Governor McCrory Says Flooding, Crop Damage Remain Major Concerns Due to Drenching Rains

Governor Pat McCrory said flooding and damage to the state’s agricultural sector continue to be among the major challenges facing North Carolina in the aftermath of drenching rains that have covered every county in the state during the past 24 to 48 hours.

“Our state is likely to escape a direct hit from Hurricane Joaquin, but some storm surge will result in flooding and erosion in coastal areas,”

Governor McCrory said.

“The real issue has become the tremendous rain event that is causing flooding in the Southeastern counties and areas in and southwest of Asheville with more rain predicted.”

Twelve North Carolina counties have declared a state of an emergency in addition to the statewide declaration made by Governor McCrory. North Carolina remains under a flood or flash flood watch. Numerous counties are also still under a flood warning, meaning there is danger to life and property. One weather related fatality has occurred in Cumberland County.

“Whether you are in your home, driving or on foot, please remember flooding is dangerous and exercise extreme caution,” Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry said. “Dedicated public officials remain mobilized across the state and are ready to respond where needed.”

In addition to state emergency workers and first responders, the North Carolina National Guard has activated 63 soldiers and 20 support vehicles.

Brunswick County evacuated 400-to-500 residents Friday night into early Saturday morning due to flooding from heavy rains and a levee failure in South Carolina. A shelter is open at West Brunswick Nigh School in Shallotte. The county declared a state of emergency late Friday night. All thoroughfares into South Carolina from Brunswick County are closed, including US-17. Another 2 to 5 inches of rain could fall today in the Southeast portion of the state.

Hyde County has lifted its mandatory evacuation order for Ocracoke Island for residents only. Tourists and visitors are still restricted from entering the island due to road conditions and infrastructure. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry Division transported 1,092 residents and 628 cars from the island. NC-12 is closed in both directions leading toward the Hatteras Ferry terminal due to severe flooding.

One minor landslide has occurred in McDowell County causing the temporary closure of Memorial Park Road. Landslides remain a possibility, particularly in the western part of the state where another 3 to 7 inches of rain are predicted to fall in areas in and west of Asheville.

“NCDOT crews are working throughout the state to address issues with roadway flooding and downed trees, and we will continue to monitor conditions and respond as needed,” DOT Secretary Nick Tennyson said. “We expect to see this type of localized flooding through the weekend, and we urge travelers to heed warning signs and avoid driving through water on our roadways.”

The rains’ impact on agriculture remains a major concern as well. North Carolina farmers have been harvesting crops at a feverish pace to minimize economic loss. An additional problem is salty rain coming  from precipitation originating in the Atlantic.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said farmers needing help clearing their fields or corralling livestock can call 866-645-9403.

Governor McCrory said detailed assessment of the damage caused by the severe weather will begin in earnest on Monday.

The Department of Environmental Quality is monitoring for any possible waste pond or sewage overflow. North Carolina’s flood control dams are being monitored and presently, their reservoirs have plenty of capacity. Thus, no water releases are anticipated. River and stream gages are also being closely watched.

Governor McCrory has been coordinating efforts with governors from neighboring states, particularly South Carolina's Nikki Haley. Governor McCrory said North Carolina will stand ready to assist South Carolina, which is expected to get hit with torrential rains today.

Officials from FEMA are on hand at the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center which was activated Friday.

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To view Gov. McCrory's weather briefing, please visit this site online

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http://livestream.com/accounts/3494995/events/4394498

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