Hurricane Matthew Brings Record River Flooding to North Carolina

October 11,2016
Record-breaking flooding has occurred in North Carolina after Hurricane Matthew dumped extreme amounts of rain on eastern parts of the state.

Estimated rainfall shows where the heavy amounts fell.

Though the rain ended on Sunday, and it should remain dry for many days ahead, rivers will still be rising in some locations or at least remain high for many days.
(MORE: How to Help Matthew's Victims)
In some cases, the flooding rivals that of Hurricane Floyd's in 1999.
This flooding is the result of 6 to 18 inches of rain that fell in eastern North Carolina from Matthew. The top total was 18.38 inches near Elizabethtown, followed by 15.65 inches at William O Huske Lock 3 and 14.82 inches in Fayetteville.
(LATEST NEWS: Matthew's Severe Flooding in North Carolina)
At least five river gauge locations have seen record flooding in North Carolina, including:

• Lumber River @ Lumberton West 5th Street: Crushed previous record crest by roughly three-and-a-half feet, as of Monday.
• Lumber River @ Lumberton: Exceeded record crest by nearly four feet on Sunday. This topped the previous record from the remnants of Hurricane Frances in 2004. The river is forecast to remain in record-flood stage much of this week.
• Lower Little River @ Manchester: Topped old record set Sept. 19, 1945, by more than two-and-a-half feet. Will drop below flood stage late this week.
• Neuse River @ Smithfield: Exceeded record crest by over a foot-and-a-half on Monday. Should drop below flood stage Wednesday.
• Neuse River @ Goldsboro: Cresting into early Wednesday at over 29 feet, topping the previous record set after Hurricane Floyd (28.9 feet).

One location in South Carolina has set a new record crest:

• Little Pee Dee River @ Galivants Ferry: Cresting into Wednesday at around 17 feet.

Another record may be set in North Carolina later this week:

• Neuse River @ Kinston: Could crest less than a foot under the current record (27.71 feet) late this week, set during Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The National Weather Service says "disastrous flooding" occurs at 27 feet.

Also notable is that the Tar River in Greenville, North Carolina, could reach its second or third highest crest on record.
The forecast calls for the river to reach just under 25 feet by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, here are some possible impacts when water reaches the following levels on the Tar River in Greenville.

• 24 feet: Devastating flooding for all areas adjacent to the river and tributaries. Water will begin to flood the Pitt-Greenville Airport. Water will overflow into the city of Greenville. Nearly all major roads countywide will become flooded and impassable.
• 22 feet: Water will overflow into the city of Greenville. Several secondary roads will also flood. Some homes along the river will flood. Evacuations will be needed. Water will begin to flood the Tar River Estates and Beech Street villas next to the river. On the north side of the river, water will flood up to the intersection of Mumford Road and Highway 33. Numerous tributaries will flood roads and homes countywide.
• 20 feet: Water will flood several homes near the river. Water will begin to flood town commons and adjacent areas in Greenville. Many acres of farmland flooded.

The flooding caused by Matthew will still be a major concern for many days ahead. Please take action if you are in an area that is being affected and follow what local authorities instruct you to do.

MORE: Hurricane Matthew's Destruction