On Tuesday, a fourth storm-related death was confirmed. On Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that at least 4 tornadoes touched down as Chantal moved across the state, leaving paths of destruction.
The Graham Police Department said 23-year-old Hajar Hassib was last seen Sunday as she was returning home. Family members reported her missing the next day.
Investigators used cellphone technology to trace Hassib's last known location to the area of S. Jim Minor Road and Graham Smith Drive, an area that had experienced significant flooding from Chantal. Police called the Alamance County Sheriff's Office to assist with a search.
Hassib was eventually found dead in her car, which was submerged in a roadside pond on S. Jim Minor Road, just south of Turner Road.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ms. Hassib's family and friends during this unimaginable time," said Graham Police Chief Kristi Baker. "We are grateful for the quick and professional assistance provided by the Alamance County Sheriff's Office and Alamance County Rescue."
It was the second storm-related death in Alamance County. One person also died in Chatham County and another in Orange County.
Alamance, Moore, and Orange counties were placed under a state of emergency. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein visited Alamance County on Tuesday to survey the flood damage.
Communities, such as Durham and Orange County, are blanketed with debris and thick layers of mud, leaving homes and cars destroyed.
Monday morning, crews rescued 80 people by boat from homes in Durham County close to the flooded Eno River. Dozens of emergency evacuations took place as well. Orange County is still under a state of emergency, which was issued Sunday night.
The Eno River crested early Monday at Durham at 25.63 feet (7.81 meters), surpassing the previous record of 23.6 feet (7.19 meters), according to the National Water Prediction Service's website.
Chantal causes Durham's Eno River to flood: DRONE
People in Durham say they've never seen flooding like this. Waters rushed into their homes while sleeping, and the flooding was worse than Hurricane Fan in 1996.
Orange County is still under a state of emergency, which was issued Sunday night.
The Chapel Hill Fire Department and neighboring agencies completed more than 50 water rescues, many in areas where floodwaters entered or threatened to enter apartments, officials said. More than 60 people were displaced on Sunday and Monday.
There were also water rescues at shopping centers, where water flooded businesses and parking lots, officials said. At Eastgate Crossing, businesses are boarded up after storm waters rushed in. Inside Talbots, there were mannequins, clothes, and muddy debris across the floor. The fire department is now urging everyone to stay out of these businesses until they can assess the building's structure, gas, water and electricity.
Chapel Hill residents deal with flooding aftermath
Flooding also hit Hillsborough and Carrboro hard.
Numerous Carrboro police and city cars were severely damaged, as well as the building. A town spokesperson said they are still assessing areas hit by flooding.
Tropical Storm Chantal was downgraded to a depression Sunday after making landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, early Sunday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
By late Monday afternoon, the storm was off Delaware's coast, with maximum sustained winds of 25 mph (40 kph). It was moving northeast at about 21 mph (34 kph). Forecasters warned of dangerous surf and rip currents at beaches from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic states for the next couple of days.
Gov. Stein tours damage
Governor Stein surveys Chantal damage in Alamance, Orange Counties: Full Newser
On Tuesday, Governor Stein toured storm damage in Alamance and Orange counties.
"Our hearts go out to the families who lost a loved one during the storm. I am grateful to the local and state emergency responders who worked quickly to evacuate people and keep so many people safe," said Governor Josh Stein.
"As counties across central North Carolina continue to recover, we will be there to support them."
Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins spoke about the historic nature of Chantal's damage and flooding.
"This historic weather event caused flooding like we haven't seen in several decades in the central part of the state. We are working as quickly as possible to assess and reopen roads as soon as water levels recede and our crews are safely able to do so."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.