****UPDATE: Smith Middle School has been opened as a shelter for those impacted by the flooding. Many of the power outages in Chapel Hill had been restored as of 6:30 Saturday evening.****

Hurricane Matthew is continuing to dump heavy rain across Orange County on Saturday.

The storm knocked down many trees, which have brought down a number of power lines as well.

Nearly 3,000 Orange County residents were without power shortly after three o’clock Saturday afternoon, according to Duke Energy. The largest segment was more than 2,200 concentrated in Chapel Hill.

Residents reported roads being washed out in areas that are prone to flooding.

Officials in Chatham County and Orange County have declared a State of Emergency in each jurisdiction due to the flooding.

The Town of Chapel Hill released the following areas where crews were responding to down trees:

  • Eastowne Drive near Providence Drive   – both lanes blocked
  • Grant Street – one lane blocked
  • Piney Mountain Road – one lane blocked
  • Hooper Lane – one lane blocked
  • Umstead Drive – both lane blocked
  • Cherokee Circle – both lane blocked – power lines down – Duke Power has been notified.
  • CHFD has also removed at least one down tree – location not reported
  • 2 trees reported down on the new bike/pedestrian trail – secondary needs removal after conditions improve – more than likely tomorrow
  • Standish Road at Old Durham Road – both lanes blocked

Officials say about a dozen residents were evacuated from the public housing units on Estes Drive.

Several area creeks have already crested.

If you see a downed power line, officials say you should avoid it and call 911.

Residents are also being urged to stay home and off the road.

Governor Pat McCrory said in a press conference on Saturday afternoon that three North Carolinians had died during the hurricane. One hydroplaned while driving and the other two were killed in a  submerged vehicle.

A flash flood warning is in effect for most of central North Carolina until 10:30 Saturday night.

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