Southeastern North Carolina experienced significant effects from Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight on Monday, as heavy rain and strong winds pounded the coastline. New Hanover and Brunswick counties saw torrential downpours, leading to widespread impacts across the region.
More than 20 inches of rain have drenched the Southport, NC area, prompting a State of Emergency after several roads collapsed. The NC 211 bridge, a key route into the town, is now closed in both directions due to a washout. Local officials have issued a shelter-in-place order, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel.
“The N.C. Department of Transportation is anticipating additional closures as inland rains move downstream,” stated the agency. “As soon as it becomes safe, NCDOT crews will mobilize teams to make emergency repairs to impacted roads, including N.C. 211 where bridges are damaged over Duke Energy Canal and Dutchman Creek.”
In Carolina Beach, floodwaters surged down Lake Park Blvd, inundating local businesses and homes with several inches of water. Flood waters in the town caused an immediate release from Carolina Beach Elementary School which prompted the New Hanover County Sheriff’s office to use a high water vehicle to safely get students back home.
This prompted outrage on social media with parents asking why schools were not closed for the day. In response, New Hanover County Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes said in a statement rain fall totals were higher than expected.
“I want to apologize to New Hanover County Schools students, families, and staff for the decision to keep schools open during the tropical storm that hit our region this morning,” said Barnes. “I understand the frustration and concern this has caused, and I want to address the situation transparently. Our priority is always to make the best decision based on the information available at the time. Unfortunately, the rainfall and conditions far exceeded all forecasts when we made the call last night to keep school open. The severity of today’s storm took our community by surprise. Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our students and staff. I am a parent myself, and I know the distress and frustration that a day like today brings to families.”
Original forecasts from the National Weather Service in Wilmington called for 4-6 inches in areas along the coast, in some areas more than 20 inches fell.
On Highway 17 in Brunswick county drivers were stuck for over 12 hours due to flooded roadways, prompting the Brunswick County Government to deliver food, water, and supplies to stranded drivers.
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