ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Strong winds and heavy rain whipped across Elizabeth City on Tuesday night.
“It’s been a long time around here in Elizabeth City since I’ve seen something like that,” said resident Ray Baker.
“I was kind of afraid last night,” said Margaret Henderson, another resident. “Last night, I heard everything blowing around. Winds sounded like it was coming in the house.”
The storm left a mess for Baker and his family.
“We got some leakage at the house because the winds were so high," he said. "Had to tape up the windows.”
It also left a mess on the roads. Although some streets saw ponding, others had signs and barriers telling drivers to turn around.
“Our crews are working to clear up manholes so that way water that is in the street can go back out to sea," said Mayor Kirk Rivers. "But everything is still, our rivers are still above normal.”
Riverside Avenue and Shepard Street are some of the roads flooded in the city. One neighbor told us the water was starting to recede, although they couldn't believe how high the water got on Tuesday night.
“We had flooding take place in areas that were pretty much expected,” Mayor Rivers said.
Rivers added that the city also saw extreme flooding in low-lying areas. He said high waters had some vehicles stalled out on the road. That's why Rivers is asking people to drive carefully throughout the day.
“Not drive through ponds of water," Rivers said. "Turn around, go the other way. Take the extra time.”
Rivers said city crews responded to several power outages overnight and schools are closed for the day due to flooded roadways. He said one school is dealing with a power issue he hopes will be resolved soon. He anticipates all schools to reopen on Thursday.
