Johnston County residents brave flood waters to get food
SMITHFIELD, NC (WTVD) -- Parts of Smithfield and Four Oaks were underwater Monday. Businesses along US-70 in Smithfield were flooded, along with apartments along the Neuse River.
Parts of NC 210 were closed in Smithfield where Middle Creek overflowed, that's where two men were attempting to cross the road Monday. They live on the other side of creek and had to get groceries.
The men didn't want to give their names, but they said it was the first time they went out to get groceries since the storm and the water was much higher than they anticipated.
"It's pure water here, everywhere. You can't cross the street anywhere," one said in Spanish.
Flood waters swept away part of the road on Galilee Road nearby, a few power lines and trees in the area were still down. The power lines were inactive.
"The truth is that it's been a total disaster here," the man said.
He said he lives in a rented trailer nearby, and some of the homes across the street from him were completely underwater. Still, he was going to attempt to cross the moving flood waters over NC210 to get back to his place with his groceries because it's all he's got.
North Carolina Highway Patrol officers nearby said that when you come across flood waters on the road, like the water on NC 210, that you should just turn around or risk drowning.
Johnston County Emergency Services wants to ensure that all residents and visitors are accounted for. If you know of someone who resides in or was traveling through Johnston County who has not been accounted for since Hurricane Matthew, please contact the Emergency Operations Center at (919) 989-5400.
Please be prepared to provide the following information:
- Person's name
- Address or last known location
- Person's contact numbers
- Date and time of last contact
- Your name and contact number
