Governor McCrory Surveys Storm Damage in Foothills | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Heavy rainfall in the North Carolina foothills this past weekend caused severe flooding in several counties damaging homes, businesses, roads and bridges.

    Governor Pat McCrory, Transportation Secretary Tony Tata, state and county Emergency Management personnel and transportation engineers surveyed some of the hardest hit areas in Catawba and Lincoln counties today. See video of today's tour here.

    "My heart goes out to those who have been affected by the recent flooding in Lincoln and Catawba Counties," said Governor Pat McCrory. "We are working hard to help storm victims get back to normal. North Carolinians are resilient and I have no doubt that everyone we visited today will be back on their feet soon enough."

    Local and state emergency management teams began surveying damage Sunday even as heavy rains continued. Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration will join state and local officials tomorrow to determine if impacted homeowners, renters and business owners could possibly qualify for federal financial aid.

    "For many residents in these counties, this is the second or third time they have been flooded in the past two months," said state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. "North Carolina Emergency Management is working daily side-by-side with impacted counties to help them recover from the recurring flooding,"

    Some areas in Catawba and Lincoln counties received more than 12 inches of rain on Saturday, resulting in widespread flooding, downed trees and power lines. Over the weekend, swift water rescue teams pulled about 15 people from swollen rivers, creeks and flooded vehicles in Catawba and Lincoln counties.

    The N.C. Department of Transportation completed its initial emergency response work and restored traffic operations in several critical locations through temporary repairs. NCDOT crews are now assessing the damage to determine the most efficient ways to make additional repairs. In several areas, floodwaters remain too high to discern the full extent of the storms' impacts. Once the water recedes, inspectors will examine roads, pipes and bridges that are now under water, perform engineering assessments of damage, estimate repair costs, and develop strategies for permanent repairs.

    "I'm proud of the work our crews are doing and appreciate their effort to restore mobility for citizens in these hard hit areas as soon as possible," said Transportation Secretary Tony Tata. "Our team is always committed to keeping people connected to work, healthcare, and other critical services no matter what mother nature brings."

    Catawba County

    •   More than 100 homes and businesses with significant damage. Damage assessment continues today and tomorrow.

    •   18 county roads were flooded including Gracie Lane and Grace Church Road. Eight others saw shoulder washouts, while five others saw pipe or box culverts blocked or washed out.

    •   Bridge on N.C. 10 in Newton over Clarks Creek near the intersection of Long Road was flooded and the area near the bridge was washed out.

    Lincoln County

    •   Several homes were affected. Local and state emergency management teams will assess the damage Wednesday.

    •   One bridge washed out at Beam Lumber Company Road in Vail over Little Indian Creek. Also, several drainage pipes in the Lincolnton area were damaged, including Dan Rhyne, Tallent and Zur Leonard roads.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
      govpress@nc.gov