Authorities in North Carolina are investigating three potential storm-related deaths linked to severe flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal, officials said Tuesday.

Victims include an 83-year-old woman in Chatham County whose car was swept away by floodwaters, a missing woman later found dead in Orange County, and a man found in a submerged vehicle in Alamance County, according to local law enforcement and emergency officials.

Governor Josh Stein visited the hard-hit town of Mebane and said homes were destroyed, businesses damaged, and lives lost. He praised first responders for rescuing residents and keeping roads clear.

While the storm was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday, its core dumped 20–30 cms (8 to 12 inches) of rain across central North Carolina, particularly in Moncure and Pittsboro, where totals neared a foot.

The storm also spawned four EF-1 tornadoes across Orange, Alamance, Chatham and Lee counties, with winds up to 168 kmph (105 mph). No tornado-related injuries were reported.

As of Tuesday, crews were still restoring power and reopening roads. Interstate 40/85 has reopened, but 65 roads remain closed due to flooding.

State officials are still assessing the total damage and working to confirm the final death toll.

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