Press Releases

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A traffic shift that allows a lane of I-95 South to be open near mile marker 78 close to the Johnston-Harnett County line is now in place. The southbound side of the highway at that location was washed away by flood water from Hurricane Matthew earlier in the week.