Governor Cooper visits Southport following widespread flooding and road closures

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — After declaring a State of Emergency, Governor Roy Cooper joined state and local officials in Southport as devastating road closures continue Wednesday.  

Southport faces three major road closures including NC 211, NC 133, and East Moore Street.   

NC 211 and East Moore Street collapsed due to the rising water, complicating potential repairs. The Fort Fisher Ferry also closed, meaning NC 87 is the only way in and out of the city.  

“Clearly this is something that we’re going to have to invest and make sure that we are working hard to get all of the funding that we can to help people, businesses and our public infrastructure through all of this,” Gov. Cooper said. 

NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray noted conditions are slowly improving, but that challenges are still ahead.  

“We are seeing power outages decrease, which is a positive trend, as well as those that are in shelters,” Ray said. “But again, we know there is more to come. We are going to have needs, individuals and families will have needs and we’re prepared to stand alongside our counties.”  

As the state faces 60 road closures—primarily in Brunswick County—NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins said more than 100 employees have been dispatched.  

“We want to use them to get these highways open as soon and as safe as possible,” Hopkins said.   

Monday’s rain impacting Southport residents far and wide, Including Rodney Parker, who didn’t even have to leave his driveway for his car to become stranded.  

“This has been the worst storm of my whole entire life,” Parker said. “The water was up high on the car, it’s never washed away this much dirt at any time.”  

As neighbors like parker reel from devastation, a community looks to rebuild.   

“Neighbors coming together, people of faith coming together, nonprofits, as well as government resources can help us get through this thing and to recover as quickly as possible,” Gov. Cooper said.