Flood warning in the three-county region continues

SOUTHEAST NC – Tropical Storm Debby has dissipated, but its aftermath and additional rainfall continue to cause local flooding.

READ MORE: Free well water tests offered after Debby, possible contaminants from flooding

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a flood warning remains in effect for New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.

Debby brought between 7 and 15 inches of rain, with some isolated areas in Brunswick County receiving even more, as it moved into North Carolina in the second half of last week. Since its departure, the region has seen more isolated thunderstorms; the NWS expects another half-inch to two inches of rain through Thursday, August 15.

Showers could progress slowly, with heavier rain and isolated winds during stronger storms. A severe thunderstorm threat is issued for Monday night. This could make trees more vulnerable due to already saturated soils and cause further flash flooding.

This includes the northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw, where severe flooding with a 16-foot column of water is expected. Flooding up to homes is expected in communities in River Bend and River Birch or on Croomsbridge Road.

In Wilmington, the Cape Fear River is expected to rise 5.2 feet (1.6 meters), flooding the lowest parts of the USS North Carolina and Battleship Road. Water could also overflow into downtown Water Street, and minor flooding will occur at high tide midweek through the weekend.

The Cape Fear River Lock and Dam 1 at Riegelwood, which normally crest just over 19 feet, is expected to reach 24 feet, causing minor flooding. It will affect both sides of North Elwell Ferry Road near the ferry dock, according to the NWS.

Drivers should avoid driving through floodwater, avoid flooded bridges and be especially careful at night when it is more difficult to judge the depth of water accumulations. A vehicle can get stuck in 15 cm of water and float in 60 cm of water. Most deaths from flooding occur in vehicles.

According to the NCDOT driving map, there are numerous impassable roads in Brunswick and Pender counties. For example, NC 50 to I-40 in Pender is closed due to flooding, as is NC-904 near Horseshoe Road north of Calabash in Brunswick.

Stay up to date with the latest developments here from the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

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