SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Though Tropical Storm Debby has dissipated, her aftermath and more rainfall continue to impact local flooding.
READ MORE: Free well-water testing offered on the heels of Debby, potential contaminants from flooding
New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties remain under a flood watch and in some areas warnings, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Debby dumped anywhere from 7 to 15 inches, with some isolated areas receiving more, as she descended upon North Carolina the last half of last week. Since her departure, the region has seen more thunderstorms; the NWS is expecting anywhere from half-an-inch to 2 inches more of rainfall through Thursday, Aug. 15.
Showers could be slow-moving, with bouts of heavier rainfall and isolated winds during stronger storms. A severe thunderstorm risk is issued for Monday night. This could make trees more vulnerable due to already saturated soils and cause more flash flooding.
This includes the Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw, expected to see major flooding with a 16-foot crest. Subdivisions in River Bend and River Birch, or on Croomsbridge Road, can expect waters to reach homes. Pender County is under a flood warning.
In Wilmington the Cape Fear River is expected to rise 5.5 feet, which will flood the lowest areas of the U.S.S. North Carolina and Battleship Road. Water could also overflow onto downtown’s Water Street, with minor flooding during high tides mid-week into the weekend. New Hanover County is under a flood watch.
The Cape Fear River Lock and Dam 1 near Riegelwood, normally just above 19 feet, is expected to reach 24 feet, with minor flooding. It will impact both sides of North Elwell Ferry Road, near the ferry landing, according to NWS. Columbus and Brunswick counties are under flood warnings.
Motorists should not drive through flooding, avoid water-covered bridges and be particularly cautious at night when it’s harder to tell the depth of pooling water. A vehicle can stall in 6 inches and will float in 2 feet.
NWS reminded that most flood deaths occur in vehicles — one of which took place in Lumberton, North Carolina, on Saturday. EMS and rescue had to clear Whiteville Road at the Columbus and Robeson counties line, which flooded several areas. A driver’s vehicle was swept away and the person did not survive the incident despite efforts made by the Allenton Fire Department, NC State Highway Patrol, Robeson EMS and the county sheriffs office.
It’s the third death reported in North Caroline, due to Debby. A Wilson County man passed away after a tornado hit his home Thursday and in Rockingham County, a 78-year-old woman died due to a tree falling through her home.
Brunswick and Pender counties have numerous impassable roads, according to the NCDOT drive map. For instance, NC 50 to I-40 in Pender is shuttered due to flooding, as is NC-904 near Horseshoe Rd. just north of Calabash in Brunswick.
Check in with Wilmington’s National Weather Service here for updates.
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