South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper and state emergency response leaders are responding to hazardous weather impacting North Carolina and have begun the damage assessment process for affected communities. State Highway Patrol and Transportation Officials are addressing road closures and damage reports. Southeastern North Carolina experienced historical rainfall, resulting in flooding, roadway damage, and hazardous conditions. Carolina Beach received 18.32 inches of rainfall from midnight to yesterday afternoon.

“Yesterday’s weather system reinforces why we prepare for the worst impacts of a storm and do not focus on the category or whether it is a named system,” said Governor Cooper. “As we move into today, please be safe as there are many roadways impacted and unsafe conditions persisting around the state. Check on your neighbors, do not drive through flooded areas, and do not let your guard down, as additional rainfall is expected through the afternoon.”

Brunswick County declared a State of Emergency along with Boiling Springs Lakes, Oak Island, Southport, Saint James, Sandy Creek, Bolivia, Bald Head Island, and Varnamtown. Shelters in Brunswick County have opened at South Brunswick Middle School and Bolivia Elementary School. In New Hanover County, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach have declared a State of Emergency. The American Red Cross assisted displaced residents in Carolina Beach at the Pleasure Island Recreation Center before moving them to a local hotel for the night.

North Carolinians can visit DriveNC.Gov for updated roadway conditions from the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT). As of this morning, approximately 45 roadways across the state are closed due to storm impacts. This includes parts of U.S. 17, N.C. 211, and U.S. 74; twenty-seven closures were in Highway Division 3 covering Sampson, Duplin, Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties.

“North Carolina Emergency Management is continuing to support impacted communities across our state, especially in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties,” said Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “A part of this support will include an assessment of damages when safe to do so that will help to inform recovery efforts as quickly as possible.” He advised North Carolinians to remain vigilant as additional rainfall could lead to more flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated since late last week and is monitoring the storm with regular communication with local, state, and tribal partners. Two High Clearance Vehicles were mobilized from Pender County to assist crews in Brunswick County yesterday and remain on-site today. North Carolina Search and Rescue Taskforce 11 from New Hanover County has moved to neighboring Brunswick County for water rescue needs while pallets of water are being shipped there this morning.

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