Tropical Storm Bertha causes more flooding in Pender County

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in South Carolina on Wednesday, bringing the Cape Fear Region rain and wind.

The area had already experienced lots of rainfall last week, leaving some areas of Pender County flooded.

“The rainfall has impacted our creeks and rivers across Pender County to include the Northeast Cape Fear River, as well as the Black River,” Pender County Emergency Management Assistant Director Tommy Batson said.

Batson says the Cape Fear River by NC HWY 53 crested over 11 feet on Tuesday.

But it could get higher before it recedes.

“Right now we’re seeing some minor flooding in neighborhood from the river, but based on the forecast models of rain coming through the area we could see some localized flooding in some low lying areas across the county,” Batson said.

Batson says the main concern is some areas possibly being cut off.

He says additional crews have been brought in with the increased risk of flooding, but as of Wednesday afternoon there have been no problems.

He says there are a few ways to remain safe when roads are flooded.

“Please do not drive through running water. Please turn around,” Batson said. “If at all possible, don’t drive after dark because some of these areas may be hard to see.”

Batson says it will likely be the beginning of next week before the river levels return to normal.