Transportation Crews Responding to Flooding by
Travelers urged to exercise extreme caution RALEIGH – Crews from the N.C. Department of Transportation are responding to record flooding in a number of counties in the Sandhills area, including Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and Moore. Numerous secondary roads and some primary routes are closed in these counties due to high water and in some cases, flood damage. Transportation crews are assessing conditions and will re-open roads as soon as it is possible to do so. One lane on Interstate 95 southbound near mile marker 43 is closed. Areas on the I-95 corridor will continue to see impacts from the band of torrential rainfall that is moving eastward and resulting in significant, and potentially life threatening, flooding. A flash flood warning has been issued for a potential dam break at the Long Valley Farm Lake Dam near Carvers Creek State Park in Harnett and Cumberland counties until 4:30 p.m. This could create a rapid rise or surge of flood waters in the area. Heavy rainfall will continually weaken throughout the afternoon. Drivers are reminded that if you must travel, do not drive through flooded areas, even if it seems shallow. Just one foot of water can float many vehicles, while two feet of rushing water can carry away vehicles, including SUVs and pick-ups. Below are more safety tips: Know what to do if your car begins to hydroplane. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires glide across the surface of the water on the road. If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, but do not stomp on the brakes. Instead, apply the brakes in a steady, slightly firm manner, and steer in the direction of the skid. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own. If you have an automatic transmission, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply the brakes. For cars that have antilock brakes, you should apply more pressure to the brakes, but avoid pumping them. Allow more travel time, reduce your speed and drive defensively. Motorists should drive at least five to 10 miles per hour slower on wet pavement and allow at least twice the normal following distance between cars to provide ample room for stopping. Be ready for a sudden stop. Remember that the driver behind you is dealing with the same conditions, so signal for turns ahead of time and brake early as you near a stop. Be patient and do not pass lines of traffic. For real-time travel information, visit the Traveler Services section of NCDOT.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.