Press Releases

The Department of Transportation has reopened a section of U.S. 74 closed by floodwater from Hurricane Matthew last week. A section of the highway at the Robeson-Columbus County line has been put into a two-lane, two-way pattern while repairs to the roadway are continuing.

Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew now have an additional 10 days to request replacement benefits.

Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew are asked to contact the Electronic Benefits Transfer Call Center to request replacement benefits.

The Call Center number is 1-866-719-0141.

Following his visit to New Bern earlier today, Governor Pat McCrory has announced that federal individual assistance is now available for residents of Craven County affected by recent flooding. Last week, the county qualified for public assistance. 

The Division of Employment Security (DES) has announced that the following counties have been approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew: Craven County, Martin County, Tyrrell County, and Washington County.

New Bern, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory visited flood-affected areas in Craven and Pender counties today, and provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew.

Events such as the flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew commonly result in the loss of important documents. North Carolinians can use the following resources to replace lost or damaged documents and records.

Thanks to Department of Transportation and contractor crews working around the clock over the weekend, I-95 was reopened in both directions in Cumberland and Robeson counties this morning.

State environmental health experts are cautioning residents affected by the floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew to exercise extreme caution when reentering their homes. Hazards include electrical, wildlife, mold, sewage and contaminated food.

The State Emergency Response Team continues to coordinate the ongoing recovery efforts of local, state and federal agencies throughout the counties affected by Hurricane Matthew.

As of early Sunday morning, four areas remain in a major flooding condition as river levels begin to drop. According to predictive analysis by North Carolina Emergency Management officials, all rivers are forecast to be below flood stage by Oct.

RALEIGH – Floodwaters are still at record levels across much of eastern North Carolina. One of the hardest hit areas is Robeson County and the town of Lumberton. Governor Pat McCrory visited the area on Wednesday to survey the damage and assess needs.

Hundreds of animals in eastern North Carolina have been rescued since Hurricane Matthew struck the state on Oct. 8. Flood victims who are missing a pet should contact their local shelter or humane society as soon as possible to recover their dog or cat.

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, state and federal officials caution North Carolinians to be alert for individuals attempting to take advantage of residents making home repairs, those wanting to donate to victims or those trying to obtain vital information under false pretenses.

RALEIGH – Floodwaters are still at record high levels across much of eastern North Carolina and emergency officials are asking evacuated residents to remain in place until local officials announce it is safe to return home.