Water watch, storm runoff heading here
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on June 19, 2006 1:50 PM
Rising water coming downstream following a downpour in the Raleigh area four days ago has flooded out two roads in western Wayne County, although county officials say they do not expect the high water to damage any property in the county.
Ferry Bridge Road and Mill Creek Road were closed today because of high water.
A deluge from the remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto dumped up to eight inches of rain in the Raleigh area Wednesday. Much of that water has now moved downstream in the Neuse and Tar rivers.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said they expect the Neuse to crest at Goldsboro at about 20 feet on Wednesday morning. The river level was 17.4 feet this morning, said Karen Brashear, the director of public utilities for the city of Goldsboro.
Mel Powers, the county emergency management coordinator, said Ferry Bridge Road went under water Sunday. Highway officials have erected barricades on the road near the river, he said. He urged travelers to take alternate routes and not to try to cross the flooded roads.
Powers said that Arrington Bridge Road also could flood as the water moves east, but that county officials do not expect the water to reach the level that would endanger any structures.
Power said officials would be keeping a close watch on the river levels over the next few days.
Brashear said today that she expects the water to go up another three feet or so before subsiding.
She added that the extent of the flood water is largely dependent on how much water is released by Wake County officials upriver. Portions of Raleigh suffered major flooding damage when the storm passed through last week.
The public can inquire about road closings on the Internet by performing a word search for NC Traveler Information Management System or by calling 511, the Department of Transportation's Travel Information Line.