Severe weather across the nation: Deadly floods in North Carolina, raging fires in the west

Fast-moving flash floods turned deadly in North Carolina on Wednesday, claiming two lives in Nash County.

(CNN)- Fast-moving flash floods turned deadly in North Carolina on Wednesday, claiming two lives in Nash County. Authorities say a vehicle was overtaken by rising waters, prompting a swift rescue attempt.

“They managed to get out of the vehicle and police responded — but despite an officer’s heroic efforts, they fell in the water and were swept away,” officials said.

Lt. Jason Leary of the Spring Hope Police Department was among the first on scene.
“It was just amazing how fast it came—flash flooded. It happened quick,” he said.
“I saw her partially submerged. I ran and dove in, tried to grab her. I never got to her. Once she went under, I never saw her again.”

Similar flooding conditions were reported across parts of North Dakota, where widespread high water continues to impact communities.

Meanwhile, wildfires are tearing across the western U.S., fueled by record-breaking heat. In Southern California, the Gifford Fire — now the state’s largest blaze of the year — has burned more than 91,000 acres and remains just nine percent contained. New evacuation orders were issued Wednesday as crews battle extreme temperatures.

Colorado is also under threat. The Lee Fire nearly doubled in size in just 24 hours, covering nearly 45,000 acres with zero containment reported. Evacuations are underway. And in Washington State, the Bear Gulch Fire has scorched more than 5,000 acres.