River levels starting to recede
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on June 22, 2006 1:54 PM
The Neuse River at Goldsboro was slowly beginning to recede today after cresting Wednesday at just over 20 feet.
High water was reported at Seven Springs, 10 miles farther downstream, but officials said they do not expect the river to threaten any structures.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto dumped as much as eight inches of rain near the headwaters of the Neuse last week and it has taken several days for the water to make its way downstream.
The river level at Goldsboro at 6:15 a.m. today was 19.3 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
One of two roads closed Sunday because of high water was reopened. Mill Creek Road was reopened to traffic late Wednesday, highway officials said. Ferry Bridge Road remained closed this morning but was expected to reopen by week's end.
The river level at Goldsboro was expected to drop rapidly, with forecasters calling for it to reach 16.5 feet by 8 a.m. Friday and 14 feet by 8 a.m. Saturday. Water levels at Seven Springs should follow the same trend, only about a day later.
Wednesday's rain had little or no effect on the river level, city and county officials said. The river had already crested when thunderstorms brought 1.57 inches to the area.