The skies over Alamance County on Sunday evening didn’t just darken, they pulsed with tension. What began as a steady stream of tropical rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal quickly evolved into something far more dangerous. By 6 p.m., residents were diving for cover as not one, not two, but three separate alamance county tornado warning alerts were issued by the National Weather Service. It wasn’t just rain. It was rotation.
This was North Carolina’s tropical season reminder, an evening where radar images became the lifeline, cell phones buzzed back to back with emergency alerts, and flash flood sirens joined the chorus of concern.
Tornadoes Spin Through the Evening
The first alamance county tornado warning popped up around 5:45 p.m., tied to a tight little rotation rolling up from Randolph County into Snow Camp. Doppler radar didn’t hesitate. Neither did forecasters. That same rotation likely dropped a brief funnel, possibly a low-end tornado, based on a tiny debris signature spotted around 1,500 feet above ground. No official confirmation has been made yet, but damage reports are expected to be surveyed come sunrise.
Shortly after, the second wave arrived. As the rotation tracked north-east, two more tornado warnings were fired up between Graham and Mebane. The radar looked like it was lifting spirals from a hurricane’s outer band and planting them right along Interstate 85. For folks driving through or living near Woodlawn Road or parts of downtown Mebane, it was a heart-stopping few minutes. Reports came in about snapped trees, swaying power lines, and limbs crashing across roadways.
While each alamance county tornado warning was only active for 20 to 30 minutes, the back-to-back nature of them meant residents were under alert for nearly two straight hours. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported so far. But as we know from years of covering severe weather here at CycloneRadar, tropical tornadoes don’t need long lives to cause lasting scars.
Tornado Threat Fades, But Flooding Takes Over
By 8 p.m., the rotation started to unwind. Cooler air crept in, and the instability that was feeding those pulses weakened. But that’s when the second act started. Rain, already steady and soaking, turned torrential. Streets began turning into rivers. In parts of Graham and Saxapahaw, more than six inches of rain had fallen by nightfall. Elon’s mayor described it as “the worst flooding in decades.” That was not hyperbole.
Emergency crews were quickly overwhelmed with calls about stranded drivers, rising creeks, and flooded basements. Flash flood warnings remained active into the early morning hours. The Haw River, which cuts through the heart of the county, swelled fast. Forecasts now predict it may crest around 28 feet, putting it in the “major flood” category. That level threatens low-lying homes, trailer parks, and even the town’s water-treatment infrastructure.
So while the tornadoes may have caught everyone’s attention, it’s the flooding that’s now keeping folks awake.
What Makes These Tornadoes Unique
Unlike the classic springtime supercells, tornadoes from tropical systems like Chantal are quick, sneaky, and usually wrapped in sheets of rain. You often can’t see them. They don’t roar like a freight train. There’s no hail to warn you. Just a sudden uptick in wind, a whistle through the trees, and then it’s over. That’s why the National Weather Service relies heavily on radar velocity data. And that’s why warnings in these cases come with little lead time.
For anyone in Alamance County reading this, if you were surprised by how fast everything moved, you weren’t alone. These spin-ups often last just 2 or 3 minutes on the ground. But those 2 or 3 minutes can change lives.
What Comes Next
As of this post, all alamance county tornado warning alerts have expired. The skies are finally starting to calm. But there’s still danger ahead. The Haw River is continuing to rise. Roads are washed out near Swepsonville and downstream toward Pittsboro. Power outages linger, especially near Mebane, where tree limbs tore through a few transformers.
More rain is possible Monday afternoon as moisture lingers across the Piedmont. We’re not talking another tropical storm, but any additional downpours could cause a second surge in floodwaters, especially if the ground remains saturated.
Residents near the river should monitor levels on the USGS Haw River gauge and be ready to evacuate if water approaches or exceeds 28 feet. Local emergency services will continue to issue warnings via text and social media.
If you’re reading this in the early morning hours, we recommend staying home unless absolutely necessary. Check for road closures. Avoid creeks, storm drains, and low-water crossings. Alamance Emergency Services has confirmed at least seven roads are underwater as of 1 a.m.
Alamance County just went through a rapid-fire sequence of tornado threats followed by intense flooding. This night will be remembered for its layers of danger. One moment you’re listening for funnel clouds, the next you’re watching water pour into your street. It’s a good reminder of how quickly tropical moisture can turn into flash disasters.
At CycloneRadar, our team will continue monitoring the official damage surveys, rainfall totals, and flooding projections. We’ll publish a full recap and data breakdown once the sun is up, and the worst is past. Until then, stay safe, stay informed, and check in on your neighbors.
