(WITN) – Several rivers in Eastern Carolina are expected to be close to or at major flood stage by early next week.
- Tar River
Based on data from NOAA, the Tar River is expected to be around major flood stage by Tuesday. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, it was at 9.36 feet. Its projected crest will be early next week at 19 feet, which is at major flood stage.
For context, the all-time historic crest was in 1999 during Hurricane Floyd, when the Tar reached 29.74 feet. More recently, in 2016, it rose to 24.46 feet because of Hurricane Matthew. WITN Meteorologist Jim Howard says it’s difficult to predict river levels, but it’s very possible the Tar River could rise to 20 feet.
- Neuse River
The Neuse River in Kinston could reach one of its highest crests in history. It currently sits at 11 feet and is rising quickly and steadily, which it’s expected to do for the next six days.
It’s projected to reach around 20 feet on Tuesday. Major flood stage is 21 feet. The all-time crest happened during Matthew, when it reached 28.3 feet in 2016. It rose to 25.8 in 2018 during Florence.
Howard says river cresting is a tough science, but it’s possible the Tar River will reach one of it’s top 10 crests on record.
- NE Cape Fear near Chinquapin
The NE Cape Fear near Chinquapin sits at 12.5 almost into minor flood stage. It is predicted to keep climbing with a crest on Sunday of 19 feet. Major flood stage is 18.9 feet. For context, it reached 25.77 feet in 2018 due to Florence.
- Trent River
At least two gauges along the Trent River indicate it will be a foot below moderate flood stage this Saturday. The Trent River gauges in Jones County are indicating a crest near 15 feet, but that’s subject to change.
- Cashie River
The predictions for some of the rivers further north indicate rises not nearly as significant. For example, the Cashie River in Windsor presently sits at 4.4 feet and doesn’t show much rise at all.
- Pamlico River
The Pamlico River also won’t be a major concern with this kind of flooding. If we had a hurricane along the coast, it would be a different story. No problems expected in Washington along the Pamlico.