Sick of flooding, Castle Hayne man asks state for help

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s what many people, especially in our area, are talking about: the seemingly never ending rain.

We’ve seen about 10 more inches this month than the July average and now some people in the Cape Fear are facing problems with flooding.

One New Hanover County man has dealt with water troubles for decades and now construction nearby isn’t helping the problem.

“Forty-five years we’ve been dealing with this situation and it’s getting worse. We need the help to try and get the circumstances taken care of,” Larry Flesher said.

It’s been a continuous battle for Flesher as he continues to deal with flooding in and around his Castle Hayne home. He says this area floods about six to seven times a year. The state is replacing a pipe on Blue Clay Road and he hopes they can do more to help.

“I hope the state comes in and puts an added amount of culverts, which they are in the process of doing a bridge type culvert now, but it’s not helping. I hope they see that it’s not helping, and we have further problems east and west of this area and the progression coming on, it’s just going to get worse,” Flesher said.

The state started construction in mid-July but Flesher says the rain has held them off. They’re trying to clear the area to continue construction but Flesher says it’s not doing much.

“No, it isn’t helping at all but they’re doing the best they can, trying to eliminate the problem but I hope somebody sees that the problem is still there. We haven’t had a lot of rain but this is just an everyday occurrence,” Flesher said.

Flesher hopes the work finishes soon, so water can flow through the new pipe instead of his yard.

“Its frustrating during hurricane season, it’s frustrating during rainy season to try to stay above water,” Flesher said.

He says a few nights ago, the water was able to make it into his home. He said he’s worried about the next few days and hopes these issues will end.