Floodwater damages historic Yates Mill after Matthew

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The historic Yates Mill yard and mill wheel were damaged by floodwater Saturday following Hurricane Matthew.

Park officials said as much as 9 inches of rain fell at the height of the storm.

The creek below the mill swelled between 8 and 12 feet nearly consuming the wheel, breaking several bucketboards.

"Considering that the mill was an island surrounded by water, a massive amount of flooding, we're really fortunate that we haven't lost it," said program director Rebeccah Cope.

The mill yard was also damaged by debris. It was closed to visitors Monday.

Two of the park's trails remain closed as crews assess the damage.

There is no timeline for when the mill or mill yard will reopen.

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