Portions of Highway 53 still flooded days after Debby

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Portions of Highway 53 are still underwater, days after Tropical Storm Debby came through the region.

Most of the flooding is between Burgaw and Maple Hill, with the worst flooding near Shaw Highway.

There, the road is under 5 or more feet of water.

The Northeast Cape Fear River rested around 16.5 feet, half a foot over what the National Weather Service considers as major flood levels.

Robert Bryson said it’s been a while since he saw the river flood this much.

“I’ve never seen it 5 foot deep, I’ve seen it 5 foot deep down where I live,” Bryson said. “The last time I seen was when Holly Shelter was actually down here and the water was so high that actually raised the refrigeration units in the building.”

Right now, it isn’t clear when the NCDOT plans to reopen that section of Highway 53.

Officials say you shouldn’t drive through standing or rushing water as it takes just 12 inches or rushing water to carry away most cars and two feet can carry away an SUV or truck.