Are the dams breached? North Carolina officials aim to stop rumors
WAYNE COUNTY (WTVD) -- As Matthew drenched North Carolina and left devastation throughout the state, many rumors popped up about dams breaching.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moved to debunk a rumor about the B. Everett Jordan Dam on Monday. They advised Cumberland County officials that the B. Everett Jordan Dam is releasing water at a minimum flow rate and is NOT planning to release a substantial amount of water in the near future. This minimum release is common practice and will not affect the current river levels.
B. Everett Jordan Dam is in Chatham County, and releases water into the Haw River, which then feeds the Cape Fear River.
One rumor was I-95 was closed between mile markers 17 and 41 for a planned dam release. That is not true, the interstate is closed due to water on the roadway.
Wayne County officials sent out a release to try and stop those rumors. They said as of Sunday evening, there are no breaches at the Falls Lake dam and the dam in Smithfield. They also said there are no mandatory evacuations.
The Neuse River however is expected to flood at historic levels within the next day. Officials said they expect the flood waters to continue throughout the week.
City and County Officials have received multiple calls inquiring about the threat of additional water being introduced into the already-swollen Cape Fear River.
Officials in Cumberland County said the Greenock Avenue Dam in the Aaran Lakes area was overtopping and at risk of failure.
Other dams are being monitored for risk of failing, particularly in Hoke, Moore, and Bladen counties.
Get the latest information on the aftermath of Matthew here.
