Post Tropical Cyclone Matthew Exits/Major Flooding In Its Wake
As the east coast cleans up after Matthew passes, the impacts of Matthew will remain throughout the week. Major flooding across ENC and central NC will create a dangerous situation. Last night flash flooding cause many people to become stranded on roads and homes. As the water recedes, the rivers will begin to rise from the runoff from the rain near 1 ft or more. The forecast for most rivers bring the flood levels to moderate to major flood stages. Tar River, Neuse River, and Cape Fear rivers become the main focus of this flooding situation.
The Tar River is forecast to exceed 26 ft which will be the highest flood level since Hurricane Floyd in 1999. I remember Floyd which was an absolute disaster. The city of Greenville was separated between north and south and the only connection between the two was a boat. Waters rose into several neighborhoods near the river and flooding acres of farmland. The flood ended up flooding the Pitt-Greenville Airport closing it down for days. When the airport reopened it was in makeshift building as the clean up of the main terminal was being done.
I hate to say this but at this flood level, the airport will once again be impacted by the flood. The runways will be covered and the road to the airport will also be under water. This closing will occur at 4:00 PM and it is expected to remain closed for at least a week. If you are on either side of the river and need to be either north or south of the river for long periods of time, I highly recommend getting there today (earlier the better).
I am unfamiliar with the other locations impacts but I would imagine it would be near worst care scenario. Possibly similar to Floyd in those places.
I have made a page that covers the river levels for most locations over ENC. This page can be found at River Forecast For Eastern North Carolina.
I will update with more information as it becomes available.