Flooding concerns rise in Rocky Mount as Tar River nears major flood stage

Flooding is a concern for people across eastern North Carolina; some parks have turned into rivers and left several major roads impassable.

On Monday, crews in Rocky Mount were monitoring the Tar River as it nears the major flood stage of 25 feet. As of Monday morning, crews measured the Tar River’s water level at 24.42 feet at North Carolina Highway 97.

WRAL News is working to get a list of road closures.

People in Rocky Mount said the water at the Tar River has risen for several days in a row.

“[It’s] a lot of high water,” Rocky Mount resident Connie Palmer said. “It hasn’t even been the highest yet. [Tuesday] is supposed to be the crest of it.”

Palmer lives off Leggett Street and Cox Avenue.

Palmer said it’s not the first time the low-lying area on her street has flooded. She said there were three times in 2022 when the river rose in a similar way.

“You’ll notice the water will come across the road and next time you look …. Every day, it gets higher,” Palmer said.

The Tar River river has already breached the banks in several areas.

Drone 5 footage showed Sunset Park looking more like a river. The flooding has led to road closures in the area. The footage also showed cars underwater at Sunset Park.

Palmer said she doesn’t expect the flooding to reach her home.

“We’re thankful,” she said. “We sure are.”

Other Rocky Mount residents said they are waiting for the water to go down.