sure North Carolinians have the resources they need to stay safe when temperatures soar,' Governor Josh Stein said. 'North Carolina is preparing for another summer of record heat. While you are outside this summer, please take the necessary steps to prevent heat exhaustion and illness.' Communities across N.C. are encouraged to prepare for high summer temperatures. Among weather-related hazards, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths each year. Some signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include: Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Racing or weak pulse Dizziness Headache Fainting Nausea or vomiting. Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age, income, physical condition or occupation, People with underlying health conditions are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing adverse health effects. Additionally, NCDHHS Operation Fan Heat Relief is underway through Oct. 31, 2025. Visit DHHS's website to see if you qualify for a free fan for the hot summer months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Memorial Day weekend at NC coast: Concerns after 13 rip current rescues last week, 2 active swim advisories for bacteria
OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WNCN) — With Memorial Day weekend a kickoff for the summer beach season, North Carolina coastal areas are watching for dangerous rip currents and two swimming spots are under scrutiny for high bacteria levels. At least two coastal swim advisories are in effect, with high levels of bacteria recorded heading into the weekend, state officials said. Last weekend, there were 13 rip current rescues in Carteret County at Emerald Isle — which was under a moderate rip current risk at the time, the National Weather Service reported. Just last week, three North Carolina coastal swimming areas were under an advisory by the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program. However, advisories in Dare County at the Outer Banks and in New Hanover County near Wilmington were lifted by Wednesday, state officials said. But, on Thursday, a new swim advisory was issued for a sound-side site in Brunswick County in Southport, officials said. Don't swim at these NC beaches, officials warn; man-of-war swarm OBX and NC island The new advisory is for the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street in Southport. Test results of water samples taken Tuesday and Wednesday indicate bacteria levels that exceed the state and federal action levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Also, an earlier swimming advisory in Beaufort County is still in effect for public access to Pantego Creek at East Main and Tooley streets in Belhaven. Test results of water samples indicate a running monthly average of 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. This exceeds the state and federal standards of a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. The advisories are not beach closures. Swimming advisories are for waters within 200 feet of signs erected about each advisory. State recreational water quality officials sample 222 sites throughout the coastal region, most of them weekly, from April to October. Rip currents are an important focus for authorities at the North Carolina coast, where dozens of rip current rescues took place several weekends last summer. A high rip current risk was issued Wednesday for several beaches, including Oak Island in Brunswick County and Emerald Isle in Carteret County. Last weekend, lifeguards rescued 13 Emerald Isle swimmers when there was a moderate risk for rip currents at that beach. For Memorial Day weekend, rip currents are forecast as a moderate risk in most beach areas at the North Carolina coast. Meanwhile, Oak Island officials said Saturday they are still dealing with Portuguese man-o-war washing up on the beach. 'We recommend you watch your step on the strand and stay out of water. Their tentacles are long and burn like (fire),' Oak Island officials said on Facebook. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NCDHHS offers water safety tips for National Water Safety Month
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — May is National Water Safety Month and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to take proactive steps to enjoy outdoor activities safely. 'Every North Carolinian deserves to enjoy the summer season without risk to their health or safety,' said Dr. Kelly Kimple, Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. 'By taking small, thoughtful actions — like supervising children near water, staying cool during extreme heat and practicing safe grilling — we can all stay safe this summer.' Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. NCDHHS urges everyone to keep these water safety practices in mind: Actively Supervise: Drowning can happen silently and in seconds. Always keep a close eye on children near water. Secure Pool Areas: Keep gates and doors closed and locked. Remove pool ladders when not in use. Know the Water: Be aware of currents, depth changes and undertows at beaches, lakes and rivers. Stay Healthy: Don't swim when ill with diarrhea to prevent spreading germs. Check Water Quality: Ensure pools are properly disinfected. Local health departments routinely inspect public pools, spas and splash pads. Be Cautious in All Recreational Waters: Lakes and rivers may carry bacteria or harmful algae blooms. Check advisories before swimming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Worker charged, daycare license suspended after 16-month-old child's death
One person has been charged with manslaughter, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has suspended the license of a daycare in Lenoir after a 16-month-old child died there earlier this week. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 16-month-old dies at Lenoir daycare; investigation underway Channel 9 reported when the child, identified as Maddy, was found unresponsive at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir Monday afternoon. First responders said Maddy didn't wake up after a nap. NCDHHS sent out a notice Wednesday afternoon saying it was suspending the daycare operator's license 'based on the agency's findings that the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action.' The report says the Division of Child Development and Early Education got information about an incident at the daycare on May 20, the same day that Maddy died. The report doesn't reference Maddy's death, specifically. The daycare was ordered to close at the end of the business day on Wednesday. The operator of the daycare, Kids Time of Lenoir LLC, can appeal the administrative action. Channel 9 learned that one woman has been criminally charged in connection with the case. According to court records, 29-year-old Alexandra Lee Coffey is charged with involuntary manslaughter. She was booked into custody in Caldwell County. Officials said the daycare has been cooperating with the investigation. A GoFundMe has been created to help Maddy's mother and siblings. This is a developing story, check back for updates. (VIDEO: 2-alarm fire destroys daycare under construction near Cabarrus-Mecklenburg County line)
