Travelers Headed to the N.C. Coast Asked to Avoid Routes with Closures Flooding from Neuse and Tar rivers impacting major highways

Travelers needing to visit North Carolina beaches this weekend are advised to plan ahead and avoid routes that are closed due to flooding or damage from Hurricane Matthew. Several rivers in the eastern part of the state will remain in major flood stage through the weekend, and flooding continues to impact hundreds of primary and secondary roads.

Major eastbound routes affected by the flooding include U.S. 70 in Lenoir County, where the road is closed between N.C. 58 and U.S. 258 and U.S. 64 in Edgecombe County, between Princeville and SR 1606.

Crews from the N.C. Department of Transportation will continue to place barricades on closed roads and mark detours with signs. Governor Pat McCrory and safety officials urge motorists not to drive through floodwaters or around barricades. Damage to barricaded roads may not be visible from the surface, even if the roadway appears dry.

Drivers should not rely on GPS devices for information about road closures and detour information.  Call 511 for real-time travel information or 877-511-4662 if calling from outside North Carolina.

Check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. Dial 211 to speak with a trained call specialist about Hurricane Matthew assistance in your area; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306. 

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