Heavy downpours soaked parts of eastern North Carolina early Saturday, turning low-lying streets into shallow rivers and tangling what should have been a quiet weekend commute. Officials warned that both standing and fast-moving water were making roads dangerous and urged residents to stay put unless travel was absolutely necessary.
Where the advisory applied
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a flood advisory covered Cumberland, Sampson and Wayne counties and was in effect until 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The agency warned that "flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected" and reminded drivers that as little as 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet, while about 12 inches can carry away most vehicles.
Local impact and earlier warnings
Local reporters said the advisory followed multiple rounds of storms that left the ground saturated and raised flash-flood potential across the region. As reported by the Charlotte Observer, intense bands of rain drenched neighborhoods and roadways, while ABC11 logged flash-flood warnings and traffic problems tied to the same system. Emergency crews were keeping a close eye on low-water crossings and advising drivers to delay nonessential trips until water levels dropped.
Safety steps to take
Officials repeated the familiar advice: "Turn Around, Don't Drown," reminding drivers never to push through flooded roadways. The National Weather Service urges people to seek higher ground, avoid walking through moving water and evacuate if ordered by local authorities. If you come across a flooded road, treat it as impassable and report the conditions to local dispatch so crews can respond.
How to stay updated
Residents in the affected counties are encouraged to monitor county emergency pages and local news for updates on road closures and shifting advisories, while ABC11's live coverage continues to track developments. If you spot a dangerous crossing, report it to county or municipal dispatch so officials can close the road and protect other motorists.
