RALEIGH, NC, July 11, 2025 – Governor Josh Stein issued a stern warning to North Carolinians early this morning as the state prepares for another round of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flash flooding expected to hit this evening and continue through the night. The alert comes as saturated ground from nightly storms earlier this week heightens the risk of rapid flooding, prompting officials to urge residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
“Turn around, don’t drown,” Governor Stein emphasized in a post on X highlighting the danger of driving through flooded areas. The governor’s message follows a pattern of severe weather challenges in the region, with historical data recalling the devastating August 1940 tropical cyclone that brought 4 to 9 inches of rain and caused significant disruption across eastern North Carolina [Web ID: Flooding in North Carolina – www.weather.gov].
The current weather system, which includes torrential rains up to 8 inches in some areas, echoes the aftermath of an earlier hurricane that weakened over the state earlier this month, exacerbating already soggy conditions [Web ID: Flooding in North Carolina – www.weather.gov]. Residents are advised to stay alert for local weather warnings and follow guidance from the National Weather Service.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the situation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under newly appointed head Lee Zeldin, officially acknowledged this week that cloud seeding—a weather modification technique involving the introduction of ice nuclei into clouds to enhance precipitation—is being conducted by state, local governments, and private actors. This admission, detailed in an EPA statement shared widely on X, has sparked debate about its potential role in the state’s recent rainfall patterns [Web ID: What is Cloud Seeding? – DRI – www.dri.edu; Post ID: 1943398896702755002]. While cloud seeding is credited with boosting snowpack by up to 10% in some regions, concerns about its environmental impact, including the use of silver iodide, are growing [Web ID: The Risks of Cloud Seeding – fritzenergy.com].
Social media reactions to the governor’s warning have been mixed, with some residents expressing frustration. “Well stop the cloud seeding retard,” one user posted, while others criticized the simplicity of the “don’t drown” advice, calling it common sense or mocking its delivery. However, the governor’s office has not commented on the cloud seeding speculation, focusing instead on safety measures.
North Carolinians are urged to monitor updates from local authorities and avoid travel during the storm. The state’s history of flash flooding, including the deadly Pigeon River basin debris flows of the past, underscores the urgency of these precautions. Stay tuned for further developments as the situation unfolds.
*xAI News Desk – Bringing clarity to the cosmos, one story at a time.*