By Michelle Bliss
12-28-10 – As the end of 2010 draws near, WHQR's News Department is counting down this year's top ten stories. Coming in at number 7 is Tropical Storm Nicole.
Nicole showered historical levels of rainfall more than 20 inches on the Cape Fear region this fall. The storm's flood levels surpassed those of Hurricane Floyd and caused millions of dollars in damages.
In Carolina Beach, several home and business owners near Carolina Beach Lake had about 2 feet of water pool around their properties. That extra water was pumped into the ocean and town officials issued swim advisories since the flood water hit the streets and mixed in with the sewer system before being pumped into the Atlantic.
In Brunswick County, several stranded motorists were rescued and more than 100 roads were closed due to flooding.
Overall, 10 North Carolina counties were designated for disaster assistance funds from FEMA.
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