Bladen County expecting life threatening floods

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) —  Excessive runoff from the widespread 12-18 inches of rain from Hurricane Matthew is increasing the calls for people to stay off the roads.

Officials say rapid rises in main and secondary stem rivers are expected. Evacuations are under way in some areas of the county including Burney & River Road.  Officials are requesting that if you are told to evacuate please do so!

Residents like Candy Barber are not taking any chances, and getting out now while she can.

“We’re going to go into Elizabethtown right now. They don’t have power where we’re going, but at least it’s dry and it’ll stay dry,” Barber said.

Numerous roads around the county are flooded and impassible. Some roads that were clear this morning may quickly become flooded as rivers continue to rise.

You are warned to avoid any flooded road ways as there is no way to gauge the depth of the water or quality of the road bed underneath.

Voluntary evacuations are still in place for areas along the South River and Black River.

If you need to evacuate, a shelter is still open at East Bladen High School located at 5600 NC-87 E, Elizabethtown. It is pet-friendly.