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City Urges Residents in Areas of Concern to Prepare for Flooding
Post Date:10/08/2016 1:11 PM
GREENVILLE, N.C. - City of Greenville officials are expecting significant flooding in some areas of the city and advising residents in those areas to make the appropriate preparations.
The Tar River is currently projected to reach a peak stage of 20.2 feet on Sunday evening, the highest since Hurricane Floyd. At this level, numerous areas along the river are expected to be inundated at that time and in the following days. It is important for all residents to realize that flooding may not begin until after the rain has stopped and in the days afterward.
Areas of significant concern at this time include the following:
- Gum Road
- River Drive, Windham Circle, & Barron Court
- Parking area of First Street Place Apartments
- Riverwalk area and Beech Street Apartments
- Intersection of Heath Street and Reedy Branch Apartments on 10th Street
- Village Green area north of 10th Street
- All areas along Greens Mill Run
- Ashton Woods Apartments
- Avery Street and North Jarvis Street
- Countryside Estates
- Greenfield Terrace
North Carolina Office of Emergency Management flood inundation mapping images are included below.
Below is a projection of the river stage for the Tar River.
Residents in these areas are asked to consider an evacuation. The following steps should also be taken as a precaution:
- Relocate vehicles to higher ground
- Move valuables and furniture to higher levels.
- Move hazardous materials (such as paint, oil, pesticides, and cleaning supplies) to higher locations.
- Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.
- Bring outside possessions indoors or tie them down securely. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects.
For those who evacuate, Pitt County Emergency Management, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, has opened two general population shelters. These shelters are located at Wellcome Middle School, 3101 North Memorial Drive, Greenville, and Ayden Middle School, 192 West Third Street, Ayden.
In addition to the areas mentioned above, there are other areas of the city that are more prone to flooding during heavy rain events. Potential flood zones in Greenville include:
- 14th Street and Charles Street (Both sides of Rite-Aid)
- 10th Street and College Hill
- 10th Street and Forrest Hill Circle
- 1st Street and Brownlea Drive
- Reade Street and Cotanche Street
- Evans Street and Deck Street
- Evans Street and Arlington Boulevard
- Dickinson Avenue Underpass
- Old Tar Road
Residents should make every effort to stay off the roads this weekend, but those who must travel in flood-prone areas are advised to stay alert for standing water and the potential that some streets could be blocked if flooding occurs. If you encounter flooding, the following safety tips are recommended:
- Remember that flash flooding can occur even if it is not raining in your area because it could be raining harder upstream.
- Never attempt to drive through water covering a roadway or bridge. Keep in mind that it does not take a lot of water to incapacitate a vehicle, and there may not be a road under the water.
- Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road.
- Watch for debris (rocks, limbs, etc.) that may be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk or swim through flood waters.
- Stay on high ground as much as possible.
To report an emergency situation during the storm, call 911. To report any flooding after the storm, call 329.4522.
Flooding is not the only concern associated with the heavy rainfall. The grounds are already saturated, and the additional water may loosen the dirt around trees and power lines. High winds that are often associated with a tropical system could cause the trees or power lines to fall. If you encounter a downed power line, do not touch it and call the Greenville Utilities Commission emergency hotline immediately at 1-855-767-2482. Always assume that a power line is live and dangerous.
Residents who choose to evacuate and go to one of the available shelters should keep in mind that local and state health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets at disaster shelters. Below is a list of reputable kennels currently accepting pets:
- Animal Care Veterinary Hospital, 502 McMillan Lane, Greenville 252.758.9971
- Animal Hospital of Pitt County, 107 Trade Street, 252.756.0148
- Barking Buddies, 104 Trade Street, 252.439.2275
- Four Paws Inn, 3131 Moseley Drive, 252.329.7297
- Hoffman-Haus Pet Resort, 1031 Laurie Ellis Road, 252.355-4663
- E&B Boarding, 3729 JC Galloway Road, 252.531.7057
- Riverside Pet Resort, 6038 Clarks Neck Road, Washington, 252.975.5800
In case of emergencies, the City of Greenville's Animal Protective Services will have officers working throughout the weekend. Contact them at 252.329.4387.