South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Brunswick County today to meet with local emergency management officials, assess storm damage, and discuss the impacts of a recent tropical system. On Tuesday, the Governor declared a State of Emergency for Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, and New Hanover counties in response to the storm's damages. The following day, he amended the declaration to include four additional counties and issued transportation waivers to aid recovery efforts.

“I’m grateful for the efforts of Emergency Management, first responders and local officials who jumped into action to deal with the fallout from this storm,” said Governor Cooper. “As we continue to tackle the impacts from this storm, North Carolinians should keep exercising caution and listen to instructions from local authorities and emergency management officials. Please do not drive through flooded areas and be mindful of any road barricades that remain in effect.”

During his visit, Gov. Cooper met with Brunswick County Emergency Management Director David McIntire and New Hanover Emergency Management Director Steven Still. He also viewed damage during a brief flight along the coast before touring impacted areas on the ground. Accompanying him were NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray, NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, and NC Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins.

The State Highway Patrol and transportation officials are responding to road closures and damage reports. Southeastern North Carolina experienced historical rainfall resulting in flooding, damaged roadways, and hazardous conditions. Carolina Beach received 20.81 inches of rainfall.

The NC State Highway Patrol announced one storm-related fatality after a motorist drove around stationary Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office vehicles into high waters.

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes associated with the tropical system: an EF0 tornado moved onshore as a waterspout on Bald Head Island Sunday morning at 11:52 AM before lifting by 11:54 AM with peak winds estimated at 60 mph; another EF0 tornado touched down Monday evening southeast of Cape Carteret at 7:26 PM before lifting by 7:27 PM with similar wind speeds.

Emergency Operations Centers are activated in Brunswick and Columbus counties along with local States of Emergencies in place across several municipalities including Boiling Springs Lake, Bolivia, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island, Southport, St. James, and Sandy Creek.

Brunswick County Schools will remain closed through September 20th. One shelter is currently open in Leland with an occupancy of two people. Baptists on Mission has established a recovery site at Beach Road Baptist Church in Southport.

Several flood warnings remain active across central and eastern North Carolina due to ongoing or forecasted minor river flooding. A Flood Warning is also in effect for the NE Cape Fear River near Burgaw where moderate flooding is expected; all gauges are anticipated to recede below flood stage by this weekend.

Residents can visit DriveNC.Gov for updated roadway conditions from NCDOT. As of noon Wednesday, 47 roads across more than a dozen counties were closed including major routes like U.S. 17, N.C. 211, N.C. 133 in Brunswick County where three bridges on N.C. 211 sustained severe damage.

The Southport-Fort Fisher ferry remains closed due to flooding and road damage leading to its terminal.

Several water main breaks caused partial pressure loss in Brunswick County's water system prompting two boil water advisories; temporary pumps have been installed at affected wastewater collection systems.

NCDOT’s Highway Division 3 utilized drones for damage assessment while sharing information publicly.

The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated through at least Friday focusing on supporting impacted communities' needs for commodities or personnel assistance as required; high clearance vehicles were mobilized from Pender County while North Carolina Search & Rescue Taskforce 11 continues providing support today in Brunswick County.