SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Area officials have reminded drivers on the road to proceed with caution Monday and throughout the week, as impacts from tropical cyclone eight are being felt region-wide.
READ MORE: Tropical storm warning in tri-county area, multiple closures
Some roadways are already being impacted in Wilmington, though none have officially been closed off by 11:30 a.m., according to Wilmington Police Department Lt. Greg Willett.
“Several intersections are currently being powered by WPD Mobile Command Post Unit generators to keep traffic flowing as smooth as possible,” Willett noted in a release from the department. “Some roadways are experiencing standing water.”
In Carolina Beach, the National Weather Service has measured more than a foot of rainfall since midnight Sunday. This includes 15.10 inches on Ocean Boulevard in Carolina Beach, 11.34 inches a mile south and 9.60 inches half a mile north of Snow’s Cut Bridge. Neighboring Kure Beach has measured 9.84 inches.
In a nearby Brunswick County town, officials have asked travelers to avoid moving on and off Oak Island, if possible. Both lanes of G.V. Barbee Bridge are closed and as such traffic on and off the island are being directed to use Swains Cut Bridge and E.F. Middleton Boulevard.
East Oak Island Drive at SE 51st Street is close and a northbound lane on Long Beach Road has closed.
Southport also has announced multiple road closures, including:
- W. 11th at Lord and Caswell
- Leonard St at Jabbertown Rd
- E. 11th at Brunswick Apartments
- Robert Ruark at Southport Way
- Fodale Ave at N. Howe, entrance to Dosher Memorial Hospital
- W. 12th from Howe to Caswell
- Cades Cove at 14th Street
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office road updates on its socials Monday, including 16 closures from Winnabow to Boiling Springs Lakes.
For those who do travel as the storm moves through the area, officials remind drivers: “Turn around, don’t drown,” particularly when night-driving as rain puddles aren’t as evident.
It only takes six inches of water to flood most vehicles and a foot or two to cause vehicles to float.
The tropical cyclone arrives as king tides are also slated to bring higher-than-normal flooding levels through Sept. 23. A nonscientific term, “king tdes” refer to the highest tides of the year. This one takes place this week’s super moon, also a partial lunar eclipse, on Sept. 17. Flooding normally impacts Pleasure Island roads, including Canal Drive, Florida Avenue, Winner Avenue, and Carolina Beach Avenue North; signage will be posted if closed off to traffic.
King tides affect coastal towns and low-lying areas across the whole region.
Check back for updates.
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