RALEIGH
May 2, 2017
While floodwaters are beginning to recede in Goldsboro, Tarboro and Greenville, conditions in Kinston will continue to worsen through tomorrow, Governor Roy Cooper cautioned this morning.
“The good news is that residents in Goldsboro, Tarboro and Greenville should see the water levels dropping throughout the week,” Gov. Cooper said. “However, conditions along the Neuse River in Lenoir County will worsen until late Wednesday. Again, we cannot stress enough, if you see flooded roads, turn around. Pay attention to those barricades.”
Emergency management officials expect the Neuse River to rise another 1.4 feet between now and Wednesday evening, putting the river at major flood stage. Even at the forecasted peak of nearly 23 feet, the Neuse River is predicted to be 6 feet lower than it was following Hurricane Matthew. Still, floodwaters are expected to impact dozens of homes and businesses southeast of Kinston.
With the exception of the Neuse River in Kinston, flood levels along all other rivers and streams are improving. The Tar River in Tarboro and Greenville is still at moderate flood stage, as is the Neuse River in Goldsboro, but the water is slowly receding and expected to drop below flood stage by Friday for all three locations.
High water has closed N.C. 581 in Goldsboro and more than 20 secondary routes in Wayne and other eastern counties. Floodwaters are expected to impact U.S. 70 and N.C. 11, as well as several secondary roads in Kinston during the next few days. 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.