us." By August 29, flood watches were in effect for eastern South Carolina and eastern and southern North Carolina. On August 30, flood warnings were issued for portions of central Virginia, and tornado watches were put into effect for parts of southeast Virginia and northern North Carolina. In Charlotte, North Carolina, an estimated 30 National Guard soldiers were activated to assist in helping in flooded areas. Impact South Carolina On August 29, Gaston made landfall near Bulls Bay with maximum sustained winds of . At the Isle of Palms, a gust of was reported by a storm chaser. The heaviest rain fell from Williamsburg County, through Florence and Darlington counties, where rainfall amounts ranged from to over . This resulted in flash flooding, up to deep in some cases, which overwashed and closed several roads. One F1 tornado was reported in Marlboro County, although damage was unknown. Storm surge ranged from feet in Bulls Bay. Widespread wind damage occurred in northern Charleston County and in Berkeley County. The high winds blew down numerous trees and branches, destroying eight homes. In total over 3,000 structures sustained minor to significant damage, and trees fell on several vehicles. Several lamp posts, power lines, mailboxes, signs and fences were damaged or destroyed by fallen debris. The Lumber River crested at a record high of nearly 8 feet above flood stage, forcing the evacuation of many homes and flooding farmlands. In Berkeley County, 20 structures were severely damaged or destroyed, and dozens of other structures suffered minor flooding damage. Overall, damage in South Carolina rose to over $40 million. During the height of the storm over 150,000 customers were without power. North Carolina Gaston tracked into North Carolina as a tropical depression early on August 30, producing up to of rain near Red Springs. Wind gusts peaked at at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport. Also, the Elizabeth City Coast Guard Air Station reported gusts of . These winds knocked out power to 6,500 customers. In Chatham County and Johnston County, numerous trees were blown down. A fallen tree landed on a post office, inflicting damage to the roof and back porch. Windspread flooding occurred as a result of the heavy rainfall. In Raleigh, the Marsh Creek overflowed its banks, flooding several trucks and closing numerous onramps to Interstate 40. Persistent rainfall on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge caused the Linville River near Linville to rapidly