RALEIGH
May 1, 2017
Flood conditions are improving for many central North Carolina counties, but residents in several eastern communities need to continue closely monitoring river levels, Governor Roy Cooper cautioned today.
“Residents in most of our communities are seeing conditions starting to improve, but Goldsboro and Kinston residents need to remain especially vigilant,” Gov. Cooper said. “While we don’t expect today’s risk of thunderstorms to cause more flooding, we cannot afford to let our guard down quite yet. Remember: don’t drive around barricades on flooded roads. There are still a number of flooded roads throughout central and eastern North Carolina.”
Most of North Carolina is under a slight risk of severe storms for today with possible damaging wind gusts, a few tornadoes, large hail and scattered spots of heavy rainfall. Total rainfall amounts between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch are expected, but the additional precipitation should have no significant impact on river flooding.
Rivers and streams have returned to normal levels for the Cape Fear, Lumber, Haw and Cashie rivers, but the Tar River in Tarboro and Greenville is still at moderate flood stage with flood levels expected to drop throughout the week to more normal conditions. Contentnea Creek at Hookerton also remains at moderate flood stage, but the waters are receding there, too, with conditions expected to improve throughout the week.
Flooding is still a concern along the Neuse River in Goldsboro where the river remains at major flood stage, but the waters have started receding some and conditions are expected to improve in Goldsboro and upstream throughout the week. Kinston residents can expect to see worsening conditions until Wednesday afternoon when river levels are expected to peak at nearly 23 feet. Floodwaters are expected to impact a number of buildings.
High water and a few isolated washouts prompted transportation officials to close nearly 30 secondary routes in the central and eastern regions of the state as of 9:00 am Monday. NC Highway 222 in Stantonsburg and NC 581 in Goldsboro remain closed due to flooding, as are numerous secondary roads mostly in Lenoir, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson counties. Marked detours are available for travelers in most areas.
Transportation officials urge drivers never to 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.