Additional rains and flooding will continue to impact North Carolina today and into this evening, Governor Roy Cooper cautioned Monday, and urged drivers to be safe and avoid floodwaters.
“Flooding can be dangerous and deadly,” Gov. Cooper said. “I urge everyone to avoid driving through floodwaters and to take flood warnings seriously.”
Flash Flood Watches and Flood Warnings continue across portions of western North Carolina through this evening. Mudslides and landslides are possible along steeper slopes that received heavy rainfall over the weekend. While many areas saw a lull in precipitation this morning, rain and thunderstorm chances will increase this afternoon and evening.
Heavy downpours could lead to additional flash flooding across western North Carolina later today, however these storms will be moving from west to east and not training over the same areas like we saw this past weekend.
Since Friday evening, swift water rescue teams have rescued 83 people from flood waters. As of Monday afternoon, about 3,400 power outages were being reported statewide.
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.
Major road closures due to damaged and flooded roads include US 321 in Catawba County, US 401 in Franklin County and NC routes 96, 97 and 98 in Wake County. DOT crews are working to quickly to assess damages and repair roads in these areas.
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 at fiman.nc.gov. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow @NCDOT on Twitter.
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