River recedes, flooding still an issue
By Steve Herring
Published in News on May 2, 2017 9:05 AM
Several Wayne County roads remain closed today because of flooding associated with last week's heavy rains, and a flood warning remains in effect through 2 a.m. Saturday morning.
Moderate flooding that is affecting some local crops continues today around the Neuse and Little rivers and several creeks.
As of 6 this morning the Neuse River had fallen to 23.2 feet and is expected to drop below its 18-foot flood stage by Friday afternoon.
The river reached its crest of 24.88 feet on Sunday.
Gov. Roy Cooper is warning residents of Goldsboro and Kinston to "remain especially vigilant" of the river level.
Westbrook and South John streets in the city had been closed earlier in the week. Westbrook Street opened Monday, but water was still standing on South John Street near Benton Street this morning and the yard of a nearby apartment complex had water on it as well.
According to the state Department of Transportation roads closed because of the flooding are Bryan Boulevard, Arrington Bridge, Stevens Mill, Old Grantham, Ferry Bridge, Lassister, Casey Mill, Pecan, Emmaus Church and Slick Rock roads.
The DOT warns motorists not to drive through flooded streets.
No injuries have been reported because of the flooding, but there have been several water rescues after people became stranded after trying to drive across a flooded street.
Wayne County Public Schools returned to its normal schedule today after delaying the start of classes by two hours on Monday because of the flooding.
The flooding affected at least two greenhouses where sweet potato, tobacco and watermelon plants were growing, Wayne Extension Service Director Kevin Johnson said.
One farmer was able to remove the plants. The other was moving the plants Thursday night, but the water came up so quickly he was unable to remove all of them, Johnson said.
Some corn and wheat fields have flooded, but it is too early to tell the extent of the damages, Johnson said.
Johnson said he has heard that some tobacco has been lost in Johnston County because of the flooding and that most sweet potato beds at a large Wilson County farm had gone under water.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.