By james art 
Heavy rain bands spinning onshore from slow-moving tropical weather systems just off the coast of North Carolina are leading to major flooding concerns in southern Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
Southport officials are reporting widespread flooding in the city at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, with several roads washed out and impassable. There were also numerous reports of flooding affecting homes.
Around 11 a.m., the Southport Fire Department said on Facebook that there were a large number of calls, flooded vehicles and flooded homes.
Tropical updates for Wilmington: Flooding fears rise as storm nears NC coast
In Carolina Beach, the National Weather Service’s Wilmington office said isolated areas in and around Carolina Beach had already received more than 15 inches of rain since midnight. Photos on social media showed many flooded roads and water reaching some homes. The Met Office described the conditions as “life-threatening”.
“Significant flash flooding continues in this area and will worsen westward into Brunswick County over the next several hours,” the weather service said on its Facebook page shortly before 11 a.m. “Please stay off flooded roads!”
FLOODED ROADS: Heavy rains flooded streets in the Cape Fear area. Here is a list
In an online post, Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee said all pumps in the city were working to help deal with the flooding.
“We can’t stop the rain, but we can all be safe,” he said. “Please stay off flooded roads.”
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at [email protected] or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with the financial support of the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control over the work.
This article originally appeared on the Wilmington StarNews: Major flooding reported in Carolina Beach, Southport, North Carolina