Governor McCrory Tours Flood Damage in Northeastern North Carolina | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Bertie County, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory assessed flood damage today in Bertie County where the remnants of Tropical Storm Julia dropped 17 inches of rain over a three-day period. The governor was joined by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson and Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry.

    "I'm extremely proud of the strength and resilience residents of northeastern North Carolina have shown in responding to this historic flood event," Governor McCrory said. "Thanks to the quick deployment of swift water rescue teams and emergency responders, as well as neighbors helping each other, everyone has remained safe. I am committing state resources to help the impacted areas recover as quickly and efficiently as possible so folks can return to their homes and businesses can get back to work."

    The governor and state leaders were joined by Rep. Howard Hunter, Bertie County Sheriff John Holley, Windsor Mayor Jim Hoggard and Bertie County Board of Commissioners Chairperson John Trent. During the tour, Governor McCrory met with local leaders and first responders, visited an agricultural business impacted by the flood, and toured downtown Windsor. He also spoke with residents and business owners to hear firsthand how the state can assist in the recovery efforts.

    The state's Joint Mobile Operations Center arrived in Windsor on Sunday to provide help with flood relief operations and will serve as home base for disaster recovery. The expandable 18-wheeler will be useful office space for Bertie County emergency services and agricultural extension agents as damage is assessed.

    Preliminary damage assessment teams of local and state emergency management staff began survey work today to examine impacts in Bertie, Chowan, Currituck and Perquimans Counties.

    State environmental officials are assessing public water systems, animal operations, wastewater treatment and water treatment plants. Runoff could make recreational water activities unsafe in waters that are affected by flooding. Residents are urged to stay out of those waters. The state has permitted emergency pumping in some areas to help move excessive stormwater away and avoid public health and safety issues.

    Transportation crews continue to survey damage to roads and bridges throughout the region and are making necessary repairs. Water has receded from most roadways and all primary routes in the area are now open while approximately 15 secondary roads remain closed. Citizens are reminded to obey the barricades and closures, and to not drive through standing water.

    Governor McCrory declared a State of Emergency for 11 counties last week in response to the severe flooding. The counties include Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton, Pasquotank, and Perquimans.

    The state deployed swift water rescue teams to help people stranded in floodwaters. A total of 138 people were rescued from homes and vehicles in the Bertie County area, including 61 residents and staff from a nursing home in Windsor.

• Contact: McCrory Communications
•     govpress@nc.gov