Cape Fear under flood watch; drought conditions could worsen flooding

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A flood watch is in effect across the Cape Fear region through Friday afternoon as forecasters warn that between two and four inches of rain could lead to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

While much of southeastern North Carolina remains in severe to exceptional drought, officials say dry ground could actually increase the risk of flooding because hardened soil is less able to absorb heavy rainfall.

Whiteville, a city that has experienced flooding in the past, is closely monitoring conditions.

“It’s like powdery soil or sand. When you pour water on it rapidly, it just pools up,” said Hal Lowder, Whiteville’s emergency services director.

City officials are hoping for slow, steady rainfall rather than intense downpours.

“If we get a slow rain, it will penetrate the soil and soak in, and that’s what we’re hoping for is a slow steady rain,” Lowder said.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Locklear said most of the Cape Fear region is expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially seeing 4 to 6 inches or more.

Despite the expected rainfall, Locklear said widespread flooding is not anticipated because of the ongoing drought.

“Because we are in an exceptional and extreme drought right now, we aren’t expecting widespread flooding,” Locklear said.

However, he urged residents to know whether they live in a flood-prone area, especially near creeks or along the coast.

“I would ask, ‘Hey, am I in a flood-prone area? Do I live near a creek that can go over the banks on a semi-regular basis?'” Locklear said.

The expected rainfall is also unlikely to significantly improve drought conditions.

“Will it improve it to the point where we can remove the drought in some locations? Probably not, but it would at least probably keep us at our current level and maybe help improve it slightly a category,” Locklear said.

Emergency officials are reminding drivers to use caution if roads begin to flood, especially after dark when standing water is more difficult to see.

“We will see some nuisance flooding, possibly street flooding, and if you do see street flooding, even if there aren’t barricades, be very careful,” Lowder said.

Officials encourage motorists to slow down during heavy rain and never drive through flooded roadways.