John Pape in Disaster News Network: Torrential storms triggered by the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole moved north Friday inundating New York and New England while North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic states began to dry out and clean-up from the record rainfall.…But of all the states contending with the storm, North Carolina, where nearly two-feet of rain fell in four days, is facing the biggest disaster response challenge. Rainfall totals surpassed 22 inches, breaking Wilmington’s all-time precipitation record, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record of 19 inches was held by Hurricane Floyd, which struck the area in 1999.
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…Unlike Hurricane Floyd which dropped much of its rain to the west of Wilmington causing extensive flooding on the Cape Fear River, rain from the current storm system has been draining quick enough to keep floodwaters out of most homes and businesses. Still, many area roads and highways remained impassible through much of eastern North Carolina, stranding motorists and closing businesses for a second full day. In areas where roads were still open, numerous weather-related accidents were reported to local law enforcement agencies.
…In the community of Kinston, about 80 miles southeast of Raleigh, a mobile home park had to be evacuated. Lenoir County Emergency Management Director Roger Dail said about 70 people had to be moved to a shelter because of high water in the park. “The water seems to have stopped rising for now, but it will probably be tomorrow at the earliest before we can let people go back in there,” Dail said….
A topographic map of North Carolina
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