Governor Warns Flooding Still a Potential Threat to Communities in Eastern NC | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

Emergency Management and DOT Monitoring Rivers That Have Crested or Are Predicted to Crest in Next Few Days

    RALEIGH: Despite sunny skies, North Carolinians need to look out for flooding in low-lying areas, avoid flooded roads, and stay tuned to local weather updates, Governor Roy Cooper warned today.

    "We're grateful that the rains have ended and the sun is back out, but communities in eastern North Carolina cannot let their guard down," said Governor Cooper. "Forecasters are still predicting some of our rivers to crest today or as late as Monday and we need to remain alert for more flooding."

    Local and state Emergency Management officials continue to monitor several rivers and smaller streams such as the Cashie near Windsor; the Tar River in Rocky Mount, Tarboro and Greenville; and the Neuse in Goldsboro and Kinston.

    The unofficial amounts of rainfall range from 3.5 to 5.5 inches in the foothills, to between 5 and 9 inches of rain across the Piedmont and 4 to 5.5 to 9 inches of rain in coastal counties. There remains some chance of rain over the next few days, but the coverage area for any additional rain is expected to be scattered and limited.

    Gov. Cooper is continuing to get regular updates from state Emergency Management and Transportation officials.

    Transportation and emergency management are monitoring several dozen flood gauges for minor to major flooding that will continue, in some areas, as late as Monday. Some of the more critical areas of concern as of Wednesday include Clayton, Smithfield, Rocky Mount and Greenville.

    There is the potential for major flooding along the Tar River in Rocky Mount through Thursday morning and in Greenville through Sunday. The Cashie River near Windsor may have some flooding later today or tomorrow that could impact several properties in low-lying areas. Moderate flooding is expected on the Tar River tomorrow at Tarboro and potentially in Princeville (peaking Friday afternoon); and in Greenville (peaking Sunday morning). The Neuse River near Goldsboro also will see moderate flooding peaking Sunday evening with Kinston peaking on Monday morning.

    As of midmorning on Wednesday, there were eight primary routes and 109 secondary routes impacted by high water. I-795 in Wilson County is also closed in both directions between Exit 40 (NC-42) and Exit 43 (US-301) due to flooding.

    Transportation officials urge drivers to never drive around barricades, even if the road appears clear. Flooding can cause washouts underneath the roadway, and DOT crews will not open a closed road until it has been inspected for safety.

    Emergency officials urge residents to follow these safety tips:

• Move to higher ground when flash flood warnings are issued. Don't wait for instructions.
• Never drive into flooded areas or across flooded roads. If you cannot see the road, it may not be there.
• Do not walk through moving water. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult.
• Follow detours and obey traffic barricades that close off roads.
• Never park or camp along streams, rivers or creeks.

    For the latest flooding information, download the ReadyNC mobile app and check the flood gauges nearest you. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov