Resident describes tree damage from hurricane in Bladen County

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s not just flooding that was a huge issue left behind by Hurricane Matthew, but also the strong winds associated with the system.

Sunday was a day of cleanup for residents who live along Highway 87 near Elizabethtown.

Drivers along this highway were forced to weave in and out as trees did not make their Sunday drive easy.

Hurricane Matthew tracked away from the area Saturday night producing strong winds behind it, nearly hurricane force gusts to places like Elizabethtown.

Resident Delmar Rogers tried to stay safe somewhere else other than his home, but mother nature had other plans.

“I was trying to motel early,” Rogers said. “I went and waited for one because there were lots of people waiting in line to get a motel. I was able to get one then the trees fell down and we couldn’t get out.”

Two large trees blocked Rogers from getting out of his house.

Crews were working to clear the driveway earlier, but he just says he’s glad to be alive.

Thankfully, this week’s weather looks dry as people continue to work to their homes and yards back to normal

The National Weather Service says Hurricane Matthew brought the strongest winds to our area since Hurricane Charley in 2004 and produced the worst overall impacts since Floyd and Fran.