Flooding Closes I-85/40 in Orange County | Raleigh News

Traffic chaos hit Orange County Thursday morning as Interstate 85/40 Westbound shut down due to flash flooding from overnight storms, trapping thousands trying to get to work and sending emergency crews out before 6:30 AM to clear downed trees and submerged vehicles. The closure spanned the Hillsborough-Efland stretch, with drivers rerouted via Old N.C. 86 North and then 85 South to catch 40 West. Floodwaters also swallowed Orange Grove Road in Hillsborough and backed up downtown traffic. While the National Weather Service warned of up to six inches of rain and possible tornadoes across the Triangle, Chapel Hill avoided major damage. Just another reminder: Mother Nature doesn’t care about your calendar. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a28ca7987bcd3034