Governor McCrory Warns of Severe Flooding and Power Outages as Hurricane Matthew Becomes Deadly in North Carolina Calls for citizens to stay off the roads and sidewalks

 

“The worst case scenario appears to be coming true as Hurricane Matthew has become a deadly storm in North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory. “Our team will continue to shift resources, including National Guard troops, State Highway Patrol troopers and swift water rescue teams, to assist the impacted communities. I cannot stress enough for everyone to stay off the roads and sidewalks as there are deadly conditions from Fayetteville, the Triangle and east as a result of severe flooding.”

 

To date, there have been three storm-related fatalities in North Carolina. One in Sampson County caused by a vehicle that hydroplaned and two in Bladen County due to a submerged vehicle.

 

Today, Governor McCrory spoke with President Obama to discuss North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Matthew and federal assistance. He is also in constant communication with mayors and local officials, as well as Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about impacts of the storm on the agriculture community.

 

The governor warned that conditions will continue to worsen throughout eastern and central North Carolina as the storm is now predicted to continue moving along the coast towards the Outer Banks before heading out to sea. 

 

Wind gusts up to 65 miles per hour have been reported in southeastern North Carolina and 55 miles per hour in the Sandhills region. Most of the Fayetteville region has had nearly 9 inches of rain today alone, while Bladen County has reported close to 12 inches of rain. Cumberland County has already performed approximately 70 water rescues and more are underway.

 

Fallen trees and isolated flooding in counties throughout central and eastern North Carolina have closed many roads. The governor mentioned that crews are actively working to remove debris from blocked roadways and place barricades where necessary. As conditions worsen, additional road closures are expected. For the latest traffic and road conditions visit ReadyNC.org.

 

More than 300,000 power outages have been reported in 65 counties throughout North Carolina. Utilities have deployed more than 5,700 personnel to help respond to power outages.

 

The state is currently monitoring dams at locations across the state, particularly in Hoke, Moore and Bladen counties. Hoke County has reported that two dams are near failure and some homes are being evacuated. The governor encouraged people to stay tuned and listen to your local officials.

 

Governor McCrory emphasized that he is particularly concerned about major inland flooding as rivers begin to crest early in the week. The governor said that some of the worst damage during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 came days after the storm when the rivers crested.

 

The Cape Fear River, near Burgaw and Chinquapin, is expected to crest Monday near 20 feet. The Tar River at Greenville will likely crest Monday at almost 18 feet and the Neuse River in Kinston is expected to crest Monday at nearly 18 feet. Governor McCrory noted particular concern with the Cashie River near Windsor that is expected to crest as early as tomorrow with a peak of nearly 11 feet.

 

As North Carolina is experiencing significant impacts from Matthew, the governor emphasized that the state has prepared for this moment and resources are in place to save lives and protect property.

 

More than 200 National Guard troops and 78 high water rescue vehicles have been deployed. Another 26 vehicles and 78 troops will be positioned tomorrow. Additional State Highway Patrol troopers have been sent to Wilmington and Raleigh and all essential personnel are on standby and ready for deployment across the state. More than 51 swift water rescue boats and 131 rescue technicians are available and ready to respond. 

 

More than 1,000 people are housed in 60 shelters in central and eastern parts of the state. For those needing information including nearby shelter, housing, and other storm-related details, call 2-1-1.

 

For more information about how to get ready for a hurricane and what to do during or after a storm, go to ReadyNC.org. You can also get real-time traffic and weather updates on the ReadyNC mobile app. Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitterand Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.