Smithfield is staring down a soggy Saturday as the Neuse River inches toward minor flood stage, putting the town's Neuse Riverwalk and nearby lowlands at risk. A flood warning is in effect for Smithfield and other low-lying parts of Johnston County, and the National Weather Service is urging people in flood-prone neighborhoods to head for higher ground and stay away from riverbanks after dark. Town crews and emergency responders are keeping a close eye on river gauges as levels climb in the wake of this week's heavy rain.
What the warning says
The National Weather Service in Raleigh issued the flood warning late Friday. On its river-status page, forecasters list an action stage of 14.0 feet and a minor flood stage of 15.0 feet for the Neuse River at Smithfield, and note that once the river hits minor flood stage, "water nears the base of the holding tank at the water treatment plant," according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh. The same page shows the gauge trending upward into Saturday, which could mean minor flooding along the riverwalk and in adjacent lowlands.
How high is high
The News & Observer notes that the minor flood stage in Smithfield is 15.0 feet, and that water at that level will spill over onto the Neuse Riverwalk and other low spots around town. The outlet also highlights the safety benchmarks forecasters lean on: moving water can knock a person off their feet at about 6 inches, and fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles at roughly 12 inches.
Safety steps to take
Officials are repeating the familiar warning to "turn around, don't drown" and not try to drive through flooded streets. Drivers should make a U-turn if they encounter high water and be prepared to evacuate immediately if ordered, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh. The NWS is also cautioning people to avoid walking near riverbanks at night, when high water and floating debris are tough to spot, and says the next official river statement will arrive Saturday morning. In the meantime, residents are urged to move pets and valuables out of basements and other low areas and to follow local alerts until gauges drop back below flood stage.
Local context
The Neuse has already shown its teeth this month. Johnston County first responders carried out a dangerous water rescue earlier in July after heavy storms, a close call that underscored how fast conditions can deteriorate along the river, according to WRAL. Long-running flood-risk planning for the Neuse basin also points out that Smithfield's park and riverwalk are often among the first public spaces to go under during high-water events, as detailed in Corps studies and local planning documents. Neighbors who live and work along the river are being urged to stay plugged into forecasts and watch for closure notices as the water climbs.
