Hurricane Matthew Brings Record River Flooding to North Carolina

October 14,2016
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 are still rising in some locations or will 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 into the weekend.
• Lower Little River @ Manchester: Topped old record set Sept. 19, 1945, by more than two-and-a-half feet. Dropped below flood stage early Thursday.
• Neuse River @ Smithfield: Exceeded record crest by over a foot-and-a-half on Monday. Dropped below flood stage Thursday.
• Neuse River @ Goldsboro: Crested Wednesday at over 29.5 feet, topping the previous record set after Hurricane Floyd (28.9 feet).

Two locations in South Carolina have set new record crests:

• Little Pee Dee River @ Galivants Ferry: Crested Wednesday just above 17 feet. The old record was 16 feet.
• Neuse River @ Kinston: The record of 27.71 feet, set during Hurricane Floyd in 1999, was broken late Thursday. The river crested close to 28.30 feet on Friday. 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 highest crest on record. The forecast calls for the river to reach about 25 feet by Saturday.
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