Flooding forces evacuations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Neighbors in one east Charlotte apartment woke up to find their homes and vehicles under water.

It happened at the Doral/Cavalier Apartments along Briar Creek in the Chantilly neighborhood.

Around 3 a.m. Wednesday, neighbors said firefighters and police officers banged on their doors and told them to evacuate immediately.

"All I could grab was the clothes I could reach in the dark,” said one resident.

Water levels increased at nearby Briar Creek, and heavy rain turned a parking lot into a sea of floating cars and dumpsters.

"I've never seen it like this ever. It's quite crazy,” said resident Rusty Williams.

Crews worked all day shuffling residents on rafts, even if they were reluctant to leave.

“I have three cats and a dog, what do I do?" said resident Sara Judd.

Rescue crews say that no one was injured. About 400 people were evacuated.

CATS buses were brought in to transport neighbors to East Mecklenburg High School, where the Red Cross offered shelter and food.

Some residents said they had free flood insurance offered by management at the apartment complex.

The Charlotte Fire Department said that residents of the apartment complex will be allowed to retrieve items from their apartments until 7 p.m. Wednesday. After that, the complex will be closed and secured overnight.

At 9 a.m. Thursday, residents will be able to return, barring any further flooding.