Governor Pat McCrory visited the flood-hit towns of Princeville and Tarboro today and provided updates of the ongoing recovery and relief efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew.
“I’ve seen the best of North Carolina here in Princeville and Tarboro under the most difficult of circumstances,” said Governor McCrory. “This is a prolonged event, but we are working around the clock to help people in impacted areas and will continue to do so.”
The governor confirmed two additional deaths, a 63 year-old male in Cumberland County and a 86-year old male in Lenoir County. This brings the total number of storm-related deaths to 24.
The Tar River crested near Princeville on Thursday, forcing the entire town of 2,200 people to evacuate. The Neuse River is expected to crest today, and may bring major flooding to Kinston and certain areas of Lenoir County. The Northeast Cape Fear River has crested at Burgaw, but high flood levels are expected to remain there through next week. The Lumber River crested earlier this week, but officials are continuing to monitor the levels of it and smaller bodies of water.
The number of state-wide power outages continues to drop, down to 16,803 from a peak of over 800,000 on Sunday.
The governor said the state has sent additional resources to Edgecombe County, including 50 National Guard troops and 25 high water vehicles. Edgecombe County currently has six shelters operating at full power and the American Red Cross and the Department of Social Services are on site in the shelters.
Multiple primary and secondary roads remain closed in Edgecombe County, which include:
- Two closures on NC 33 near Tarboro
- NC 97, which is closed west of Tarboro
- The Northbound side of NC 111 between Chinquapin Road and the town of Princeville
- US 258 is impassable in both directions between NC 97 and NC 122 and is closed north of Tarboro between Lawrence and Princeville
- US 64 near Tarboro is closed in both directions, and portions of US 64-Alternate near Princeville remain closed
The governor reminded drivers to not rely on GPS devices for road closure and detour information. Call 5-1-1 or visit ReadyNC.org for the latest road closure updates.
Monetary contributions to the NC Disaster Relief Fund and texting NCRECOVERS to 30306 is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts. Additionally, monetary donations to recognized North Carolina relief organizations that can be found at www.NCVoad.org, a fast, flexible and effective method of assisting those who are in need.
- Monetary contributions help ensure a steady flow of important services to those impacted.
- Monetary contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are a fast, flexible and effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed
- Local organizations spend the money in the local affected community, accelerating its economic recovery
- Monetary donations, rather than unsolicited donated goods, avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, transporting and distributing these goods
For more information about hurricane recovery in your area, call 2-1-1. For more details about Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org. Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.
###