Flooding From Hurricane Matthew In NC
Hurricane Matthew has arrived to North Carolina bringing nonstop torrential rainfall to half the state. Recent rain had already caused flooding to many counties in the southestern section of the state. Rivers were already full. Now Hurricane Matthew is dumping several inches of rain forecast to last until Sunday morning. Windy conditions with significant wind gust are also adding to the problems. Trees are stating to come down. Power outages are on the increase as the storm continues to move u the coast. The large hurricane with its heavy bands of rain have drenched the state all the back to the west toward High Point and Greensboro.
Hurricane Matthew Radar Image 10/8/16(image from WRAL)
Fayetteville is currently experiencing flooded roadways as well as areas in the Crystal Coast. Water rescues are taking place due to flooding. Wilmington and other southern coastal areas may get over 12 inches of rain from this storm. Many rivers in Eastern North Carolina may flood out over their banks. There is concern for rivers to rise over the next several days including Tar River, Neuse River, Cape Fear River, and the Haw River.
It has been reported that two people in North Carolina in Bladen County have lost their lives due to flooding. Many roads in the state are flooding making it dangerous to travel. The rain and wind will continue throughout Saturday, Saturday night and into Sunday morning. Saturated grounds in combination with constant winds and strong wind gusts will likely cause trees to come down and power outages for the next 24 hours.
Wilmington and beaches along the NC coast are experiencing heavy ocean surf, rising waterways, heavy rain and tropical force winds. Storm Surge is expected to be 2-4 feet. The coastal areas may experience sustained wind speeds of 75mph. The hurricane will be off the NC coast at high tide which will make conditions even worse. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect in many areas. Please pay attention to local weather conditions and limit travel in affected areas of North Carolina. Sunday when the rain stops there will be problems with flooding. Hurricane Matthew may be a Cat 1 storm that will weaken to a tropical storm but it is a slow-moving large storm that can still cause dangerous conditions.
