One minute you’re walking down a street, the next, you’re plummeting into the depths of the earth. This phenomenom known as a sinkhole occurs all over the world. So what exactly is a sinkhole? It is a depression in the ground caused by some type of collapse of the surface layer. The scary part is, they can occur at any moment. Another scary fact, they have happened here in North Carolina. Take these six as an example.

  1. Wadesboro

NBCNews.com In 2012 this giant sinkhole opened up in Wadesboro and caused quite chaos and headaches for all members of the community.

  1. Jacksonville

thesinkhole.org In 2011 Keith Parks found a sinkhole on his property and also the property of Cheri Pickett.

  1. Wilmington

thestar.com In 2009 heavy rains and flooding conditions opened up the earth and caused this sinkhole on Finch Ave.

  1. The triad

journalnow.com In 2009 torrential rain caused this sinkhole to happen on a stretch of 421 greatly affecting traffic flow in the triad.

  1. Hampstead

storify.com Almost a year ago this giant sinkhole occured in Hampstead after heavy rains.

6. Durham

NBCNews.com

In 2012 this giant sinkhole opened up in Wadesboro and caused quite chaos and headaches for all members of the community.

thesinkhole.org

In 2011 Keith Parks found a sinkhole on his property and also the property of Cheri Pickett.

thestar.com

In 2009 heavy rains and flooding conditions opened up the earth and caused this sinkhole on Finch Ave.

journalnow.com

In 2009 torrential rain caused this sinkhole to happen on a stretch of 421 greatly affecting traffic flow in the triad.

storify.com

Almost a year ago this giant sinkhole occured in Hampstead after heavy rains.

A law student was driving down the road in Durham when he then drove straight into a sinkhole. Luckily, he was unharmed.

It’s safe to say heavy rains are to blame for these scary sinkholes! Have any of your own sinkhole stories? Share them in the comments!

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