Some return to their homes after heavy flooding in Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Nearly 24 hours after heavy rain flooded a Kannapolis neighborhood, some residents were able to return to their homes Wednesday.

Irish Buffalo Creek and Kannapolis Lake flooded their banks Tuesday afternoon, spilling into nearby neighborhoods and streets. Crews rescued 30 people.

The water started to recede by nightfall.

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Fire officials warned it won’t take much to send the bodies of water over their banks again.

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On Tuesday, Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the Town and Country mobile home park off Tiffany Drive. Homes were surrounded by several feet of floodwater, and nearby parks were also flooded.

Several people living there were among those evacuated. Now, they’re trying to figure out where they’ll sleep Wednesday night.

“It already rose up to the third step and we were like ‘OK, we got to go,’” said 19-year-old Brenda Calderon.

Calderon walked Channel 9′s Hannah Goetz through her front yard, which was covered in debris.

“We had to clean that up,” she showed Goetz. “Everything is damaged underneath. There’s pipes that came down.”

On Tuesday, Brenda’s mother trudged through floodwaters to get her insulin from her mobile home. On Wednesday, Brenda collected what was left.

“We are just trying to pack a couple of clothes for the kids and blankets and stuff -- figure out what is going to go on now,” she said.

“So what happens? Where do you guys go now?” Goetz asked.

“Trying to figure it out,” Calderon said.

In an update Wednesday, a spokesperson for the City of Kannapolis said conditions had significantly improved since Tuesday afternoon. By early Wednesday afternoon, only two roads remain closed -- West 22nd Street and Cadillac Street -- due to culvert damage.

Though it offered assistance Tuesday, the American Red Cross did not need to open a shelter because everyone who was evacuated stayed in hotels or with their families and friends.

The spokesperson said some residents returned to their homes on Wednesday, and those who couldn’t remained with their families and friends.

Many of the homes had orange notices stating no one can live there or do repair work until an inspection is completed.

Calderon said they usually have nine or 10 people living in their home. Now, they are looking for a place that will take all of them and their pets. She said she’s trying to be strong.

″It was scary, but I had to act like everything was OK so I wouldn’t be scared in front of the kids,” she said. “I had to be brave for them.”

Both Cabarrus and Rowan counties remain under a Flood Watch until Thursday.

The Rocky River and Irish Buffalo Creek greenways, along with Safrit Park, were closed due to flooding. The Village Park carousel, splashpad, and train were also closed.

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