This was a historical rain event even for historical rain events. Yes, record rain was predicted but not at the levels actually received.
You are right. There was no way we could all evacuate the south. Here in Georgia, we had Florida evacuees but many ended up right in the middle of flooding. Half the residents of five states would have had to have evacuated. People have become wary of doing so since in the past they have spent money and time to do so only for the storm to be a non-event.
Also, right now people have limited funds so they have to weigh the chances of the storm actually happening so they use their rent money to evacuate. But what if the storm doesn’t come? Then, they are broke and two states away and now rent is due.
I can’t be too hard on those that didn’t evacuate TN, NC, and SC.
I hear that this is on the federal TVA which did not open those slices to drain waters but kept the lakes full to please mansion lake house owners.