Fayetteville, expecting to feel major impacts from Isaias, braces for flooding

By Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Fayetteville, N.C. — As Tropical Storm Isaias gets closer to North Carolina, Fayetteville officials are preparing for the possibility of flooded roads.

Isaias is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Monday and make landfall between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach between 10 p.m. and midnight. Heavy rain and strong to severe storms could begin in Fayetteville Monday afternoon, but the major effects from Isaias will be felt Tuesday morning.

Usually, the coast sees the worst flooding in a tropical event, but Isaias is expected to quickly move up the Interstate 95 corridor early Tuesday, impacting areas like Cumberland, Sampson, Duplin and Wayne counties.

The storm could drop more than 6 inches of rain and bring winds above 70 mph to the Fayetteville area.

On Tuesday morning, large traffic signs reading “Road Closed” were already sitting along the curbs in flooding “hot spots” like Raeford Road, Skibo Road and Ray Avenue near downtown.

WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said, since only several inches of rain will fall from Isaias, Cross Creek and other rivers like the Neuse, Cape Fear and Tar could rise to moderate or even major flood stages briefly but are not expected to flood.

Instead, she said, flash flooding will be an issue — a large but very fast build-up of water that could make for dangerous driving conditions.

The gusty winds could also bring down trees or tree branches, causing power outages.

Residents are encouraged to shelter in place Monday night through noon on Tuesday. If you see water on a road, turn around and don’t try to drive through it.