NC Governor Says Flooding From Hanna Is Still A Danger

Statement from North Carolina Governor's Office:

GOV. EASLEY SAYS FLOODING FROM TROPICAL STORM HANNA STILL A DANGER
Early Assessment Indicates North Carolina Appears To Avoid Major Damage

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today warned citizens that flooding during the next couple of days remains a very real danger as Tropical Storm Hanna makes its way out of North Carolina. He said it appears the state avoided any significant damage from the storm that brought 70 mile-per-hour winds and heavy rain to the eastern half of the state.

“As the storm waters run off the next couple of days the rivers and streams will continue to rise and peak. Please stay off flooded roads” Easley said. “Be careful. We are more than half way through this storm, let’s finish the job.”

In Cumberland County several families have been evacuated from their homes because of flooded conditions. Low-lying land, particularly in developed urban areas, are particularly prone to flooding.

Easley said it appears that the state has avoided any major damage and there have been no reports of major injuries or fatalities related to the storm. State emergency officials are continuing to monitor conditions around the state and will be making a full assessment of any damage once the storm has fully passed out of the state.

“I want to thank all of the state and local emergency personnel who have worked around the clock to keep track of the storm and to make sure all necessary resources, from swift water rescue teams to emergency shelters, were available to help our citizens,” Easley said.

At the height of the storm there were nearly 60,000 homes without power, primarily in Brunswick and New Hanover counties where the storm made landfall at 3:20 a.m. Saturday. There were 49 shelters opened in 24 counties that served about 1,900 people. Most of the shelters have now closed or will be closing later today. Seven counties issued voluntary evocations; those included: Beaufort, Brunswick, Hoke, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and Pitt counties. There was a mandatory evacuation for the town of Sunset Beach.

Localized flooding, forced residents of 77 homes in the Parkway Mobile Home Park in Cumberland County to leave. A shelter for the Parkway residents was set up at Southview School.

There no major highway closures around the state but several local roads were closed due to isolated flooding.

For information about road closures, dial 511 or go online to: www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel