Drivers Could Impede Hurricane Response and Recovery
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation continues to urge drivers to stay off the roads, as the rain continues and conditions are getting worse by the hour. As of Sunday morning, there were more than 600 road closures across the state.
While residents may feel the need to check on homes and vacation properties in southeastern North Carolina, they will likely impede state and local response and recovery.
“The flooding we are seeing in our state is unprecedented and road conditions are changing rapidly,” said state Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon. “If you are not in an evacuation area, stay in place.”
While some areas might reopen some local roads and bridges later today, travel from central to southeastern North Carolina is dangerous and unreliable.
By traveling in potentially hazardous areas, drivers are putting themselves and others at risk and impeding access for critical personnel – emergency services, utilities, road crews – responding to this storm.
GPS navigation systems also are not able to keep up with the changing road closures and are directing people onto roads that are confirmed closed and/or flooded.
To get an idea on road conditions, which are rapidly changing, go to DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.